Beneath an Indian Sky

by Renita D'Silva

An unforgettable and heart-wrenching story of love, betrayal and family secrets. In colonial India a young woman finds herself faced with an impossible choice, the consequences of which will echo through the generations…

1928. In British-ruled India, headstrong Sita longs to choose her own path, but her only destiny is a good marriage. After a chance meeting with a Crown Prince leads to a match, her family’s status seems secured and she moves into the palace, where peacocks fill the gardens and tapestries adorn the walls. But royal life is far from simple, and her failure to provide an heir makes her position fragile. Soon Sita is on the brink of losing everything, and the only way to save herself could mean betraying her oldest friend…

2000. When Priya’s marriage ends in heartbreak, she flees home to India and the palace where her grandmother, Sita, once reigned as Queen. But as grandmother and granddaughter grow closer, Priya has questions. Why is Sita so reluctant to accept that her royal status ended with Independence? And who is the mysterious woman who waits patiently at the palace gates day after day? Soon Priya uncovers a secret Sita has kept for years – and which will change the shape of her life forever…

A breathtaking journey through India from British rule to Independence and beyond; a world of green hills, cardamom-scented air, and gold thread glinting in the sun, brought to life by Renita D’Silva’s exquisite writing. If you love Kathryn Hughes, Dinah Jefferies or Kristin Hannah, this is the novel for you.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, India, Audiobook

452 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2018

About the author

Renita D’Silva loves stories both reading and creating them. Wartime Comes To West India Dock Road, the second book in her historical saga series set on West India Dock Road, is out on July 23, 2025. Her books have been translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in The View from Here, Bartleby Snopes, this zine, Platinum Page, Paragraph Planet, Verve among others, have been nominated for the Pushcart prize, the Best of the Net anthology, shortlisted for the LoveReading Very Short Story award and The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize and longlisted for the BBC National Short Story award. Her short story, Eavesdropping Shamelessly, is published in the Arts Council England funded Bridges Not Borders anthology of prizewinning stories. Her first psychological thriller, The Neighbours, won the Joffe Books Prize 2023. Her second psychological thriller, The Dream Wedding, is out now.

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I’m about to start a new book by Renita D’Silva, I usually feel nervous, worrying that it won’t be able to match up to her previous book or that I’ll one day become immune to her beautifully descriptive prose and remarkable characters. However, having loved three previous books by this author, this is the first one I’ve started reading without that nervous feeling. Instead I had an excited shiver of anticipation, similar to that feeling as a child when you wake up on Christmas morning and wonder if Father Christmas got you what you wished for. Beneath an Indian Sky was most certainly a story beyond anything I could have wished for.

Set mostly in India, this story has the same exotic surroundings and atmosphere I’ve grown to love in Renita’s books. The location always comes to life with its vivid colours and scents. Beneath an Indian Sky has a real fairytale feel to it, with an opulent palace, a bitter queen, a charming prince, as well as a not-so-charming one, and even a hint of Cinderella in there too. This story allows you to indulge in the delightful dream of being a fairytale princess.

As with many fairytales, it’s not all sparkle and unicorns, so don't be fooled into thinking this is a story filled with just happiness and dreams come true. In fact there are no fairies, dragons or unicorns in this story, but there are cheetahs, elephants, monkeys, a leopard, a bear, parrots, peacocks (my parents have a peacock that visits their garden every day up in Yorkshire), and a pet mongoose which for some reason made me giggle each time it was mentioned. I did have to Google ‘mongoose’ to remind myself what they look like. It turns out they look not unlike the Superman meerkat cuddly toy I have on my computer desk. He keeps me company when my dog is snoring away, so I guess in a way I have a pet mongoose of my own. How exciting.

With only a handful of characters I found this story really easy to follow. I struggle when there are a lot of characters, but this story mainly focused on two friends, Mary and Sita, and gosh, how that innocent friendship as young girls shaped their futures was extraordinary! Let’s just say, when I started this book, I had no idea I’d end up where I did. What a truly incredible, sometimes shocking, and often emotional journey! Ooh, I’ve come over all tearful again. That ending!!! Anyone able to read the last scene without tears in their eyes must have a heart of stone, or no heart at all.

What I loved about the characters was the way my opinion of them changed over time. Depending on your personality, you may find yourself liking one character more than another, but it’s interesting to see as the characters develop and grow, whether your impression of them changes too. Mine certainly did. I loved watching Mary and Sita’s friendship blossom when they first met. How two very different personalities had a way of complimenting each other so well. At the time, little did I know what challenges they would face in the future.

My favourite character was Sita. I may not have always liked or agreed with her, but I found her the most intriguing, and admired her drive and motivation. Her desire to get on in life and be the most successful she could be, despite her unsupportive parents who treated her as if she was cursed (thank goodness my parents didn’t do that when I was born on Friday 13th), her lack of feeling loved, a deep desire for her parents to be proud of her, and her struggle to get an education, having to secretly read books (I can’t even imagine a childhood without books). Sita made me feel a mixture of emotions throughout, but mostly anguish and anticipation.

Beneath an Indian Sky is an emotional tale of friendship, passion, ambition, jealousy, guilt, regret and the importance of love. It is also my favourite book read this year so far, and quite possibly my favourite book by this author (although I’m not fully decided as I loved A Mother’s Secret so much). I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Renita D’Silva has done it again! She’s taken me off to another world, and made me fall in love with her characters as if they were real friends.

If you’ve enjoyed Renita’s books before, you’re going to LOVE this one. If you’ve never read any books by Renita, please, please, please read one of her books. I want more of you to experience her beautiful stories for yourselves.

This is my favourite quote from the book because of the beautiful image it placed in my mind:

A vast glimmering mirror and in the midst of it, floating serenely, a palace, its illuminated likeness reflected in the dark depths of the lake. Moonlight playing peekaboo with the stars, replicated on the placid, glowing water, which carries a sheen of starlight and a mystery all its own, hiding secrets within its soft, inviting depths.

My review is also on my blog here:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...

[Bharath · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book of Renita D’Silva that I have read. A decent story & writing makes this a worthwhile read.

The principal characters are – Sita, born to a conservative family like any other in the early 20th century and Mary, the daughter of English parents who are in India. Sita is determined to somehow make more of her life than simply getting married. She and Mary become friends, and Mary provides Sita freedom and change to the extent she can – such as loaning her books to read. Mary’s father also provides Sita with opportunities to participate in meetings with the local people. It is almost as if the girls are in the opposite families – Sita, constantly wanting to rebel among conservative parents, and Mary being hesitant & measured, among more unconventional parents. And there is Amin, a mutual friend with whom, both Sita and Mary hang around. Amin is balanced and content with a small ambition of becoming a boatman.

Sita meets the crown prince, who finds her charming and they are married after a painful waiting period. Very soon, Sita becomes the queen, wielding enormous influence, as she always aspired. The sequences around the time when Sita announces that she is pregnant are a little unnatural, in contrast to the rest of the story. On the other hand, Mary faces tragedy as her parents pass away in an accident. She then moves to England but is to return to India after a few years – but faces further heartbreak and tragedy, especially as the result of a chance encounter on her trip to India.

The story is told in 3 separate timelines, all of which merge well. The first two timelines are about Sita and Mary, and only at about 1/3rd of the book, I had some sense for where this was heading. The third timeline in 2000 deals with the story of Priya who finds out that her husband of many years, Jacob is cheating on her. While a side of her wants things to be back to the way they were between her and Jacob, she also realizes it will probably never be and she will have to move on. Her father encourages that they make a trip to India and that is where it all comes together. Thers are parts which feel forced. There is quite a bit of drama and average writing in parts.

A decent story, which could have been better.

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Paper boats in rainwater. The menthol flavour of eucalyptus and the creamy fragrance of jasmine, the taste of washed grass and churned mud after the rains."
- Renita D'Silva, - Beneath an Indian Sky


What utterly beautiful prose! What a story! Review to follow.

I’ve got so many different thoughts about this book whirling through my head.

So I should start by saying it has three different narrators . Part of it takes place in the early 20th century and part of it takes place in the here and now.

Mary and Sita become friends. Both of them are troubled girls, and both of them are envious of each other.

Mary does everything by the book. She is very much a rules girl . She is sweet, rather gentle and shy.

Sita is a lioness.

Sita is a fiery, nonconforming, rebellious, feline of a girl, whose parents don’t understand her and who is ripped apart by the old school Indian way doing things. Her parents want her to get married and raise a family. She wants to change the world. Her life is a constant rebellion, and she is bitterly unhappy.

The friendship flourishes until horrible events tear the two children apart. This book follows their lives.


There is also a third narrator, Priya I can’t say much about her without giving important things away.

There is so much to the story. I fell in love with the writing to the point where sometimes, after reading a particularly stirring metaphor, I had to take a deep breath and marvel at the beauty of the words dancing in front of me.

She is one of the most lyrical writers I’ve ever read. I mean it and there could be no doubt that this book is a little bit of a masterpiece. It’s a book that you feel and develop emotions for as you follow the characters on their sometimes gut, wrenching journeys.


The prose leaps off the pages. I love how she makes the crystal blue of the ocean, its own character. I love how she makes the gardens their own characters. Everything written here is illuminated in light, and it was a superb reading experience.

Now you may be wondering about the three rating. I struggled long and hard about what to give this but at the end of the day there were a few things that I was let down by including where the journey, took the girls, and who they grew into, as well as the supporting cast of characters, who I really wanted to know more about.

SPOILERS

I have to do this with spoilers. At about 60% in, things make a drastic turn.

Now , I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy the whole book because I did. But I found the believability stretched a little bit to the limit.


I couldn’t – I simply couldn’t believe that Sita becomes this scheming deceptive evil thing. There was no hint of that in her personality for the first 60% of the book.

On the contrary, she seems like the type who would rush to help someone in Mary’s position, a champion for the underdog. I understand that the queen might’ve driven her a bit crazy, but I really didn’t buy into and was extremely disappointed by her devolving.


Added to that was her active wickedness against her once friend Mary. I know that was the crux of the story, but I wish it had gone another direction. I would’ve like to see Sita go up against the mother queen. I love reading about palace, scheming, and I would’ve like to see Sita and her husband – their relationship more developed.

I did adore the Prince turned King with the twinkling eyes, who falls in love with Sita.

But he almost vanished from the book. Throughout the last 40% of the book I was waiting for confrontations that never happened.


I was waiting for a confrontation finally between Sita and the mother queen. I was waiting with bated breath for a confrontation between Sita, and husband. And of course I would’ve loved a final confrontation with Sita . and Mary.

Speaking of Mary , I wish things had turned out a little happier for her in the years before she reunites with her son. I felt like the supporting cast, who were really every bit as interesting as the main cast were given short stride , and I wish some of the time spent with Sita ruminating on her dilemma could have been spent by Illuminating the supporting, cast and giving us those confrontations.

I am glad it had – well – a sort of happy ending. It did for Mary anyway. But we’re given so little of it. Was it even a full page? They’re finally reunited, mother and son they hug and the book ends.

I have to be honest and say I finished the book with a sense of awe that any one author could be so talented, but also with a sense of frustration. It’s kind of like looking in the candy store not getting the candy.

I really really wanted to see the development of the characters including the supporting, cast and more scenes with them and to see how she for example how the king fell out of love with Sita , and I wanted more conversations between them.

At the end were told not shown what happens to a lot of the supporting cast and I didn’t like that.

So, taking all things into consideration, I decided to rate it 3.5 stars. A great book and unforgettable book a book that just – just – even made me a little teary-eyed in the book that highlights the almost incomprehensible beauty of India, in bright tropical, delicious jasmine scented colors.

It is my kind of book to be sure, and I would most definitely recommend it because the things that bothered me may not bother others and I cannot imagine if one is into historical fiction not falling in love with the writing style and the Beauty that is this book.

[Angela Marsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that I am the first in the queue when a new Renita D'Silva book becomes available and am not ashamed to beg the publisher for an early copy. I have devoured and relished every one of her books and this one was no exception. I was entranced by the stories of Mary and Sita and barely looked up from my kindle. Seeing them both get what they dreamed of as children and yet neither of them being happy was mesmerising. As ever the book was filled with masterful imagery placing me right in the middle of Indian palaces as well as local villages. Her descriptions and simply breathtaking. Not only does this author build characters that I care about but also relationships that I care about. Watching the emergence of Mary's character and the destruction of Sita's kept me rooted to the page. And the ending!! Well, most of Renita's books cause this hardened crime writer an eye malfunction and again, this one didn't let me down. A sheer triumph of a novel and one that I didn't want to end. Please hurry with the next.

[Pattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth of Renita’s books that I have read...and I am so grateful to have found her and her books! I love her detail, character development, rich cultural descriptions...ok...I must admit I love everything about her writing!! Many thanks, Renita and I hope that others who read these books also find pleasure!! Xx

[Caroline Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another magical read by the extremely talented Renita D'Silva. She is an amazing author and I never tire of her books. Prepare to be transported to another world when you open the pages of this beautifully written book.

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧

3.75 🌟



Renita D’Silva delivers a masterclass in old fashioned storytelling. Beneath an Indian Sky is another fine example of how to spring a place to mind, she writes in such a descriptive manner that I could feel the sun, smell the air and see the sights.

In 1930’s India, Mary and Sita are somewhat unlikely friends, Mary is a clever English girl who craves rules and purpose, her parents give her love and the promise of freedom. Sita is a headstrong spirited girl who wants nothing but freedom, she has a will to learn and covets Mary’s books, she envies the life free of the restraints of tradition with pets and books. When tragedy strikes the two girls are separated. Sita remains in India and Mary is sent back to England.

The years keep the girls apart into adulthood, but when they meet again the story becomes complex and devastating.

Present day England Priya’s marriage has fallen apart, she’s sinking into depression and her father begs her to accompany him back to India where her grandmother is dying, with her death they unravel the secrets and lies that have spanned the years.

I’m unsure if this is a relaunch, or simply newly audiofied, my rating would’ve been much higher, and it’s not really a true reflection of the book, I was almost at the end when I realised I had already read it.

Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Chris Babu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. Beneath an Indian Sky is a breathtaking novel that brought this hardened Wall Street guy to tears at the end. It was heartbreaking and tragic, and also ingenious and brilliant. As a male writer of young adult science fiction, I'm hardly the target demographic for this book, and yet it was one of the best novels I've ever read, and easily a new favorite. Renita D'Silva's lyrical, effortless writing is dreamy and is exceeded only in her ability to craft a wonderful story. While some writers lean on their terrific prose like a crutch, or count on clever storytelling to overcome weak writing, this author has that rare ability to excel at both skills. It takes real talent and skill to make everyday life a gripping and thrilling affair, but she succeeds in spades. As an author myself, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the writing, with exactly the right amount of description to transport me to 1925's India or 1936's England. It's always a challenge to nail the balance of description, and Renita captures the precise details to make you see, feel, and smell a scene without ever slowing the pace. Her prose dazzles down to the sentence level.

As the story advanced, for me, the writing stepped into the background to make way for a truly captivating epic tale. Witnessing Mary and Sita’s stories, intertwined with the history of India, was enthralling. Watching the transformation of their characters through triumph and disaster was a masterclass in character development. Even early in the book, they were so true to life that it was hard not to imagine them as real people rather than fictional characters. Both were complex, and rich with dreams, fears, and flaws. Who knew that I would find women in British colonial India so relatable? The contrast of their character arcs was particularly well done, supplying extra force to their development. I loved the way the different storylines spanning generations fell together so seamlessly, and how cleverly the author tied them together. Renita definitely kept me guessing because I had no idea where this story would end up, and there were many twists that left me gasping for breath. It was a vivid illustration of how understandable mistakes in life can spiral into tragedy. I don't typically give spoilers, but I will say the ending simply tore me to shreds. This novel is exceptional, and Renita D'Silva should be a household name with the elite level of fiction she consistently offers. Read this book right now, regardless of what genre you usually like. You will love this book!

[Denise]

"All it takes is one decision, one moment of madness, of curiosity winning over sense, for your life to change for ever."

Mary and Sita meet in India as children but then tragedy interupts their idyllic life of freedom. Each girl fights against expectations of parents and society as they grow into adulthood. Both independent and single-minded, Mary and Sita try to make their dreams come true. Unfortunately, betrayal and jealousy mar their lives and prevent happiness.

Set against the lush background of India beginning in 1925, the narrative goes back and forth in time and alternates between the voices of the Englishwoman, Mary, and the Indian, Sita. One can almost see, smell, hear and taste the country through the eyes of the women. This novel is rich in detail and description.

Those readers who enjoy historical fiction will surely find a dramatic and moving story within these pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.

[Fiona Valpy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those wonderful books that stays with you long after you turn the final page (and wipe away the tears!). The principal characters are immensely likeable even though they are deeply flawed, and their motivations within the gripping twists and turns of the plot are compelling. Themes of loss, grief, guilt, duty, power and love are deftly interwoven and handled with subtlety and feeling. A sweeping saga, beautifully written, with luscious descriptions which transport you to India in the days of the British Raj - I thoroughly enjoyed losing myself in this book.

[Emiliya Bozhilova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Изобилие от сапунена пяна, ухаеща от времена време на индийски подправки.

Началото е обещаващо. Силната, упорита Сита е родена в богато традиционно индийско семейство, което ѝ забранява да се образова и да използва ума си, защото нито едно от двете не е нужно на една благопристойна индийска съпруга през 20-те години на ХХ век. Сита обаче опровергава всички… Мери, дъщеря на англичани в Индия, на свой ред се умърлушва от предоставената ѝ свобода - малкото момиче иска просто ясни правила, а не някаква свобода. Необичайното приятелство на двете момчета е съпроводено с много завист, която след години избива в черно предателство.

След силното начало обаче се започва едно изреждане на случайни събития без никакво разгръщане и обяснение, едни повторения и досадни монолози - и цялата екзотична атмосфера и прилични герои се озоваха в канавката. Сита до един момент е завладяващ образ в стил Скарлет О’Хара, докато изведнъж авторката започва с безмислени препускания и изреждания. Мери се търпи до средата, след което избледнява до сиво безличие. Логиката и нея я хвана липсата. Романът сякаш е скроен от една хубава книга, и от едни разхвърляни и хаотични наброски за съвсем друга книга, чудеща се дали случайно не е турска сапунка под прикритие. Цялата втора половина носи “вълнението” на кратките, безлично надписи, съпътстващи ням филм.

Не съм сигурна доколко екзотиката се покрива с действителността в Индия, но тя поне присъства последователно и е единственото, което спасява положението. Драма липсва, за сметка на толкова насилена мелодрама, че когато дойде финалът, той вече нямаше никакво значение.

На всичкото отгоре авторката работи по твърд шаблон, след като прочетох още една нейна и книга и прелистих друга. И в трите случая “на кого е детето - досадна внучка в криза на средната възраст - 50 години скрити тайни, упоменати мимоходом в една страница - на 80 годишна възраст най-сетне имаме развръзка” е прилежно следван подход. Подробностите са за декорация. Но има и добра новина: цената е 2 лева.

[Clare Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was brilliant on so many levels. First off, it was simply a fantastic, gripping and moving story that had me tearing through the pages, desperate to know what would happen. And then it was also a joy to read because of its rich, vivid descriptions. It’s also one of those books that makes you think – in this case about family relationships and the unforeseen and shocking fall-out there can be from the weight of a parent’s expectation on their child. Wonderful.

[Deyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting enthralled me, held me captive and made me realize just how little I know of the opulence of the wealthy in India. I was not familiar with the food, customs, smells, traditions, etc. and I was fascinated. The story line stretched my "suspend disbelief" ...hence the rating.

[Deborah O'Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow..... what a book great story ! I have read all of Renita's books and each one gets better and better. So far this is my absolute favourite. (until the next one comes out lol).

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for ages to read Renita's latest release and I think this is possibly her best book to date. Sita and Mary are two young girls that become unlikely friends in the 1920s and 30's in India. Sita is headstrong and feisty and goes against everything her parents wish for her. She meets Mary who lives with two parents that believe in people choosing their own paths. The two friends have very different ideas of what is the ideal life path to choose. However, when tragedy strikes it changes everything and the two girls literally become worlds apart.

In current times Priya is dealing with the end of her marriage and although this story is not as meaty as that of Sita and Mary, Priya has no idea how her life will change when she finally sets foot in India. The characters I just fell in love with. The story I was absorbed in from start to finish and truly this was a book I didn't and couldn't put down.

There are many reviews which will go into finer detail on the plot, characters and so on, but I truly don't feel the need. This book will literally take you to another time and another world and you will find yourself falling in love with it all. This is my absolute favourite by Renita so far and I would HUGELY recommend this book to anybody that loves a book that will engage you from page one.

[Joseph - Relax And Read Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read most of the books written by the brilliant Renita D'Silva, and absolutely loved each and every one of them. Through her beautiful, colourful prose, she always makes me dream, taking me back in time, away from real life chaos, on enchanting journeys to and from magnificent India.

The story in 'Beneath an Indian Sky' is a poignant, character-driven tale of hope, love, guilt and betrayal revolving around three women: Sita, Mary and Priya. Sita's and Mary's stories start in the 1930s when India was under British rule. Priya's story takes place in the year 2000.

"I will run away and create my own destiny."

Sita is a rebellious, feisty young girl, outraged at the unfairness of life. Why isn't she allowed to do the things boys do? Why can't she read, study, play in the mud like her brother? Her parents can't wait to get her married, but she doesn't want to end up serving a man for the rest of her life. She doesn't want to learn how to sew, dance, sing and keep house like other girls do. Why do men have such power? Why do they get to decide what women must do? I loved Sita and her strongheaded, rebellious nature and jealous character. These will help her thrive and achieve what she's craved all her life, but at what cost!?

Mary is a lovely English girl who lives in India with her parents. She becomes best friends with Sita. Sita loves her company as it enables her to escape from her claustrophobic home where her mother rules supreme, and Mary has all that Sita misses and craves: books, freedom. Life is so unfair! Mary is not bound by any rules and regulations and is given free rein by her parents.

When tragedy strikes, the two girls' lives are changed forever. They are separated and lose all contact. Half a world away from each other, both girls embark on very different, but equally convoluted life journeys, until years later, their paths cross again. And OMG what happens then!! The story takes on an unexpected, shocking twist at this point.

Priya's marriage ends suddenly when the love of her life leaves her for a much younger girl. Her father urges her to go with him to India to take her mind off things and visit her ailing grandmother. At that point there was no way Priya could have foreseen how her life would change once she lands on Indian soil.

Okay, I honestly think this is the author's best book ever!! It's just amazing, a rollercoaster of emotions, a kaleidoscope of colours, an outburst of sights, smells and sounds. This heart-rending story made me feel all sorts of emotions: joy, hope, anger, sadness. I actually ended up with tears running down my cheeks by the end, something that has never happened to me while reading, but I couldn't help it. My emotions were all over the place and there was so much heartache and turmoil going on that it felt like opening a valve, releasing all the pent-up pressure that has been building up since the beginning of the book. That ending (WOW!) will remain imprinted on my mind for many years.

All characters, settings and details in this novel, both in the past and the present, are brought to life in vivid colour and splendour. And colour is a tool this author knows how to wield very effectively and make full use of in her spectacular descriptions of characters and locations. For example this is how she describes a typical Indian marketplace:

"...piles of rotting vegetables, mounds of potent-smelling spices in all colours of the rainbow spilling from cane baskets, lurid yellow dough confections sizzling and sputtering in huge vats of oil, cows and dogs weaving between people dressed in kaleidoscopic garb, a cacophony of noises and scents..."

​So full of life and realistic, don't you think? You can visualise this scene perfectly.

An element which I liked in this book is the contrast between rich and poor. On one side, we have the tiny mud huts by the river that use a piece of cloth for door. On the other, we have the vast opulent palace of the king, with its countless enormous rooms, jaw-dropping luxuries and furnishings, beautiful gardens and courtyards. It's all portrayed so vividly that I felt as if I were there exploring and admiring all this. Another aspect I really enjoyed in this book is the inclusion of many exotic animals and birds like elephants, deer, monkeys, cheetahs, a mongoose, parrots and mynah birds.

By now you might have suspected that I really enjoyed this book, haha! I could go on and on, there's so much to say about this beautiful epic tale, its characters, the well thought out plot, the exquisite prose and all its wonderful aspects. But I'll just add one more thing - Fantastic, Ms D'Silva, simply fantastic!! Well done!!

With thanks to Bookouture for approving my request to read and review this book through Netgalley. Highly recommended!!

[Pankaj Giri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swamped with review requests in the past year or so, I had completely forgotten about this novel by one of my favorite authors and my literary idol, Renita D'Silva, that I had purchased last year when it had come out. Only when I discovered that Renita had come up with a new novel and read a review of the same by Jules Mortimer, my reviewer friend and another admirer of Renita's writing, that I resolved to take a break from review requests momentarily and start reading 'Beneath an Indian Sky'.

This novel is about the lives of Sita and Mary, two people as different as chalk and cheese, and how different challenges and experiences mold them and help them find themselves—a story about love, secrets, betrayal, and redemption. Right until the last page, the story left me engrossed.

The best aspect of Renita's writing is her characterization, the numerous hues that she paints the characters with, making the characters as full and real as is literally possible. However, despite the comprehensive characterization, in this novel, I couldn't fall in love with the characters as much as in her previous novels. In her previous two novels, there was at least one character whom I was rooting for from the very beginning, but in this novel, some hateful traits kept appearing in both the characters, preventing me from forming a strong bond with them. But in the end, Mary eventually found my love, and the brilliant, satisfying ending reduced me to tears, as every novel of Renita's does.

The story, however, is captivating, complex, and weaved so magically that I feel it had the best plotting out of the three books of Renita's I have read. The chapters are short and leave you wanting for more, preventing you from pausing the read. As always, I found myself getting emotional several times, and of course, I cried a couple of times too.

One of the highlights of Renita's writing that I discovered in this book is how she can predict the questions that may arise in readers' minds about the decisions taken by the characters. There were several instances where all my nagging questions were answered in the very next paragraph. This highlights the prowess of the author.

The descriptions are exceptional as usual, transporting you to the scene by indulging all your senses, something very few writers manage to do nowadays. The sights, sounds, and the ambiance of India and England (and their massive contrasts) are portrayed with marvelous precision. The language is delicious as expected, the simple, lucid prose seasoned with lovely metaphors occasionally and laced with powerful prose wherever necessary, a treat for lovers of lyrical, descriptive fiction like me.

This is another magnificent novel by Renita—I wonder how she manages to produce such literary gems year after year—and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of fiction. 4.6 stars from my side.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This is the second historical fiction I have read by UK-based Indian author Renita D’Silva. This one was set predominantly in India in the 1920s and 1930s featuring childhood friends Mary and Sita, with a third storyline set in contemporary England.

Mary is an English girl growing up with her free-spirited unconventional parents in India. While they encourage Mary to follow her dreams and change the world, Mary is timid and shy and all she longs for is some routine and convention in her life. By contrast, her friend Sita grows up resenting the shackles placed on her by her family, culture and most of all her gender. She longs to defy her mother and run off to get an education like her brother. She envies Mary her life, her parents, and most of all her easy access to all the books she desires. Sita is determined she will become a somebody.

A tragedy separates the girls and spirits Mary back to England where she grows up under the meticulous rule of her aunt, training for her debut appearance at the palace where she might catch an appropriate husband. A chance overheard conversation changes the course of Mary’s life and uncovers her suppressed memories of her parents and India.

When Mary returns to India it is in a very different frame of mind. She is here to uncover the real Mary. A chance romance aboard the ship brings unexpected and major repercussions to her life. When at last she meets her childhood friend, now Queen Sita, the story takes another twist and dive.

I enjoyed the stories of the two very different girls Mary and Sita, and the adults they turned out to be. I liked the descriptions of the palace intrigue, drama and also dazzling opulence with peacocks roaming the gardens, riding in Ambari (covered carriage) atop elephants, and cheetahs hunting their prey.

I found the third storyline about Priya completely uncaptivating, and really fairly unnecessary. I think if you introduce a character just as personal disaster strikes the reader has had no time to develop any empathy for that character. Consequently Priya’s storyline was all wallowing that I couldn’t particularly conjure up any empathy for. She was really only in the story to tie up the ends which could have been done another way.

Nevertheless I did enjoy this story and its setting, although not as much as The Girl in the Painting, and I will read another by this author.

[Joanna Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always great to find a new historical fiction writer and Renita D’silva is definitely an author I’ll be reading more of in the future as I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

From the first pages I felt immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of India.  I could really picture the setting in my mind and felt like I was right there next to Mary and Sita watching everything unfold . I particularly liked the vivid descriptions of Mary’s garden in India with its wonderful wildness and amazing animals running free.  I’d love to have had such a garden as a kid and I enjoyed reading about the kid’s exploits there, imagining the fun I’d have had.

Mary and Sita where my two favourite characters and I enjoyed reading about their friendship, despite their differences.  Sita is a very strong willed, rebellious character who wants more to life than the marriage and kids her parent’s have planned for her.  Mary in contrast is a very gentle, tidy little girl who is loved by everyone and just wants to fit in.  She is embarrassed my her free spirited parents and think she doesn’t live up to their expectations.  These differences actually bring the two girls together, helping them try new things that neither would have dared try before and helping them to see the opposite view to the one they have. There were times when both characters did annoy me though as they seemed so selfish and set in their ways.  Despite this I was very sad when, after a tragedy, the two are forced to separate as I’d have loved to have more about their friendship as young girls.

The story is told from three points if view Sita’s, Mary’s and Priya in the present day.  I did initially orefer Sita and Mary’s story as it wasn’t immediately obvious where and how Priya fitted in.  However I soon liked all three stories equally, especially when Priya visits India.

The gradual unraveling of what happened was brilliantly done and took me by surprise as I didn’t see some of them coming.  Even without these though I loved the book for how involved in the story and the girls lives it made me feel and I truly felt a bit sad when it ended and I wasn’t able to read more about their world.

This is the first book by Renita D’silva I have read but it won’t be my last as I thought this book was absolutely superb!  If you like dual time, historical fiction with a bit of mystery you will love this book.

Huge thanks to Kim Nash and bookouture for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good old fashioned story telling and a wonderful plot with terrific characters make this a must read. Priya's return to India in 2000 is the tent pole for the story of two women which begins in 1928- Sita and Mary- from very different circumstances who became the best of friends and then.....Sita becomes royalty as a result of her marriage but things are not that simple. Mary isn't so simple either. There are secrets, there are lies, there's all sorts of things I don't want to spoil. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[gail gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

breathtaking!

As always an evocative and totally absorbing read. A journey of the senses and the soul. Cannot wait for the next book. No pressure! Thanks. Gail

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath an Indian Sky is the latest historical fiction read from author Renita D'Silva. It is a heartbreaking story of love, loss, betrayal, guilt and family secrets. It takes you by the hand and leads you on a journey into three women’s lives to demonstrate how friendship can turn into fierce ambition that only leads to destruction and devastation. This book is very character driven but all the better for it. Initially I was missing out on the character in the present delving back into the past to uncover secrets as is quite often normal in the time slip novels I read in the historical fiction genre. I soon came to realise that Priya in the present, who has just discovered her marriage is over due to her cheating husband, was not to be the sole focus of this book.

In fact when the very chapters from her viewpoint appeared every now and again I found myself reading them as quickly as possible to get back to Mary and Sita's story which I found to be much more fascinating and intriguing, as the in bonds of friendship and love were tested to their max .Yes Priya was an essential element but more so in the last section of the story as she is the one who helps the journey attempt to come full circle, in a way she helps to join the dots to complete the puzzle. I did feel for the circumstances she found herself in and I thought she was very vulnerable but this was more Sita and Mary's story to tell. An emotional story of passion, yearning, zeal and regret.

The book is divided into seven sections, some more brief than others but they were all essential as they helped move the story on in terms of months and years passing by. For this book has issues that require setting up and then further exploration and development. The pain of loss and sacrifice does not happen over night neither does it diminish. Everything that occurs has far reaching and long lasting consequences which last a life time and cannot be resolved satisfactorily within a short space of a few weeks or months. Pain, hurt and anger do not leave instantly but rather there comes an acceptance of one can not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Should the characters involved lay down and accept this betrayal or should they fight until the bitter end? But in this case the reader hopes that the unnecessary actions of one which cause so much heartache to another will see some justice served.

Renita D'Silva has woven a powerful story and what gathers the reader in so quickly is the stunning evocative descriptions. One feels as if they are there in India feeling the heartbeat and soul of the country through the heat, exotic foods and the constant hum of people and animals. The glorious descriptions come alive on the page and in particular in this story a royal palace takes centre stage and through such vivid writing, you can imagine the opulence and abundance of wealth that allowed any desire or wish to be fulfilled. Renita has brought alive a time in India's history which is long gone and which may never be replicated again.

England, 1936, Mary Brigham is about to come out at the royal court after a season on the London circuit with her cousins. Mary questions whether this is what she actually wants or is love, family, a husband, children and a household of her own more in keeping with her character and hidden wishes. It soon becomes apparent that England has not been the background to Mary's childhood and that the country of India is where she grew up. An arrival at her Aunt's household leads to a devastating discovery for Mary which in turn makes her question everything. Why had she blocked out that time she spent in India? So many questions run through her mind and to get answers, to satisfy the wishes of her now lost but beloved parents she returns to the heat, excitement and mysteries that await her. In doing so she embarks on a journey with clear intentions but little does she realise said trip will change her once again forever. In the beginning I did find it difficult to keep track of the time period I was reading about despite it being written at the beginning of each chapter. It went from 1936 , then back to the mid 1920's, the present and then back to the 30's again. It all felt a little jumpy until I settled down into the rhythm and pattern of the story.

In 1925, we meet Sita, a young girl who feels so constrained by the rules placed upon someone of her sex. The reader can see Sita has spirit, she is different from the norm and will not be happy with marriage, children and a husband. She wants to be out there experiencing adventures, freedom and life in general. She is a disappointment to her parents as her antics do not inspire good things. From the moment she was born she is believed to have brought bad luck and the fact a suitable husband cannot be found only further re-enforces her mother's beliefs. Sita is fearless, feisty, untameable and unafraid. She will take on any challenge but maybe these qualities will turn out to be her weakness and a downfall can only be inevitable. Sita is not at all docile, as she constantly plots to run away and lead her own exciting life. Bring groomed for marriage is the last thing she wishes for. It is admirably for someone who wants to go against the norm but Sita to me seemed as if she would be restless, anxious and always on the look out for something else no matter even if she had achieved her goal.

She was a person who would become ruthless and cold hearted in her schemes and would trample over anyone to get where she needed to be. I did like her initially but over the course of the book as her story is developed her character was not someone I liked. Her actions were so cruel and unforgiving and when she committed the ultimate betrayal and got what she wanted it was almost like she goaded over those she had hurt and left behind. I think she deserved everything that came her way. I did admire her free spirit and wanting to go against the norm when we first met her but she took things way too far and caused too much hurt and suffering. So much so her own life couldn't be a bed of roses as guilt must have been eating her up.

When Mary and Sita first encounter each other and develop a friendship as young girls, they are complete opposites. Sita is bound by shackles she feels her parents place around her whereas Mary's parents afford her freedom which she is not willing to embrace. Two very contrasting girls yet they bond and develop a friendship, one which you would hope can survive anything. Little do they know a chance friendship will led to such a forbearing on their futures. But when devastation strikes and the girls are torn apart, two very different paths emerge for the pair. Will the paths lead them back to each other or has fate a lot of surprises and twists and turns in store for the pair?

I never quite knew where the story would eventually lead too and thanks to such brilliant writing my opinions of the characters changed several times. Normally I find myself coming down on one characters side and I never stray from that but here that wasn't the case and I loved the fact it was so. Beneath an Indian Sky provides the reader with a lot more than they bargained for. A myriad of emotions arise as you read through the story as the author has written with such detail and passion. It highlights be careful what you wish for and that maybe to some extent we should be content with the lot we have been dealt in life. This book is full of heartache, turmoil, sadness, bitterness and love and has confirmed Renita D'Silva if you hadn't thought so already as a top class author who can write a scintillating and impassioned story that will have the reader gripped.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year I read Renita’s book, A Daughter’s Courage. It was a beautiful, emotional read that has since claimed a spot in my list of favorites. I was delighted to find out that the author has a new book . I am totally honored to share my review of Beneath an Indian Sky as part of the blog tour organized by Bookouture.

The story is set in India and partly in England. It is narrated through two main timelines and three narrators. The author did a fantastic job in seamlessly interweaving the story between narrators and timelines. Through the chapters, we get to meet two young girls growing up in India, Sita and Mary. Sita is a fearless, rebellious Indian girl. Mary on the other hand is a shy, reserved English girl. Right from the start, readers get to see how the friendship changed the girls’ lives. The effects of this childhood friendship are felt again when the girls later reconnect as grownups.

I really liked the description of the setting. The vivid imagery took me to India. I could visualize the exotic locations, the trips on elephants and the beautiful cheetahs that Sita liked. The author made me feel like I was right there in the beautiful garden with Mary. In my mind, I could see the vibrant colors of the plants against the background of the majestic palace. I don’t know another author who brings settings alive like Renita does. I could see, smell and even feel India just from the way that she described it. She really does paint pictures with her words.

The setting wasn’t the only thing that was brought to life in the story; the characters were equally masterfully crafted and easy to connect with. It didn’t matter whether they were good or bad. The author made me care about all of them. I understood their motives even when I didn’t agree with their actions. The supporting characters were also very well portrayed. There are some that were present in only a few chapters but they greatly affected the course of the narrative and left their mark. The two that stood out to me the most were Charles and Sita’s mother-in-law.

This book has a number of heavy, interesting themes. One that really stood out for me was motherhood and how it is perceived in different situations. How in some circumstances, it is celebrated but in others, it only brings heartache and pain. Gender roles were also covered in the narrative and so were family ties. Another theme that I thought was quite well developed was ambition. It was interesting to see how the characters were influenced by their ambitions and just how far they were willing to go to achieve their goals. Although this is historical fiction, the themes are still relevant today. They are so realistically portrayed that they will make you identify feelings that you didn’t even know that you have experienced before. I know I have been examining my friendships a bit differently since reading this book.

This was a beautiful narrative but it was also quite heartbreaking. It covers a span of decades and readers get to follow the girls’ lives from childhood to old age. There were disappointments along the way, a lot of betrayal and pain.

I ended up devouring this book in a day because I couldn’t stop turning the pages. This is the kind of story that brings characters into your life who end up claiming a spot in your mind and heart. I still can’t get over the heartbreak that I felt while reading the story and again, when I got to the last page and had to say goodbye to the characters.

If you have never read Renita’s books, you need to rectify that. Start with Beneath an Indian Sky or A Daughter’s Courage. I am currently on a mission to read everything that she has ever written. Definitely recommended!

All my reviews are published on my blog, https://ahavenforbooklovers.wordpress...

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

I have had one of those weeks where I have just wanted to get away from everything. I'm sure we have all had that feeling at least once in our lifetimes, but, seeing as running away wasn't exactly feasible, I had to find a book that was able to transport me as far away as possible. Thankfully Renita D'Silva was on hand with 'Beneath an Indian Sky'! I think India is a pretty good distance away from Scotland, don't you?

Switching between two different times (the past, and the present), Renita D'Silva has written a story which not only was able to transport me to India, it also had the ability to transport me to a very realistic 1928. Now, I say realistic like I was actually there - I wasn't born in 1928 but due to the beautiful descriptions and the vivid imagery which D'Silva's writing brought to life in my mind, it truly felt as though I was standing in the middle of a palace in 1928.

With the storyline also being set in the year 2000 and despite there being a rather large gap between the two years, D'Silva has flawlessly merged both into one overall gritty tale which enabled me to completely lose myself in the authors words and everything the story represented. 

Renita D'Silva certainly hasn't left any stone unturned with this book, that's for sure. Sita's life moved me to tears and for the life of me, I cannot put into words why that was. I just know that I have never been moved by one characters story in that way before, and for that reason alone, 'Beneath an Indian Sky' will forever have a special place in my heart.

A moving, gritty, realistic and untouchable novel from the outstanding Renita D'Silva.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An evocative, emotional encounter with India from the mid-1920s to the millennium, tracing the lives of three women through their hopes, loves, lies and secrets.
Sita and Mary become friends both finding something in the other that they like and admire, but even at the beginning of their childhood friendship, lies and secrets are evident. A tragic event changes the course of both their lives but fate brings them back together as young women. One suffers the ultimate betrayal, and the other carries a guilty secret that blights her entire life. The women's lives are full of complex relationships, and the three stories are enthralling, where they intertwine the emotion intensifies, demonstrating their ambition, independent spirit and tenacity.
A beautifully written, thought-provoking story. Set mainly in India, the setting is atmospheric and imaginable through the vividly descriptive prose. Historically the book is set in a pivotal time for India and its people, which provides an opportunity for some and takes away privilege from others, in its wake. A story of childhood dreams, and adult realities and the fine line between good and evil, a lovely way to while away a few hours.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary is an British girl who lives with her loving parents in India during the colonial period. She becomes life-long friends with Sita and Amin, two young Indian locals that are major characters throughout the book. After the tragic death of her parents, Mary lives in England with family until she decides to go back to India to discover the hidden past of her childhood. What started out rather slowly, ended up consuming me as I couldn't put down this emotional and heartfelt novel! The story has love, heartache, tragedy and deception swirling in it's core that makes it one of the best stories that I've read this year! This is a fabulous addition to historical fiction.

Beneath an Indian Sky by Renita D'Silva is available from Bookouture. An egalley of this book was made available from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

[Wytzia Raspe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three young children are friends in 1930ties India: a poor Muslim boy, a rich Hindu girl and an English one. The Indian girl yearns for knowledge and freedom and the English one is given that but too shy to grasp it.

When they grow up one of them will get a great opportunity and grasps it while the other does a leap of faith and looses all.

While one is clinging to all she has and lives in fear, the other mourns but uses her life as a testament of love.

We follow both women's life story. A story that is very emotional and sad oozes a great loss. I was in tears.

[Paula Sealey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely story following two friends and their intersecting journeys growing up in India.

Sita and Mary meet as young children. Sita is the fiery girl, not fond of the strict rules imposed upon her by her family. Incensed that, being a girl, she is not allowed to read books but must instead learn to dance and sew, she is ecstatic to be introduced to Mary. Mary is the daughter of the Deputy Commissioner and her life couldn't be any more different. She has no strict regime, is allowed to read books and run free. Sita covets her life and does all she can to spend more time at Mary's home. When a tragic event sees Mary sent away to England, Sita devises a plan to escape from her life and gain her own power.

Years later, Mary returns to India and meets with Sita again, but under very different circumstances. Sita still covets Mary's life though, and betrays her friend in the most tragic way.

This book is beautifully rich in detail; I really got a sense of the opulence in the palaces and the sights and smells of India. The modern chapters of Priya and her father flowed very nicely into the overall story making for a satisfying read. There was a definite 'Be careful what you wish for!' moral to this endearing tale.

*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW..........I am lost for words.......But, what a wonderful, beautiful audiobook Beneath an Indian Sky by Renita D'Silva was and narrated by Aasiya Shah. . . . .

This book is about 2 young girls growing up in India. Sita and Mary become good friends when they were children. Sita is a Very head strong young girl and wants to make a difference.. Her parents are very strict and does not want Sita to read books and learn, but to be married into a good family at an early age.
Mary is the daughter of the Deputy Commissioner and comes from a loving family. Mary is allowed to run free and read books and learn about the world around her. Two different lives they both lead.
A tragic event happens and Mary has to go back to England to live with her family as Mary's parents are killed.
Sadly they loose contact with each other.

Many Years have passed, Now, Mary returns to India and helps out as a teacher in a local school for girls and Mary meets Sita again under very different circumstances.
Now, Sita has made a difference and became a very powerful lady and now is Queen of India.

But do they become good friends again?

Beneath an Indian Sky is Just a wonderful book. Very emotional story of passion, regret, friendship, greed and jealousy. My heart went out to Sita and Mary.
Renita writes with Passion and so much detail of all the characters you will meet in this book. You will fall in love with the atmosphere and smells of India.
You'll be thinking what if .......as the Moral of the Story is "Be careful what you wish for! Power and greed is not everything. However, Friendship is"

So turn off your Mobile. Make a hot drink. Find a comfy chair, open this book and become apart of this wonderful story. Don't forget to have your tissues, by your side as you will need them.. . . .Lots of them!

If I could give this book 100 stars I would So 5 big Fat Stars.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher Bolinda Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[J.A. Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous, breathtaking story. I was captivated by the tales of Mary and Sita and lost sleep, wanting to keep reading more. And that ending - what a shocking twist! This story is a true emotional rollercoaster. Some books - most in fact - I read and then forget . Not this one. It will remain with me for many years, it's that unforgettable. I completely loved it and it's fabulous...wish I could give it ten stars!!