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The Orphan of India
An utterly evocative and heart-wrenching novel about the importance of family, love and being true to yourself. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Santa Montefiore and Diane Chamberlain.
Living on the streets of Bombay, Jyothi has no-one to turn to after her mother is involved in a tragic accident. But after a chance meeting with Monika and Jack Kingsley, Jyothi’s life changes forever when the young couple decide to adopt her.
The new family return to England, but Jyothi finds it difficult to adapt. As Monika and Jack’s relationship fractures, Jyothi is more alone than ever and music becomes her solace. But even when her extraordinary musical talent transforms into a promising career, Jyothi still doesn’t feel like she belongs.
Then a turbulent love affair causes her to question everything. And Jyothi realises that before she can embrace her future, she must confront the pain of her past...
What readers are saying about Sharon
‘Sharon Maas has become my ‘go-to’ author ... The Orphan of India is another wonderful book by Maas that has all the trademark thought and care that resonates throughout her work. A heart-rending, epic tale of loss and identity that gets into your heart.’ Bloomin’ Brilliant Books
‘I’ve often said that for a good book to become a book I love, it needs to capture my heart – and that’s exactly what happened with this thoroughly gorgeous book. But not only my heart – all my other senses too. The writing is just beautiful ... if, like me, you like your reading to be an escape – a few blissful hours when you can forget everything else and immerse yourself in a totally different world – don’t miss this one, whatever you do.’ Being Anne
‘I knew I would enjoy this as I have loved all Sharon Maas's previous books. Beautifully written with characters that come to life. Vivid descriptions of India ... Recommended reading.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘I simply adored this book, it was beautifully written and I loved it from the start and felt even a little bereft when it had ended. The story flows and I loved the loss and hope, promise and future aspects that were running throughout. It really did draw me in and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.’ Donna’s Book Blog
‘Now why on earth haven't I read anything by Sharon Maas before? I loved this one - beautifully written, touched my heart... highly recommend.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘I automatically reach for each Sharon Maas book that I see as I just love the way that you lose yourself completely in the story and finish feeling that you have been along on the journey with the characters.’ Bookworms and Shutterbugs
‘A very deep and meaningful story as Sharon Maas writes with her heart on her sleeve. Loved this book.'Books from Dusk til Dawn
'A page-turning story, full of humanity, crossing cultures and continents.’ Katie Fforde
'I have read and loved all of Sharon Maas's books but this one! Wow! I think this is her most...
Living on the streets of Bombay, Jyothi has no-one to turn to after her mother is involved in a tragic accident. But after a chance meeting with Monika and Jack Kingsley, Jyothi’s life changes forever when the young couple decide to adopt her.
The new family return to England, but Jyothi finds it difficult to adapt. As Monika and Jack’s relationship fractures, Jyothi is more alone than ever and music becomes her solace. But even when her extraordinary musical talent transforms into a promising career, Jyothi still doesn’t feel like she belongs.
Then a turbulent love affair causes her to question everything. And Jyothi realises that before she can embrace her future, she must confront the pain of her past...
What readers are saying about Sharon
‘Sharon Maas has become my ‘go-to’ author ... The Orphan of India is another wonderful book by Maas that has all the trademark thought and care that resonates throughout her work. A heart-rending, epic tale of loss and identity that gets into your heart.’ Bloomin’ Brilliant Books
‘I’ve often said that for a good book to become a book I love, it needs to capture my heart – and that’s exactly what happened with this thoroughly gorgeous book. But not only my heart – all my other senses too. The writing is just beautiful ... if, like me, you like your reading to be an escape – a few blissful hours when you can forget everything else and immerse yourself in a totally different world – don’t miss this one, whatever you do.’ Being Anne
‘I knew I would enjoy this as I have loved all Sharon Maas's previous books. Beautifully written with characters that come to life. Vivid descriptions of India ... Recommended reading.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘I simply adored this book, it was beautifully written and I loved it from the start and felt even a little bereft when it had ended. The story flows and I loved the loss and hope, promise and future aspects that were running throughout. It really did draw me in and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.’ Donna’s Book Blog
‘Now why on earth haven't I read anything by Sharon Maas before? I loved this one - beautifully written, touched my heart... highly recommend.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘I automatically reach for each Sharon Maas book that I see as I just love the way that you lose yourself completely in the story and finish feeling that you have been along on the journey with the characters.’ Bookworms and Shutterbugs
‘A very deep and meaningful story as Sharon Maas writes with her heart on her sleeve. Loved this book.'Books from Dusk til Dawn
'A page-turning story, full of humanity, crossing cultures and continents.’ Katie Fforde
'I have read and loved all of Sharon Maas's books but this one! Wow! I think this is her most...
- GenresFiction
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2017
233 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Maas
21 books334 followersSharon Maas was born in Georgetown, Guyana in 1951, and a sense of adventure has followed her around the world. In 1971 she spent a year backpacking around South America, followed by a few months with pioneering friends in the Guyana rainforest, followed by an overland trip to India, followed by a year in a Hindu Ashram.
She settled in Germany where she married, studied, worked, and raised children.
Officially retired, she continues to write from her new home in Ireland.
Her first novel was published by HarperCollins in 1999, followed by two more in 2001 and 2002. At present, she has 10 published works with the digital publisher Bookouture.
She has one self-published work, a retelling of the magnificent Indian epic Mahabharata: a project of love that took her over 30 years to "get right", written under the pen name S. Aruna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 10, 2017
We follow the story of Jyoti – told first by her adoptive, British parents who cross Jyoti’s path in Bombay, India in the wake of a tragedy. Subsequently they are able to follow an exhausting procedure and bring the little Indian girl lawfully to England as theirs.
However, Monika and Jack were never the ideal couple. Jack is a talented musician and teaches Jyoti, who has a natural love for music. Monika is side-lined, then their marriage starts to go badly wrong and their dreams of having a child of their own may not, it seems, be sufficient to stop things going off the rails.
Jyoti will come into her own as a gifted violin player. As readers, we know her first love is for the sitar (an Indian instrument) and her private longing to play Indian music versus her success as a classical violin player, is handled masterfully by the author. Through this, we are shown Jyoti’s struggle with her life in England versus her roots in India.
Jyoti also has difficulties in her love life. As a little girl she falls for a young man who later comes back to her once she is rich and famous. They seem ideally suited, but what of the Indian sitar player who also entranced her? How can she ever reconcile her feelings for two men and two continents?
Jyoti must endure terrible losses and find a way to overcome her inner feelings of coming from nothing and capitalise on her strengths. This is the part of the story which most captured my imagination and Maas deals with it sensitively and with profound insight. A very well written book in a literary style, that is far more than it seems.
(I was lucky enough to interview the author on my blog - you can find 5 Things You Didn't Know About Sharon Maas - here
http://anngirdharry.weebly.com/blog/b...)
However, Monika and Jack were never the ideal couple. Jack is a talented musician and teaches Jyoti, who has a natural love for music. Monika is side-lined, then their marriage starts to go badly wrong and their dreams of having a child of their own may not, it seems, be sufficient to stop things going off the rails.
Jyoti will come into her own as a gifted violin player. As readers, we know her first love is for the sitar (an Indian instrument) and her private longing to play Indian music versus her success as a classical violin player, is handled masterfully by the author. Through this, we are shown Jyoti’s struggle with her life in England versus her roots in India.
Jyoti also has difficulties in her love life. As a little girl she falls for a young man who later comes back to her once she is rich and famous. They seem ideally suited, but what of the Indian sitar player who also entranced her? How can she ever reconcile her feelings for two men and two continents?
Jyoti must endure terrible losses and find a way to overcome her inner feelings of coming from nothing and capitalise on her strengths. This is the part of the story which most captured my imagination and Maas deals with it sensitively and with profound insight. A very well written book in a literary style, that is far more than it seems.
(I was lucky enough to interview the author on my blog - you can find 5 Things You Didn't Know About Sharon Maas - here
http://anngirdharry.weebly.com/blog/b...)
June 29, 2017
When I told Kim at Bookouture that I wanted something completely different from my regular reading to cleanse my palette, she recommended The Orphan of India by Sharon Maas, so, into this book I dove!
Surprising even myself, I was completely sucked into this story of love and loss within the first few sentences. Part coming of age drama and part historical fiction, Maas brilliantly captures the life of a little girl and the people who surround her.
Following British couple, Monika and Jack Kingsley, who are desperate for a family of their own. On a charity trip to India, they come across Jyothi, a small girl living in poverty and who seeks comfort from the music she hears around her; the couple falls in love with her immediately. Fighting through red tape and culture they are unfamiliar with, Jyothi finally comes to England and deals with the struggle to fit into her new surroundings. Following her lifetime, Jyothi realizes the importance of embracing your future and confronting your past.
I really loved the beginning of the novel; with Monika and Jack arriving to Bombay, I really felt like I was there experiencing it with them. Vivid imagery and strong characters really showed the dichotomy diversity and the spread of British idealism and colonialism in the East. It really had a Slumdog Millionaire type of vibe, which I absolutely loved! Moving throughout the time in Bombay and the struggle to bring Jyothi to England, the relationship dynamic between Monika and Jack and the issues that come from becoming a new, blended family; I was absolutely hooked!
However, as much as I loved the beginning of this book, it felt like the plot switched gears half way through. Moving from Jyothi’s youth and following her journey, as she grew older and developed her own love story. I wasn’t actually a huge fan of this portion of the text. I feel like I would have liked it even better should the author have stayed with Jyothi and followed her youth.
Regardless, overall, I felt like this one was well worth the read.
Surprising even myself, I was completely sucked into this story of love and loss within the first few sentences. Part coming of age drama and part historical fiction, Maas brilliantly captures the life of a little girl and the people who surround her.
Following British couple, Monika and Jack Kingsley, who are desperate for a family of their own. On a charity trip to India, they come across Jyothi, a small girl living in poverty and who seeks comfort from the music she hears around her; the couple falls in love with her immediately. Fighting through red tape and culture they are unfamiliar with, Jyothi finally comes to England and deals with the struggle to fit into her new surroundings. Following her lifetime, Jyothi realizes the importance of embracing your future and confronting your past.
I really loved the beginning of the novel; with Monika and Jack arriving to Bombay, I really felt like I was there experiencing it with them. Vivid imagery and strong characters really showed the dichotomy diversity and the spread of British idealism and colonialism in the East. It really had a Slumdog Millionaire type of vibe, which I absolutely loved! Moving throughout the time in Bombay and the struggle to bring Jyothi to England, the relationship dynamic between Monika and Jack and the issues that come from becoming a new, blended family; I was absolutely hooked!
However, as much as I loved the beginning of this book, it felt like the plot switched gears half way through. Moving from Jyothi’s youth and following her journey, as she grew older and developed her own love story. I wasn’t actually a huge fan of this portion of the text. I feel like I would have liked it even better should the author have stayed with Jyothi and followed her youth.
Regardless, overall, I felt like this one was well worth the read.
July 1, 2017
This is the first Sharon Maas book that I have read but how I have fallen in love with this lady’s beautiful descriptions of far away locations that I have never been to. The thing is yes I could go there now but I wouldn’t see this India. Sharon Maas has captured an era that only existed then as any moment can only ever exist once.
It is 1977 in the village of Maharashtra India where it is almost like time has stood still as Jyothi a tiny slip of a 5 year old girl, is already learning the ways of her mother’s daily work. A bundle of clothing on her head to be returned to the big house where the rich family lives and more dirty washing collected and scrubbed by hand. Today would change everything from the enchanting and enticing music that Jyothi would hear and near forget, to the sign of the times as India began to move into a more modern mixed culture. A simple washing machine that this wealthy family have bought would have a rippling affect on Jyothi’s family and a sudden move to Bombay for work.
Three years later fate is to throw together a British couple, desperate for a child and tragic circumstances that make Jyothi an orphan. Through sheer determination the couple battle to adopt her and bring her back to England to raise her. Academically Jyothi struggles terribly in school but can play music pitch perfect after hearing it only once and soon becomes sort after as a prodigy with the violin. She is even given a new name of Jade for stage performances with only her adoptive parents keeping her birth name alive.
Oh my poor little poppet she is in emotional turmoil. Sharon Maas takes you to a small window in time where it was thought acceptable for childless couples to be able to take babies and children from their culture and pat themselves on the back and turn it round so that they were doing the family or the child a huge favour by taking them and exporting them like a prize piece of pottery. There was no thought given to language differences, culture and diet or in this case being brought into a racial environment that the child would find isolating.
This is Jyothi’s story through childhood and partial adult life. Her lost culture and roots and a past she must face before she can really belong in her own skin. This is a very deep and meaningful story as Sharon Maas writes with her heart on her sleeve with every nerve ending of Jyothi striped back. Loved this book.
It is 1977 in the village of Maharashtra India where it is almost like time has stood still as Jyothi a tiny slip of a 5 year old girl, is already learning the ways of her mother’s daily work. A bundle of clothing on her head to be returned to the big house where the rich family lives and more dirty washing collected and scrubbed by hand. Today would change everything from the enchanting and enticing music that Jyothi would hear and near forget, to the sign of the times as India began to move into a more modern mixed culture. A simple washing machine that this wealthy family have bought would have a rippling affect on Jyothi’s family and a sudden move to Bombay for work.
Three years later fate is to throw together a British couple, desperate for a child and tragic circumstances that make Jyothi an orphan. Through sheer determination the couple battle to adopt her and bring her back to England to raise her. Academically Jyothi struggles terribly in school but can play music pitch perfect after hearing it only once and soon becomes sort after as a prodigy with the violin. She is even given a new name of Jade for stage performances with only her adoptive parents keeping her birth name alive.
Oh my poor little poppet she is in emotional turmoil. Sharon Maas takes you to a small window in time where it was thought acceptable for childless couples to be able to take babies and children from their culture and pat themselves on the back and turn it round so that they were doing the family or the child a huge favour by taking them and exporting them like a prize piece of pottery. There was no thought given to language differences, culture and diet or in this case being brought into a racial environment that the child would find isolating.
This is Jyothi’s story through childhood and partial adult life. Her lost culture and roots and a past she must face before she can really belong in her own skin. This is a very deep and meaningful story as Sharon Maas writes with her heart on her sleeve with every nerve ending of Jyothi striped back. Loved this book.
June 7, 2017
Sharon Maas is one of my favourite authors. She is one of those select authors whose books I pick without checking to see what they are about, knowing without reading the blurb that whatever it is that they have written, I will enjoy, knowing that they deliver every single time, that they never disappoint. Needless to say, I LOVED this book. I think it is her best yet - but then I think this of every single one of her books. Each sentence is beautifully crafted perfection. The prose so evocative and vivid that I experienced every single word, lived it. I felt for Jyothi, sympathised and empathised with her. Her life, everything she goes through, the dilemmas and choices she faces as she comes into her own are so beautifully realised. I loved this book and would recommend it to everybody. From the first line to the last, this book flows as beautifully and vividly as the music that is Jyothi's gift. Highly recommended. If you haven't discovered Sharon Maas, you are missing out.
July 7, 2017
Ok I admit it- this is the first book by Sharon Maas but I have heard lots of good things about her from well respected bloggers and other authors, so I just knew that I would love this book. I was immediately intrigued by the bright cover and by the synopsis. When I was offered the chance to take part in the blog tour for ‘The Orphan Of India’, I jumped at it.
I don’t really want to write too much about the storylines as I have a nasty habit of giving far too much away about books that I love (oops) and I don’t want to spoil the enjoyment of this book for anybody who chooses to read it. The synopsis says it all really. Jyothi is the youngest child in her family and she witnesses a fatal accident, which leaves her mother dead. Not long after the accident a childless couple called Monika & Jack Kingsley decide that they want to adopt Jyothi, who has been surrendered to the care of the orphanage by her father. The adoption takes place and the new family return to live in England. However, problems start to emerge and cracks begin to show as Jyothi finds it increasingly hard to adapt to live in a foreign country and all that entails. At the same time the marriage of Monika and Jack comes under an increasing amount of strain. In order to cope with this and with her increasing sense of loneliness Jyothi throws herself into her music. Jyothi has a lot of musical talent but even this doesn’t help, as she still feels as though she doesn’t belong. A romantic affair leads her to realise that before she can embrace her future she has to confront her past. What will happen to Jyothi, Monika and Jack? Will Jyothi find happiness that she so deserves? Will Jyothi be able to come to terms with the cultural differences in this country? Will Jyothi keep in touch with her birth family? Well you will just have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I really liked the character of Jyothi. From a young age, she has experienced poverty, hardship, loss, abuse and child labour. Jyothi is involved in the accident which leads to her mother’s death. I get the sense that Jyothi wants to be happy but she does not want to be separated from her family. Jyothi’s adoption goes through and despite the high hopes for her new life, Jyothi struggles to settle and to adapt to a whole new country and culture. I do think that perhaps her adoptive parents Monika and Jack could have been a bit more sympathetic towards her culture and helped her to maintain links with her home country. Not only that but Jyothi faces prejudice in her new home country from those around her. I got the impression that Jyothi is one confused little girl. As for Monika and Jack. Well hmmm. I know that I don’t have children but I can understand their yearning for a child. They want a family but for one reason and another the couple are unable to conceive. Monika & Jack become so blinkered that they can only focus on the adoption and plough ahead with it without fully realizing the potential implications. I got the impression that Monika is a rather selfish woman. She decides to work with the charity in India but I was unsure as to her true motives. I also got the impression that Monika thought that the adoption would be straight forward with not a lot of appreciation as to the potential problems and pitfalls. Monika seems to be a woman, who wants to be a mother and places that at the top of her priority list. Jack on the other hand seems to be so laid back he is almost horizontal which is in stark contrast to Monika, who always seems to be tense and impatient. Jack loves to play music.
In my opinion this book is really well written. The author has clearly done an awful lot of research and has an acute attention to detail. Sharon Maas certainly knows how to draw your attention from the very first word on the very first page and keeps your attention until the very last word on the very last page. I find that this book is a real ‘CPID’ (can’t put it down) book and it came everywhere with me, as I was desperate to read on to see what the future held for Jyothi, Monika and Jack and whether or not Jyothi would get the happy ever after that she so deserved. The author uses such powerful and emotive language in her descriptions of India and of the different characters that I really felt like I was an invisible bystander on the streets of India and experiencing all of the sights, sounds and smells. India is now well and truly on my bucket list of places to visit before I die. I really did feel as though I had been through a rollercoaster of emotions, ,whilst reading this book, with all the heartache, joy, pain, tears, tense and heartbreaking moments. It’s just as well I had a box of tissues to hand as I really did need them. At times I found it hard to turn the page- not because the book is not well written, that could hardly be further from the truth but because I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, and in case you hadn’t already gathered, I really did LOVE this book and I can’t wait to read the next book by this very talented author. Sharon Maas is now on my list of favourite authors. I would definitely recommend this book to others. I award this book 5* out of 5*.
I don’t really want to write too much about the storylines as I have a nasty habit of giving far too much away about books that I love (oops) and I don’t want to spoil the enjoyment of this book for anybody who chooses to read it. The synopsis says it all really. Jyothi is the youngest child in her family and she witnesses a fatal accident, which leaves her mother dead. Not long after the accident a childless couple called Monika & Jack Kingsley decide that they want to adopt Jyothi, who has been surrendered to the care of the orphanage by her father. The adoption takes place and the new family return to live in England. However, problems start to emerge and cracks begin to show as Jyothi finds it increasingly hard to adapt to live in a foreign country and all that entails. At the same time the marriage of Monika and Jack comes under an increasing amount of strain. In order to cope with this and with her increasing sense of loneliness Jyothi throws herself into her music. Jyothi has a lot of musical talent but even this doesn’t help, as she still feels as though she doesn’t belong. A romantic affair leads her to realise that before she can embrace her future she has to confront her past. What will happen to Jyothi, Monika and Jack? Will Jyothi find happiness that she so deserves? Will Jyothi be able to come to terms with the cultural differences in this country? Will Jyothi keep in touch with her birth family? Well you will just have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I really liked the character of Jyothi. From a young age, she has experienced poverty, hardship, loss, abuse and child labour. Jyothi is involved in the accident which leads to her mother’s death. I get the sense that Jyothi wants to be happy but she does not want to be separated from her family. Jyothi’s adoption goes through and despite the high hopes for her new life, Jyothi struggles to settle and to adapt to a whole new country and culture. I do think that perhaps her adoptive parents Monika and Jack could have been a bit more sympathetic towards her culture and helped her to maintain links with her home country. Not only that but Jyothi faces prejudice in her new home country from those around her. I got the impression that Jyothi is one confused little girl. As for Monika and Jack. Well hmmm. I know that I don’t have children but I can understand their yearning for a child. They want a family but for one reason and another the couple are unable to conceive. Monika & Jack become so blinkered that they can only focus on the adoption and plough ahead with it without fully realizing the potential implications. I got the impression that Monika is a rather selfish woman. She decides to work with the charity in India but I was unsure as to her true motives. I also got the impression that Monika thought that the adoption would be straight forward with not a lot of appreciation as to the potential problems and pitfalls. Monika seems to be a woman, who wants to be a mother and places that at the top of her priority list. Jack on the other hand seems to be so laid back he is almost horizontal which is in stark contrast to Monika, who always seems to be tense and impatient. Jack loves to play music.
In my opinion this book is really well written. The author has clearly done an awful lot of research and has an acute attention to detail. Sharon Maas certainly knows how to draw your attention from the very first word on the very first page and keeps your attention until the very last word on the very last page. I find that this book is a real ‘CPID’ (can’t put it down) book and it came everywhere with me, as I was desperate to read on to see what the future held for Jyothi, Monika and Jack and whether or not Jyothi would get the happy ever after that she so deserved. The author uses such powerful and emotive language in her descriptions of India and of the different characters that I really felt like I was an invisible bystander on the streets of India and experiencing all of the sights, sounds and smells. India is now well and truly on my bucket list of places to visit before I die. I really did feel as though I had been through a rollercoaster of emotions, ,whilst reading this book, with all the heartache, joy, pain, tears, tense and heartbreaking moments. It’s just as well I had a box of tissues to hand as I really did need them. At times I found it hard to turn the page- not because the book is not well written, that could hardly be further from the truth but because I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, and in case you hadn’t already gathered, I really did LOVE this book and I can’t wait to read the next book by this very talented author. Sharon Maas is now on my list of favourite authors. I would definitely recommend this book to others. I award this book 5* out of 5*.
July 8, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
The adoption process in the UK is complex enough, never mind going to India and adopting a child there. Put it this way, that part of the storyline opened my eyes to how vulnerable children overseas, especially in a third world country like India. Monika and Jack Kingsley, like many couples, would do anything for a child of their own. A child to protect. A child to love. On their visit to India, they meet orphan, Jyothi, a child who has been living on the streets with no family of her own. Until the Kingsley’s that is..
This is going to sound daft, but as a woman with an Indian name, I have always held a torch for the country, even though I have never been and I’m not Indian. Yet the way that Sharon Maas described Bombay made me feel as though I had been transported to the country, and that I was able to watch everything go past from the sidelines. I felt as though I was able to touch the atmosphere with my fingertips, smell the aroma of the different culture, as well as having my eyes opened due to the complex differences of Bombay and its inhabitants. Absolutely beautiful. I would do anything to feel those vibes again for the very first time.
When the Kingsley’s took Jyothi back to England, I felt that the overall vibe of the storyline changed. I felt sorry for Jyothi as she was struggling in a brand new country, with a new way of living, alongside new faces and different beliefs. A lot of us struggle with change, but relocating over 4500 miles to a completely new country, must be incredibly hard to adjust to. My heart went out to her, I must admit.
However, aside from Jyothi’s emotional state, I found her a little difficult to gel with. I perfectly understand that she has had a difficult life and so forth, but I think that her childhood had severely damaged her and it seemed as though it was going to take something almighty to come and change that. Therefore, the poor girl obviously was quite guarded and didn’t know whether she was coming or going.
Because the underlying topic of the storyline is incredibly complex, it does require patience and understanding to be able to full appreciate the dynamics of the situation, as well as the time frame that it was set in. Whilst I could understand and appreciate the overall gist of this novel, it was a little bit too intense and complicated for me to embrace fully. In no way is that the author’s fault; she has written it beautifully, and her use of language is enchanting. It’s just me.
If I were to review the book based on the overall vibe and the authors talent, I would, hand on heart, say that ‘The Orphan of India’ moved me to tears. It did. It’s beautiful, truly heart-warming. Even though I had a little hiccough with the storyline, I cannot wait to pick up another Sharon Maas novel and be transported to another beautiful place, due to her mesmerising words.
Thanks Bookouture.
The adoption process in the UK is complex enough, never mind going to India and adopting a child there. Put it this way, that part of the storyline opened my eyes to how vulnerable children overseas, especially in a third world country like India. Monika and Jack Kingsley, like many couples, would do anything for a child of their own. A child to protect. A child to love. On their visit to India, they meet orphan, Jyothi, a child who has been living on the streets with no family of her own. Until the Kingsley’s that is..
This is going to sound daft, but as a woman with an Indian name, I have always held a torch for the country, even though I have never been and I’m not Indian. Yet the way that Sharon Maas described Bombay made me feel as though I had been transported to the country, and that I was able to watch everything go past from the sidelines. I felt as though I was able to touch the atmosphere with my fingertips, smell the aroma of the different culture, as well as having my eyes opened due to the complex differences of Bombay and its inhabitants. Absolutely beautiful. I would do anything to feel those vibes again for the very first time.
When the Kingsley’s took Jyothi back to England, I felt that the overall vibe of the storyline changed. I felt sorry for Jyothi as she was struggling in a brand new country, with a new way of living, alongside new faces and different beliefs. A lot of us struggle with change, but relocating over 4500 miles to a completely new country, must be incredibly hard to adjust to. My heart went out to her, I must admit.
However, aside from Jyothi’s emotional state, I found her a little difficult to gel with. I perfectly understand that she has had a difficult life and so forth, but I think that her childhood had severely damaged her and it seemed as though it was going to take something almighty to come and change that. Therefore, the poor girl obviously was quite guarded and didn’t know whether she was coming or going.
Because the underlying topic of the storyline is incredibly complex, it does require patience and understanding to be able to full appreciate the dynamics of the situation, as well as the time frame that it was set in. Whilst I could understand and appreciate the overall gist of this novel, it was a little bit too intense and complicated for me to embrace fully. In no way is that the author’s fault; she has written it beautifully, and her use of language is enchanting. It’s just me.
If I were to review the book based on the overall vibe and the authors talent, I would, hand on heart, say that ‘The Orphan of India’ moved me to tears. It did. It’s beautiful, truly heart-warming. Even though I had a little hiccough with the storyline, I cannot wait to pick up another Sharon Maas novel and be transported to another beautiful place, due to her mesmerising words.
Thanks Bookouture.
June 29, 2017
Sharon Maas has such a beautiful writing style. She tackles difficult subjects and manages to transport you right into the middle of a different culture and you feel as though you can touch and feel the atmosphere around you.
Monika and Jack are desperate for a family and when they meet Jyothi in the streets of Bombay- they want to offer her a better lifestyle. Things don't go smoothly and the dream of a happy little family unit have to be adjusted. Jyothi finds it difficult to adjust to life in Britain.
There are some very touching breakthroughs and the books takes us through tragedies, betrayal, friendships, family relationships and a profound love of music.
Music touches Jyothi in a way nothing else can and Monika is keen to nurture this.
It really draws you in and you don't want to put the book down. I had my kindle almost attached to my nose on the bus! You feel for Jyothi and long for her to be happy- after the turmoil she's gone through in her little life.
I automatically reach for each Sharon Maas book that I see- as I just love the way that you lose yourself completely in the story and finish feeling that you have been along on the journey with the characters.
Monika and Jack are desperate for a family and when they meet Jyothi in the streets of Bombay- they want to offer her a better lifestyle. Things don't go smoothly and the dream of a happy little family unit have to be adjusted. Jyothi finds it difficult to adjust to life in Britain.
There are some very touching breakthroughs and the books takes us through tragedies, betrayal, friendships, family relationships and a profound love of music.
Music touches Jyothi in a way nothing else can and Monika is keen to nurture this.
It really draws you in and you don't want to put the book down. I had my kindle almost attached to my nose on the bus! You feel for Jyothi and long for her to be happy- after the turmoil she's gone through in her little life.
I automatically reach for each Sharon Maas book that I see- as I just love the way that you lose yourself completely in the story and finish feeling that you have been along on the journey with the characters.
June 12, 2017
Sharon Maas has become my ‘go-to’ author when I need a break from thrillers and want a novel that delivers on an emotional and thought-provoking level while transporting me to a totally different place. So when the opportunity to read The Orphan of India came up I jumped at the chance. Maas has once again written a book that touches your heart.
Jyothi is a five-year-old Indian girl living in a small village with her parents when we first meet her in 1977. Her father’s work as a dhobi has come to an end when their regular customers purchase a washing machine. The family move to Bombay in the hope that her father will find work in The Dhobi Ghat. The story progresses as we follow the fate of Jyothi throughout her life as she suffers losses and goes on to be adopted and moves to Britain.
The Orphan of India is a multi-faceted book that beautifully conveys the themes of inter-racial adoption and identity. Clearly well researched and considered, Maas really gets to the heart of how Jyothi feels – all of the confusion, the feeling of not completely belonging and her trying to find her sense of self – along with the challenges faced by her adoptive parents and the reactions from those around them. Jyothi struggles throughout her childhood and into her adulthood with her sense of identity and turns to her musical talents to define her. Some of the most beautiful prose comes when Maas describes the relationship between Jyothi and music and you can clearly tell that she is writing about this from the heart.
The narrative structure of The Orphan of India is an interesting one. We follow Jack and Monika Kingsley at from their arrival into Bombay from Britain in 1978 as Monika works to set up a charity in India and the narrative takes place in third person. As Jyothi grows the narrative structure changes to that of first person from the perspective of Jyothi. This clearly defines each part of the book and the serves to set the different stages of Jyothi’s life and how her feelings grow and develop.
The Orphan of India is another wonderful book by Maas that has all the trademark thought and care that resonates throughout her work. A heart-rending, epic tale of loss and identity that gets into your heart.
Thank you to Sharon Maas, Bookouture and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my review.
Jyothi is a five-year-old Indian girl living in a small village with her parents when we first meet her in 1977. Her father’s work as a dhobi has come to an end when their regular customers purchase a washing machine. The family move to Bombay in the hope that her father will find work in The Dhobi Ghat. The story progresses as we follow the fate of Jyothi throughout her life as she suffers losses and goes on to be adopted and moves to Britain.
The Orphan of India is a multi-faceted book that beautifully conveys the themes of inter-racial adoption and identity. Clearly well researched and considered, Maas really gets to the heart of how Jyothi feels – all of the confusion, the feeling of not completely belonging and her trying to find her sense of self – along with the challenges faced by her adoptive parents and the reactions from those around them. Jyothi struggles throughout her childhood and into her adulthood with her sense of identity and turns to her musical talents to define her. Some of the most beautiful prose comes when Maas describes the relationship between Jyothi and music and you can clearly tell that she is writing about this from the heart.
The narrative structure of The Orphan of India is an interesting one. We follow Jack and Monika Kingsley at from their arrival into Bombay from Britain in 1978 as Monika works to set up a charity in India and the narrative takes place in third person. As Jyothi grows the narrative structure changes to that of first person from the perspective of Jyothi. This clearly defines each part of the book and the serves to set the different stages of Jyothi’s life and how her feelings grow and develop.
The Orphan of India is another wonderful book by Maas that has all the trademark thought and care that resonates throughout her work. A heart-rending, epic tale of loss and identity that gets into your heart.
Thank you to Sharon Maas, Bookouture and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my review.
July 28, 2017
I really wanted to like this book that I was given as a free download by TBC in exchange for an honest review, but despite finishing it, I never warmed to the characters or the style of writing.
When the story is constantly 'told' to me, as a reader I feel patronised and bored. The idea was good but the way the story unfolded was, IMHO, contrived and flat. Despite changing the narrator throughout the book the voice stayed the same - a repetitive list of feelings that the character was experiencing. The reader is not able to experience the journey, instead everything is explained in a dry and distant way, stopping any feeling. It is a bit like reading about someone's life in a newspaper.
Lots of the story made me think, cliche and stereotype and 'really?!?!' Like the 'opposites attract' of Monika and Jack, or the convenient placing of another semi orphaned Indian boy in an all white Yorkshire village, or the dyslexic musical genius.
I'm not keen on leaving negative reviews as writing is tough but this book really didn't work for me. I can see from other reviews, however, that I'm definitely in the minority!
When the story is constantly 'told' to me, as a reader I feel patronised and bored. The idea was good but the way the story unfolded was, IMHO, contrived and flat. Despite changing the narrator throughout the book the voice stayed the same - a repetitive list of feelings that the character was experiencing. The reader is not able to experience the journey, instead everything is explained in a dry and distant way, stopping any feeling. It is a bit like reading about someone's life in a newspaper.
Lots of the story made me think, cliche and stereotype and 'really?!?!' Like the 'opposites attract' of Monika and Jack, or the convenient placing of another semi orphaned Indian boy in an all white Yorkshire village, or the dyslexic musical genius.
I'm not keen on leaving negative reviews as writing is tough but this book really didn't work for me. I can see from other reviews, however, that I'm definitely in the minority!
July 25, 2022
Jyothi lebt auf den Straßen von Bombay und seit ihre Mutter in einen tragischen Unfall verwickelt wurde, hat sie niemanden, an den sie sich wenden kann. Doch nach einer zufälligen Begegnung mit Monika und Jack Kingsley ändert sich Jyothis Leben für immer. Denn das junge Paar beschließt, sie zu adoptieren.
Gemeinsam kehrt die neue Familie nach England zurück, aber Jyothi fällt es schwer, sich anzupassen. Als die Beziehung von Monika und Jack in die Brüche geht, ist Jyothi einsamer denn je und die Musik wird zu ihrem Trost. Doch selbst als sich ihr außergewöhnliches musikalisches Talent in eine vielversprechende Karriere verwandelt, hat Jyothi immer noch nicht das Gefühl, dazuzugehören.
Dann bringt eine turbulente Liebesbeziehung sie dazu, alles in Frage zu stellen. Und Jyothi erkennt, dass sie sich dem Schmerz ihrer Vergangenheit stellen muss, bevor sie ihre Zukunft in Angriff nehmen kann …
Meinung
Das Buch braucht etwas bevor es einen vollkommen packt aber dann ist man Rettunglos Gefangen.
Der Schreibstil ist leicht, die Stimmung anfangs in Bombay fand ich erdrückend.
Dies änderte sich ab dem Zeitpunkt nach der Ankunft in England.
Für Jyothi ist es schwer sich an die neue Situation zu gewöhnen, sie bleibt still und in sich gekehrt.
Bis sie die Liebe zu Musik entdeckt. Kurz darauf wird sie erneut mit einem Schicksalschlag konfrontiert. Und sie zieht sich abermals in sich zurück..
Ein herzzerreißender Roman über die Liebe zur Musik und über Selbstliebe.
Große Lese Empfehlung
Gemeinsam kehrt die neue Familie nach England zurück, aber Jyothi fällt es schwer, sich anzupassen. Als die Beziehung von Monika und Jack in die Brüche geht, ist Jyothi einsamer denn je und die Musik wird zu ihrem Trost. Doch selbst als sich ihr außergewöhnliches musikalisches Talent in eine vielversprechende Karriere verwandelt, hat Jyothi immer noch nicht das Gefühl, dazuzugehören.
Dann bringt eine turbulente Liebesbeziehung sie dazu, alles in Frage zu stellen. Und Jyothi erkennt, dass sie sich dem Schmerz ihrer Vergangenheit stellen muss, bevor sie ihre Zukunft in Angriff nehmen kann …
Meinung
Das Buch braucht etwas bevor es einen vollkommen packt aber dann ist man Rettunglos Gefangen.
Der Schreibstil ist leicht, die Stimmung anfangs in Bombay fand ich erdrückend.
Dies änderte sich ab dem Zeitpunkt nach der Ankunft in England.
Für Jyothi ist es schwer sich an die neue Situation zu gewöhnen, sie bleibt still und in sich gekehrt.
Bis sie die Liebe zu Musik entdeckt. Kurz darauf wird sie erneut mit einem Schicksalschlag konfrontiert. Und sie zieht sich abermals in sich zurück..
Ein herzzerreißender Roman über die Liebe zur Musik und über Selbstliebe.
Große Lese Empfehlung
July 28, 2017
3.5 stars.
This is a quite an interesting and evocative tale about a childless couple who, whilst travelling to India to set up a charitable organisation, decide to adopt a little girl called Jyothi who they find on the streets of Bombay. Jyothi has a special musical talent and this propels the story forward, music I would say being the main character of the novel.
It's a thought provoking book, but I did find the plot somewhat predictable and, at times, contrived. It's beautifully written and vividly told. Personally, however, I thought it was a little long winded. There was far too much emphasis on Jyothi's inner feelings and it got quite tedious. Jyothi's tale is a sad one, a story of rags to riches. It's also about grief, its repercussions and how music can provide a salve to the soul - I thought this was very sensitively done. I liked how the tale came full circle at the end and made sense of the prologue.
Overall, an enjoyable read but it did seem to dwell enormously on Jyothi's relationship with her violin, her feelings towards a certain young man and how it affected her violin playing. I found her irritating towards the end and I wanted to bang my (and Jyothi's!) head on the table with regard to some of her thoughts and actions!!
As an aside, It makes me want to visit Rishikesh - it sounds very relaxing. :-)
This is a quite an interesting and evocative tale about a childless couple who, whilst travelling to India to set up a charitable organisation, decide to adopt a little girl called Jyothi who they find on the streets of Bombay. Jyothi has a special musical talent and this propels the story forward, music I would say being the main character of the novel.
It's a thought provoking book, but I did find the plot somewhat predictable and, at times, contrived. It's beautifully written and vividly told. Personally, however, I thought it was a little long winded. There was far too much emphasis on Jyothi's inner feelings and it got quite tedious. Jyothi's tale is a sad one, a story of rags to riches. It's also about grief, its repercussions and how music can provide a salve to the soul - I thought this was very sensitively done. I liked how the tale came full circle at the end and made sense of the prologue.
Overall, an enjoyable read but it did seem to dwell enormously on Jyothi's relationship with her violin, her feelings towards a certain young man and how it affected her violin playing. I found her irritating towards the end and I wanted to bang my (and Jyothi's!) head on the table with regard to some of her thoughts and actions!!
As an aside, It makes me want to visit Rishikesh - it sounds very relaxing. :-)
June 28, 2017
Monika and Jack Kingsley are in Bombay trying to make connections so that an English based charity can set up programmes to help the street children and orphanages/hospitals. One day they come across Jyothi, a little girl living with her family in a shack on the side of the road. Millions of people live in these shacks that line the roads for miles in Bombay. Her ‘father’ works in the dhobi (laundry) with help from her mother. After witnessing the death of her mother Jyothi is taken to a hospital where the Kingsleys visit and support her and eventually adopt her and take her to England.
Jyothi struggles in England, with school, with socialising and with education, she grows up with a sense of not belonging, difference and is blocked emotionally. Music is her saving grace, her salvation and her self-worth and she strives for perfection for it is through this she is confident and she does this for Monika. As the years pass we witness Jyothi’s alternating confidence and despair; her alter-ego, Jade, the superstar musician, beautiful, confident and successful.
I was seduced by the cover and the title of this book and anticipated the pleasures that waited within the cover. I was not disappointed – but neither was I spellbound. For me, the star of the show is the description of India which conjures up images of the beautiful madness that is Bombay and the clamour of people living in the margins. I cannot deny that it is beautifully written, nor are the characters not quite right but…
I was frustrated by Jyothi, what did she want? I was even more frustrated by the descriptions of her triumphs with her music – OK, I get it, she’s a brilliant violinist but was it necessary for her to experience the high again and again, playing like she never had before – the music taking her… and then a slump.
Would I recommend this book, yes if only for the descriptions of India.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
Jyothi struggles in England, with school, with socialising and with education, she grows up with a sense of not belonging, difference and is blocked emotionally. Music is her saving grace, her salvation and her self-worth and she strives for perfection for it is through this she is confident and she does this for Monika. As the years pass we witness Jyothi’s alternating confidence and despair; her alter-ego, Jade, the superstar musician, beautiful, confident and successful.
I was seduced by the cover and the title of this book and anticipated the pleasures that waited within the cover. I was not disappointed – but neither was I spellbound. For me, the star of the show is the description of India which conjures up images of the beautiful madness that is Bombay and the clamour of people living in the margins. I cannot deny that it is beautifully written, nor are the characters not quite right but…
I was frustrated by Jyothi, what did she want? I was even more frustrated by the descriptions of her triumphs with her music – OK, I get it, she’s a brilliant violinist but was it necessary for her to experience the high again and again, playing like she never had before – the music taking her… and then a slump.
Would I recommend this book, yes if only for the descriptions of India.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
August 4, 2017
The Orphan of India is another masterpiece from the wonderful Sharon Maas.
Jyothi is only young when she meets western Monika and Jack in the slums of Bombay and Jack introduces her to music. When tragedy strikes leaving Jyothi vulnerable Jack and Monika decide they must save her from an uncertain future. With her natural talent for music nurtured by Monika, when tragedy strikes again will she ever find love and happiness.
Sharon Maas has a way with words that transports across time and distance. Each character is well developed and becomes real. Definitely one of my favourite reads for the year.
Jyothi is only young when she meets western Monika and Jack in the slums of Bombay and Jack introduces her to music. When tragedy strikes leaving Jyothi vulnerable Jack and Monika decide they must save her from an uncertain future. With her natural talent for music nurtured by Monika, when tragedy strikes again will she ever find love and happiness.
Sharon Maas has a way with words that transports across time and distance. Each character is well developed and becomes real. Definitely one of my favourite reads for the year.
September 6, 2017
This was a very interesting story that kept my interest throughout. Monika and Jack Kingsley a British couple who always wanted a child of their own, but for some reason they could not conceive one, but while traveling in India, they fell in love with a street child name Jyothi, who lives with her family in a makeshift home near the hotel where they were staying. While they are there, Jyothi's mother is hit by a car and dies, leaving her an orphan.
Monika and Jack finally are able to adopt her and they eventually take her back to England where, everything is so different for her and she has a lot to get used to. Her new parents noticed while in India that she had a love of music and both Jack and Monika played instruments, so they got Jyothi interested in playing the violin, which was her savior in many ways, but she has to experience so much before she is actually able to thrive in her life, and to feel she is a worthy person..
Great characters, and a story that has a lot going on. You will not be bored reading this book. I really love the authors style of writing, very descriptive and she makes you root for the main character and you feel for her as she goes through her many struggles.
I have read a couple of her books already and will definitely follow her writing.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
Monika and Jack finally are able to adopt her and they eventually take her back to England where, everything is so different for her and she has a lot to get used to. Her new parents noticed while in India that she had a love of music and both Jack and Monika played instruments, so they got Jyothi interested in playing the violin, which was her savior in many ways, but she has to experience so much before she is actually able to thrive in her life, and to feel she is a worthy person..
Great characters, and a story that has a lot going on. You will not be bored reading this book. I really love the authors style of writing, very descriptive and she makes you root for the main character and you feel for her as she goes through her many struggles.
I have read a couple of her books already and will definitely follow her writing.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
July 24, 2017
This is the second Sharon Maas book that I've read and it certainly won't be the last.
To be honest, I found the beginning of the book slow and it wasn't engaging me at all but once the story actually unfolded I was hooked.
We read about a young childless couple arrive in India, seeking something to fill in the void of emptiness.
Both having come from different walks of life, their union had difficulties from the start. In India they thought their problems would be solved.
Working for a charity they needed to find a cause..they soon found it in the shape of a little girl, who was a street beggar.
Due to an incident their lives change drastically and they become a unit. We read that the voids are not always easy to fill and as one void is filled another one opens.
From India to England we read how the lives change but the memories don't disappear that easily.
Lots of great descriptions, love and loyalty all come to blows in this powerful book.
To be honest, I found the beginning of the book slow and it wasn't engaging me at all but once the story actually unfolded I was hooked.
We read about a young childless couple arrive in India, seeking something to fill in the void of emptiness.
Both having come from different walks of life, their union had difficulties from the start. In India they thought their problems would be solved.
Working for a charity they needed to find a cause..they soon found it in the shape of a little girl, who was a street beggar.
Due to an incident their lives change drastically and they become a unit. We read that the voids are not always easy to fill and as one void is filled another one opens.
From India to England we read how the lives change but the memories don't disappear that easily.
Lots of great descriptions, love and loyalty all come to blows in this powerful book.
July 25, 2017
A very moving and engrossing story about seeking one’s path in life. The first half of the novel, about the tragic childhood and transformational adoption of our heroine is gripping and really makes you consider the life journey of so many young immigrants from developing countries. The story then moves on to personal growth and we are caught up and have to hang on to see how it works out, however much that is not the way we wish.
I enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster and admired the author’s ability to transport me to places which came alive in front of my eyes. I was delighted to find this is not a debut novel and there are already others for me to enjoy.
I enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster and admired the author’s ability to transport me to places which came alive in front of my eyes. I was delighted to find this is not a debut novel and there are already others for me to enjoy.
July 3, 2017
Now, I’m not always a fan of comparisons, but I’d really like to add another favourite to that "for fans of" list. Many will already know that I’m a massive fan of Lucinda Riley (I even spent my 60th birthday in Rio because I was so enchanted by The Seven Sisters… ). For those times when Lucinda might not be writing quickly enough – well, I’ve definitely discovered an author in Sharon Maas who impressed me for all the same reasons, and I’m really looking forward to reading more from her.
I’ve often said that for a good book to become a book I love, it needs to capture my heart – and that’s exactly what happened with this thoroughly gorgeous book. But not only my heart – all my other senses too.
The writing is just beautiful – descriptions of India replete with smells, tastes, colours and sounds, and the music flowing through the story so perfectly described that, at times, the reader can almost hear it and feel all the emotions associated with it. And what a story – Jyothi had a place in my heart from the moment she danced amid the squalor, and I ached for her as she struggled to cope after the death of her mother. Rescued from the slums of Bombay, she’s then transplanted to England as the much-wanted child of a less than perfectly matched couple: Monika and Jack, both imperfect in their different ways, were superbly drawn, and I loved watching their relationships with Jyothi develop. The love story that builds at the book’s centre – childhood infatuation developing into adult passion – is totally and utterly convincing, beautiful but heartbreaking. And Jyothi’s quest for identity quite consumed me – her adoption of a stronger persona, when inside she remains a frightened little girl. And the music… just perfect.
This isn’t really a review, is it? I’m just telling you how much I loved it – and, I hope, some of the reasons why. When I read the final pages, leaving it was a real wrench. But if, like me, you like your reading to be an escape – a few blissful hours when you can forget everything else and immerse yourself in a totally different world – don’t miss this one, whatever you do.
I’ve often said that for a good book to become a book I love, it needs to capture my heart – and that’s exactly what happened with this thoroughly gorgeous book. But not only my heart – all my other senses too.
The writing is just beautiful – descriptions of India replete with smells, tastes, colours and sounds, and the music flowing through the story so perfectly described that, at times, the reader can almost hear it and feel all the emotions associated with it. And what a story – Jyothi had a place in my heart from the moment she danced amid the squalor, and I ached for her as she struggled to cope after the death of her mother. Rescued from the slums of Bombay, she’s then transplanted to England as the much-wanted child of a less than perfectly matched couple: Monika and Jack, both imperfect in their different ways, were superbly drawn, and I loved watching their relationships with Jyothi develop. The love story that builds at the book’s centre – childhood infatuation developing into adult passion – is totally and utterly convincing, beautiful but heartbreaking. And Jyothi’s quest for identity quite consumed me – her adoption of a stronger persona, when inside she remains a frightened little girl. And the music… just perfect.
This isn’t really a review, is it? I’m just telling you how much I loved it – and, I hope, some of the reasons why. When I read the final pages, leaving it was a real wrench. But if, like me, you like your reading to be an escape – a few blissful hours when you can forget everything else and immerse yourself in a totally different world – don’t miss this one, whatever you do.
July 22, 2017
An absolutely beautifully written book. I love when an author's writing lets me imagine how the characters look & act & this was one of those books. Everything Jyothi went through I went through with her! I laughed and cried in equal measures and could almost hear the music playing - brilliant book Sharon Maas - I've already bought more!
August 9, 2017
This is a beautiful story of a adopted child from the slums of Delhi. She receives a great love from her new parents. Her life should be perfect, but everything becomes a disappointment soon after her adoption. She is diagnosed with dyslexia which leads from one problem to the next problem. Her parents refuse to let her linger at the bottom of her schooling. But, music enters her life through her father. He recognizes her rare talent to play violin by listening to the tune. Soon after she begins a life of Peaks and valleys. She reaches heights in musical career to fall down when her personal life does not climb to the heights of her status as a child prodigy.
She creates a dual personality. One is sophisticated and worldly. The other a childlike persona that cannot escape her childhood. Which one will control her life? It takes a lifetime of winning and losing before her future solidifies into a final persona. It is a long and tortuous path before she realizes who she is in her world.
She creates a dual personality. One is sophisticated and worldly. The other a childlike persona that cannot escape her childhood. Which one will control her life? It takes a lifetime of winning and losing before her future solidifies into a final persona. It is a long and tortuous path before she realizes who she is in her world.
August 3, 2017
I absolutely love Sharon Maas' writing, and think she's utterly fabulous. I eagerly await her new releases and they are on my must read list.
Whilst the story of Jyothi/Jade is good, I felt there was something lacking. The descriptions of Delhi are so vivid but the same depth isn't apparent when talking about England. As the book developed, I felt that Jyothi's character was too self-absorbed, particularly in the later chapters. Of course adoption is not easy for anyone but the narrative doesn't benefit from joy that you hear in Maas' other books. For example Winnie's voice (in her Quint series) is so much more warm and joyful even when facing great challenges.
I did like the use of music in the book, particularly at the start.
In short this is an interesting book but not as fantastic as other novels by this author. 3*
Whilst the story of Jyothi/Jade is good, I felt there was something lacking. The descriptions of Delhi are so vivid but the same depth isn't apparent when talking about England. As the book developed, I felt that Jyothi's character was too self-absorbed, particularly in the later chapters. Of course adoption is not easy for anyone but the narrative doesn't benefit from joy that you hear in Maas' other books. For example Winnie's voice (in her Quint series) is so much more warm and joyful even when facing great challenges.
I did like the use of music in the book, particularly at the start.
In short this is an interesting book but not as fantastic as other novels by this author. 3*
June 28, 2017
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I simply adored this book, it was beautifully written and I loved it from the start and felt even a little bereft when it had ended. The story flows and I loved the loss and hope, promise and future aspects that were running throughout. It really did draw me in and I cannot recommend this book highly enough – I tend to read a lot of crime and thrillers at the moment and picking up a book like this really does make my day – absolutely no hesitation in giving this book 5 stars.
I simply adored this book, it was beautifully written and I loved it from the start and felt even a little bereft when it had ended. The story flows and I loved the loss and hope, promise and future aspects that were running throughout. It really did draw me in and I cannot recommend this book highly enough – I tend to read a lot of crime and thrillers at the moment and picking up a book like this really does make my day – absolutely no hesitation in giving this book 5 stars.
August 19, 2017
I have read several of Sharon Maas' books and have enjoyed them, particularly the Quint series so I was curious and excited about reading this book as well.
This book is about Jyothi, a little girl living in a slum in India, who is adopted by Monika and Jack. The descriptions of the conditions that this little girl and her family live under, were very interesting to me as I have never been to India and I could almost see, hear and smell it through the author's descriptions. It turns out that Jyothi is a musical prodigy and with both Monika and Jack being musical themselves, they encourage her love of music, even though she can't actually read sheet music.
There is a lot more to the book than this though; it is about a girl who is transported to a completely foreign country, it is about trauma and how people overcome it, it is about listening to your heart even though your head is confusing the messages.....this is a very complex story indeed!
I liked the character of Jyothi and I really felt for her because she had so much to contend with. However, towards the end of the book I got a little confused about the character, and I kind of felt like shouting at her a bit too because she became super angsty plus she was really belabouring the point about her feelings and that kind of thing. The ending was lovely :)
Anyway, I liked this book, I gave it a 3.5 stars because I really liked the majority of it, but I found Jyothi's character not as easy to relate to as, say, Winnie, who had much more warmth.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley.
This book is about Jyothi, a little girl living in a slum in India, who is adopted by Monika and Jack. The descriptions of the conditions that this little girl and her family live under, were very interesting to me as I have never been to India and I could almost see, hear and smell it through the author's descriptions. It turns out that Jyothi is a musical prodigy and with both Monika and Jack being musical themselves, they encourage her love of music, even though she can't actually read sheet music.
There is a lot more to the book than this though; it is about a girl who is transported to a completely foreign country, it is about trauma and how people overcome it, it is about listening to your heart even though your head is confusing the messages.....this is a very complex story indeed!
I liked the character of Jyothi and I really felt for her because she had so much to contend with. However, towards the end of the book I got a little confused about the character, and I kind of felt like shouting at her a bit too because she became super angsty plus she was really belabouring the point about her feelings and that kind of thing. The ending was lovely :)
Anyway, I liked this book, I gave it a 3.5 stars because I really liked the majority of it, but I found Jyothi's character not as easy to relate to as, say, Winnie, who had much more warmth.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley.
June 20, 2017
I knew I would enjoy this as I have loved all Sharon Maas's previous books. Beautifully written with characters that come to life. Vivid descriptions of India both the best and the worst along as well as an English setting. Both sad and happy with guilt, deceit and a search to belong. Recommended reading.
July 30, 2017
The Orphan of India was such a welcome change to books that I usually read and as a result I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It really opened my eyes to how not only adoption works but in a country like India where poverty is a pretty common sight.
Monika and Jack Kingsley have been together for many years but they still haven't had a child due to problems. Whilst on a trip to India, they meet a little girl called Jyothi who lives on the street near their hotel. After a tragic accident, Monika and Jack set about to adopt Jyothi as their own and take her to England.
I absolutely loved the setting of India, as a country it has always fascinated me and Sharon Maas really transported me there. Everything from the sights to the sounds to the smells, on occasion I had to remember I wasn't really in India.
I really felt sorry for Jyothi, she really struggles when she returns to England to fit in. She has to adapt to a whole new house, new people and a new language, as well as trying to catch up in school. It's clear from the start that she'll never be great academically but her talent in music is out of this world. So Jack and Monika help and support her to play the violin.
It's such a heartwarming story and Jyothi grows so much as a person as she becomes used to life in England. I enjoyed the journey that we took with her, following her from the streets of Bombay to a young lady in her 20's playing the violin to the world stage. I'd describe it as a coming of age story, one that you really feel for the main character and you want her to succeed in life.
This won't be my last Sharon Maas book and I'm happy to discover there's a few to dive into!
Huge thank you to Sharon Maas and The Book Club on facebook for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book.
Monika and Jack Kingsley have been together for many years but they still haven't had a child due to problems. Whilst on a trip to India, they meet a little girl called Jyothi who lives on the street near their hotel. After a tragic accident, Monika and Jack set about to adopt Jyothi as their own and take her to England.
I absolutely loved the setting of India, as a country it has always fascinated me and Sharon Maas really transported me there. Everything from the sights to the sounds to the smells, on occasion I had to remember I wasn't really in India.
I really felt sorry for Jyothi, she really struggles when she returns to England to fit in. She has to adapt to a whole new house, new people and a new language, as well as trying to catch up in school. It's clear from the start that she'll never be great academically but her talent in music is out of this world. So Jack and Monika help and support her to play the violin.
It's such a heartwarming story and Jyothi grows so much as a person as she becomes used to life in England. I enjoyed the journey that we took with her, following her from the streets of Bombay to a young lady in her 20's playing the violin to the world stage. I'd describe it as a coming of age story, one that you really feel for the main character and you want her to succeed in life.
This won't be my last Sharon Maas book and I'm happy to discover there's a few to dive into!
Huge thank you to Sharon Maas and The Book Club on facebook for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book.
March 23, 2024
To my surprise, I was immediately drawn into this tale of love and loss from the very beginning. It's a mix of a coming-of-age story and historical fiction, and Maas does an incredible job of depicting the life of a young girl and the people in her world. The story follows a British couple, Monika and Jack Kingsley, who long for a child. During a charity trip to India, they meet Jyothi, a little girl living in poverty who finds solace in music. They instantly fall in love with her. Despite facing bureaucratic obstacles and cultural differences, they manage to bring Jyothi to England, where she struggles to adjust to her new life. As she grows, Jyothi learns the value of accepting her future and dealing with her past. I was really captivated by the start of the novel; Monika and Jack's arrival in Bombay was so vividly described that I felt like I was there with them. The rich descriptions and strong characters highlighted the contrast between diverse cultures and the influence of British ideals and colonialism in the East, reminiscent of "Slumdog Millionaire," which I absolutely adored! The story kept me engaged with its portrayal of Bombay, the challenges in bringing Jyothi to England, and the evolving dynamics between Monika, Jack, and the complexities of becoming a blended family. However, my interest waned a bit when the story shifted focus halfway through, moving from Jyothi's childhood to her adulthood and her own romantic relationships. I wasn't as fond of this part and wished the story had continued to focus on her younger years. Despite this, I found the book definitely worth reading!
March 25, 2019
This is only the second book I have read by his author and I find Sharon Maas transports her readers to the very destination she is writing about and she has a beautiful way with words.
The Orphan of India is about love and loss, Jyothi is adopted by a British couple after falling in love with this tiny little street child and after a long and difficult legal battle finally take her back to England with them.
Following Jyothi’s childhood with more tragedy to come in her young life, I felt the direction of the book change in a way that made me a bit uncomfortable with Jyothi and I couldn’t quite regain my love that I felt for her in the beginning of the book which is not really fair considering how much she had to cope with and then as a young adult it was the same.
Although I really did enjoy reading this book, it was not quite as good as The Lost Daughter of India which I loved.
The Orphan of India is about love and loss, Jyothi is adopted by a British couple after falling in love with this tiny little street child and after a long and difficult legal battle finally take her back to England with them.
Following Jyothi’s childhood with more tragedy to come in her young life, I felt the direction of the book change in a way that made me a bit uncomfortable with Jyothi and I couldn’t quite regain my love that I felt for her in the beginning of the book which is not really fair considering how much she had to cope with and then as a young adult it was the same.
Although I really did enjoy reading this book, it was not quite as good as The Lost Daughter of India which I loved.
August 2, 2017
I enjoy reading books set in other countries and this seemed a good holiday read to me. I was not disappointed.
The descriptions and details are good although I have never been to India, it sounded realistic. At times I am not sure I could believe how the story line was developing. Can a young girl really have lost two mothers in separate car accidents? However the story is colourful and eventually it is easy to get carried away with the plot. it is not really predictable and that was a good thing. The book tells the story of a young girl adopted from India then bought back to England. Jyothi is an only child and her childhood is unusual. She has much to deal with. This book was a relaxing read.
The descriptions and details are good although I have never been to India, it sounded realistic. At times I am not sure I could believe how the story line was developing. Can a young girl really have lost two mothers in separate car accidents? However the story is colourful and eventually it is easy to get carried away with the plot. it is not really predictable and that was a good thing. The book tells the story of a young girl adopted from India then bought back to England. Jyothi is an only child and her childhood is unusual. She has much to deal with. This book was a relaxing read.
July 1, 2019
This was the worse book i have read in years. I was impressed at how uninspired the author was, the same plot device keeps repeating it self and you get tired of the same drama all over again really quick. The female protagonist has gonne through hardships and i suppose the author wants you empathise with her but all she managed to do was make a wishy washy lackluster character that has no redeeming qualities what's worse is there is no character development what so ever if anything it gets worse. This book is 70% drama 20% the impressive lack of originality of the author and 10% about the protagonist's violin skills. When i finished i used it as firewood. Best thing anything could do with that book.
October 17, 2017
Another brilliant book by Sharon Maas. This is a standalone story. It's the mid 1970's and married couple Monika and Jack can't have children so decide to adopt. Monika has joined a new charity who wish to help deserving children in India. She and Jack travel to there to asses where the charity can do most good. In Bombay they fall in love with a five year old Indian girl called Jyothi and when her mother dies, they decide to adopt her. The story is mostly told from Jyothi's insight as she struggles in England, with relationships, the culture, her music and love. This is a great story taking the reader on a fantastic journey.
August 4, 2017
My first book by this author. The writing was very atmospheric and transported you to the streets of India. Really felt for Jyothi - for all the things she had endured at such a young age and then to be uprooted and moved to the UK. Although it is set in an entirely different country this book reminded me of Dinah Jefferies and The Tea Planter's Wife. An evocative book and something a bit different to what I normally read - will definately read more by this author in order to be transported to another far away place. Thank you to the author and to TBC for the chance to read this title.
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