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Macquarie #1
By Eastern Windows
Set in the beauty of Scotland, the magic of India, and the hostility of China, peopled with memorable characters of all races, By Eastern Windows is the story of a young British soldier, Lachlan Macquarie, posted to India where he meets Jane Jarvis, a young girl from the Caribbean – beautiful, different and exciting – who becomes the greatest love, and the greatest tragedy, of his life. It is also the story of the young men who travelled with him, far from home, serving their King in a country they came to love, while coping with the complex differences between East and West.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 15, 2013
Interesting book based on a true story of a Scots soldier stationed all over the British Empire. It's book one in a series, and will lead to the founding of Australia.
It started out reading kind of dry. But I think part of it is that it's a love story told through the eyes of a disciplined tactical soldier and would not sound authentic told any other way. Once I adjusted my expectations the story kept my attention and kept me reading. I will look for the other books in the series I think.
It started out reading kind of dry. But I think part of it is that it's a love story told through the eyes of a disciplined tactical soldier and would not sound authentic told any other way. Once I adjusted my expectations the story kept my attention and kept me reading. I will look for the other books in the series I think.
May 27, 2020
But what about the chair?
Having enjoyed other historical novels of Gretta Curran Brown on Ireland, I picked up this book, out of curiosity about Australia and its unique history, and, less significant but more compelling for me, because I had been curious about a tourist attraction called Mrs. Macquarie's Chair.
By Eastern Windows is first in a series of four novels about the movers and shakers in Australia's history, and the Mr. Macquarie who played a key role in transforming New South Wales, then a harsh penal colony, into a proud member of the British Commonwealth. However, this first book is not about Australia, but about the early life and career of young Lachlan Macquarie as he moves up the ranks in the British Army, first serving in America, then in British-occupied India and elsewhere, and back home in Scotland.
We see his sterling character emerge in his return from America to his childhood home, where his widowed mother and handicapped brother struggle to survive under the dominance of an uncle who keeps them indebted to him, whose protective role is overshadowed by his excesses and greed. To pay their debts, he sacrifices. his own desire to.remain with them in Scotland and accepts a commission in the British Army which takes him to India.
In India, his leadership, his respect for all worthy people no matter their station or color, his fair treatment of the men who serve under him, and his successes in the field earn him the admiration of his superiors, and elevation of his rank. At the same time, he meets disdain and rancor from some in the upper class, the "exclusives," who consider him an upstart, especially when he wins the love of one of their most eligible daughters, and is slandered as a fortune hunter.
The historical details, the landscape and atmosphere enveloping Lachlan's story are accurately and masterfully presented without being tedious or interrupting the narrative of this amazing gentleman soldier. But alas--and this is not really a spoiler--my curiosity about Mrs. Macquarie (he still has a mother at home) and her chair must wait for the next book.
Having enjoyed other historical novels of Gretta Curran Brown on Ireland, I picked up this book, out of curiosity about Australia and its unique history, and, less significant but more compelling for me, because I had been curious about a tourist attraction called Mrs. Macquarie's Chair.
By Eastern Windows is first in a series of four novels about the movers and shakers in Australia's history, and the Mr. Macquarie who played a key role in transforming New South Wales, then a harsh penal colony, into a proud member of the British Commonwealth. However, this first book is not about Australia, but about the early life and career of young Lachlan Macquarie as he moves up the ranks in the British Army, first serving in America, then in British-occupied India and elsewhere, and back home in Scotland.
We see his sterling character emerge in his return from America to his childhood home, where his widowed mother and handicapped brother struggle to survive under the dominance of an uncle who keeps them indebted to him, whose protective role is overshadowed by his excesses and greed. To pay their debts, he sacrifices. his own desire to.remain with them in Scotland and accepts a commission in the British Army which takes him to India.
In India, his leadership, his respect for all worthy people no matter their station or color, his fair treatment of the men who serve under him, and his successes in the field earn him the admiration of his superiors, and elevation of his rank. At the same time, he meets disdain and rancor from some in the upper class, the "exclusives," who consider him an upstart, especially when he wins the love of one of their most eligible daughters, and is slandered as a fortune hunter.
The historical details, the landscape and atmosphere enveloping Lachlan's story are accurately and masterfully presented without being tedious or interrupting the narrative of this amazing gentleman soldier. But alas--and this is not really a spoiler--my curiosity about Mrs. Macquarie (he still has a mother at home) and her chair must wait for the next book.
March 14, 2019
Have your tissues ready
Different from my usual reads but one I would encourage any of my friends to read. Two countries closely associated with my family, India and Scotland, I was drawn to the characters and background. The plots and subplots were so well developed. A love story that had me in tears and scenes of lands far away that touched my heart.
Different from my usual reads but one I would encourage any of my friends to read. Two countries closely associated with my family, India and Scotland, I was drawn to the characters and background. The plots and subplots were so well developed. A love story that had me in tears and scenes of lands far away that touched my heart.
June 20, 2015
I didn't realize that By Eastern Windows, by Gretta Curran Browne, was a historical novel based upon a real person, a biography of sorts, as it begins like an 18th century historical romance novel. The story is based on historical documents of soldier and Scotsman from the Isle of Mull, Lachlan Macquarrie, aka the Father of Australia. I knew none of this backstory until I had finished the novel. Irish author Gretta Curran Browne has done a credible job sussing out the life of Lachlan Mcquarrie, and the fact that the story was based on actual facts, explains some of the perceived anomalies and dropped threads in the storyline. Mcquarrie's first wife, Jane Jarvis, a Jean Rhys style Caribbean island girl, is the ward of an unscrupulous brother-in-law, who is a pompous caricature straight out of Dickens. Her mysterious illness and death in Macao is bizarre, to say the least. The second story of Elizabeth Campbell does read like a Regency novel set on the ton. Apparently Browne did not take liberties with the original story to shoehorn it into a fictional model. It's a sweeping epic tale that takes us from the isle of Mull, Scotland, to India, Macao, and Australia. A sequel, The Far Horizon, is set in Australia, followed by Jarvisfield, and The Wayward Son.
February 11, 2018
To bad my library didn't have this. I got offered the first book free on Book Bub and really enjoyed it. I may give in and buy the later three books on Amazon.
This is a historical biography and I generally avoid those. However, the author makes the people real and the details of the actual time are very well drawn. Okay, I want to know what happens next and realize what an extraordinary person the hero is. The book takes you from the situation in Scotland in the 1800's to the military in India, to a love story, to an impossible situation in China, back to Scotland.
I think more than anything I was struck by what happened in China. His beloved wife dies and he can't bury her there. The Catholic Church refuses for reasons of religion and pig headedness. Burying her in Chinese territory is illegal and he is not allowed to remove the body from China. Four months go by till he is able to smuggle her body to an English ship so he can take her back to India to be buried.
Now I have to see how he helped Australia become more a nation. Looks like I will have to buy those other books.
This is a historical biography and I generally avoid those. However, the author makes the people real and the details of the actual time are very well drawn. Okay, I want to know what happens next and realize what an extraordinary person the hero is. The book takes you from the situation in Scotland in the 1800's to the military in India, to a love story, to an impossible situation in China, back to Scotland.
I think more than anything I was struck by what happened in China. His beloved wife dies and he can't bury her there. The Catholic Church refuses for reasons of religion and pig headedness. Burying her in Chinese territory is illegal and he is not allowed to remove the body from China. Four months go by till he is able to smuggle her body to an English ship so he can take her back to India to be buried.
Now I have to see how he helped Australia become more a nation. Looks like I will have to buy those other books.
August 17, 2017
Very Enjoyable
A very delightful book with beautiful descriptions of foreign and exotic lands. The characters were lovable, the storyline interesting and I was sorry to see it end. So ... now I'll read the next book. Thank you, Gretta.
A very delightful book with beautiful descriptions of foreign and exotic lands. The characters were lovable, the storyline interesting and I was sorry to see it end. So ... now I'll read the next book. Thank you, Gretta.
October 18, 2017
I enjoyed this story mostly because of the historical aspect and may even read the next in the series as the characters head to Australia with the British army.
November 10, 2019
Based on a true life story of a Scottish Redcoat
This book opened my eyes to all that was going on in the world during the late 18th Century. We Americans focus so much on our own American Revolution, we fail to realize that the British were involved in other colonial struggles, too. The main character of this book was stationed in the Caribbean, India, China, and Israel! The story focuses on Capt. MacQuaharie's life in India with his wife. Modern-day minds cringe at the way England, and Holland, and France fight to occupy land that is not theirs, without regard to the historical occupants. It happened throughout the world, though, with might seeming to make right. I learned a lot in reading this ...did you know there were colonies of Jews on the Malabar coast since the Middle Ages? Captain M. seemed to be able to remain honorable in the midst of wealthy expats, drawing their wealth from the tea trade, the opium trade, and enslavement of people. His love for his wife and his household (including a young boy whom he rescued from a slave trader), is heartwarming, but also heart-breaking when he buries his dear wife in India. I recommend this book without reservations.
This book opened my eyes to all that was going on in the world during the late 18th Century. We Americans focus so much on our own American Revolution, we fail to realize that the British were involved in other colonial struggles, too. The main character of this book was stationed in the Caribbean, India, China, and Israel! The story focuses on Capt. MacQuaharie's life in India with his wife. Modern-day minds cringe at the way England, and Holland, and France fight to occupy land that is not theirs, without regard to the historical occupants. It happened throughout the world, though, with might seeming to make right. I learned a lot in reading this ...did you know there were colonies of Jews on the Malabar coast since the Middle Ages? Captain M. seemed to be able to remain honorable in the midst of wealthy expats, drawing their wealth from the tea trade, the opium trade, and enslavement of people. His love for his wife and his household (including a young boy whom he rescued from a slave trader), is heartwarming, but also heart-breaking when he buries his dear wife in India. I recommend this book without reservations.
July 2, 2013
Masterful storytelling!
I picked this up as an Amazon freebie (thank you, Amazon!!) and was engrossed straight away. The settings are palpable and the characters completely fleshed out. I particularly like Maquarie's 'helper' Mackenzie, such a hoot!
I havent even finished this book yet but I am enjoying it immensely, its a novel you don't want to end. One reviewer said it was "forgettable". Don't listen to him. This is an amazing book; there's nothing "forgettable" about it.
If I was to give it a TV rating I supposed I would choose PG-13. There's some scenes that while respectfully done are too mature for young readers. There is also some cussing in it of the "British kind". It may offend you, it may not.
Well worth a read!!
I'm very much looking forward to the next in series and have already downloaded the sample on my kindle so I'm sure to find it again....
I picked this up as an Amazon freebie (thank you, Amazon!!) and was engrossed straight away. The settings are palpable and the characters completely fleshed out. I particularly like Maquarie's 'helper' Mackenzie, such a hoot!
I havent even finished this book yet but I am enjoying it immensely, its a novel you don't want to end. One reviewer said it was "forgettable". Don't listen to him. This is an amazing book; there's nothing "forgettable" about it.
If I was to give it a TV rating I supposed I would choose PG-13. There's some scenes that while respectfully done are too mature for young readers. There is also some cussing in it of the "British kind". It may offend you, it may not.
Well worth a read!!
I'm very much looking forward to the next in series and have already downloaded the sample on my kindle so I'm sure to find it again....
December 31, 2019
BY EASTERN WINDOWS by Gretta Curran Browne is the second of Browne's works I've read, and both were excellent. BY EASTERN WINDOWS is the first of a trilogy and I'm now moving on to the second book, THE FAR HORIZON. BEW moves through Scotland, India, and China with strong characters and interesting action. It is the story of Lachland Macquarie, a young British officer, his assignments, falling in love and marrying, dealing with grief, strong family ties, with themes of love, family, serving country, loyalty to friends, and dealing with conflicts and challenges of living in the two different worlds of East and West. The author is gifted in exploring characters' feelings and motivations, and wastes no words in flowery descriptions or filler material. It's a five-star read.
December 19, 2018
Great reading!
Not just the old formula of boy meets girl with some conflict, this is based on the true story of Lachlan Macquarie. We go with him from a poor young Scottish lad to joining the military and going to India and China. He does meet the girl, who is way too young for him but love conquers all and we join with him in his rise to prominence. The conflicts are hard and often sad. I laughed, I cried, and all the while, really enjoyed it.
Not just the old formula of boy meets girl with some conflict, this is based on the true story of Lachlan Macquarie. We go with him from a poor young Scottish lad to joining the military and going to India and China. He does meet the girl, who is way too young for him but love conquers all and we join with him in his rise to prominence. The conflicts are hard and often sad. I laughed, I cried, and all the while, really enjoyed it.
September 9, 2017
Although the quantity of research done must have been astonishing, it does take more than that to make an engaging historical novel. Characters we can connect to are also a must, and that's where this falls a little short. It reads like 'this happened, and then this, and then...' I didn't have any trouble finishing it, but I don't feel the need to read the rest of the series.
June 19, 2012
“Fabulous and heartbreaking … fresh and authentic in every detail … it has to be the best book I have read about the British in India since M. M. Kaye’s `The Far Pavillions’ – Dr Aileen Keegan.
September 21, 2022
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Set in the beauty of Scotland, the magic of India, and the hostility of China, peopled with memorable characters of all races, By Eastern Windows is the story of a young British soldier, Lachlan Macquarie, posted to India where he meets Jane Jarvis, a young girl from the Caribbean – beautiful, different and exciting – who becomes the greatest love, and the greatest tragedy, of his life.
It is also the story of the young men who travelled with him, far from home, serving their King in a country they came to love, while coping with the complex differences between East and West.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
I was interested in the book from a historical perspective as it tells the story of the life of Lachlan Macquarie an important figure in Australian history. This book is well researched and kind of a mixture of a biography and historical fiction novel. The story is nicely written and flows well; the book takes you on a journey to far away exotic places. The characters are well developed and their story is told vividly with enough details so that their actions felt true to character.
Set in the beauty of Scotland, the magic of India, and the hostility of China, peopled with memorable characters of all races, By Eastern Windows is the story of a young British soldier, Lachlan Macquarie, posted to India where he meets Jane Jarvis, a young girl from the Caribbean – beautiful, different and exciting – who becomes the greatest love, and the greatest tragedy, of his life.
It is also the story of the young men who travelled with him, far from home, serving their King in a country they came to love, while coping with the complex differences between East and West.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
I was interested in the book from a historical perspective as it tells the story of the life of Lachlan Macquarie an important figure in Australian history. This book is well researched and kind of a mixture of a biography and historical fiction novel. The story is nicely written and flows well; the book takes you on a journey to far away exotic places. The characters are well developed and their story is told vividly with enough details so that their actions felt true to character.
May 31, 2018
A definite five star book!
I have to say Gretta Curran Browne is a wonderful writer with a flowing writing style that keeps you reading non-stop from start to finish. This story is another fine example.
The historical background of a young Scottish soldier in the British Army circa 1770 takes you through Scotland, India, China and England as he goes from posting to posting. He falls for a young woman and the ensuing courtship is fraught with problems as she is an heiress with an enormous fortune. The love between the two is timeless and tragic.
The descriptions of various geographical locations and points of historical interest are vividly painted with all the history explained in detail. I learned several amazing facts as these details were easily woven into the storyline.
The characters are very human and there is a measure of tongue-in-cheek humor added. Yet another thing to look forward to in the style of this author.
Very definite recommendation to readers of historical fiction as romance. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I have to say Gretta Curran Browne is a wonderful writer with a flowing writing style that keeps you reading non-stop from start to finish. This story is another fine example.
The historical background of a young Scottish soldier in the British Army circa 1770 takes you through Scotland, India, China and England as he goes from posting to posting. He falls for a young woman and the ensuing courtship is fraught with problems as she is an heiress with an enormous fortune. The love between the two is timeless and tragic.
The descriptions of various geographical locations and points of historical interest are vividly painted with all the history explained in detail. I learned several amazing facts as these details were easily woven into the storyline.
The characters are very human and there is a measure of tongue-in-cheek humor added. Yet another thing to look forward to in the style of this author.
Very definite recommendation to readers of historical fiction as romance. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 28, 2019
This book was interesting to read, but was somehow too “flat”. The narrative is simple with no embellishments. I enjoyed learning more about British Colonialism, especially in India, and what the life of an Officer in the British Army must have been like. I was astounded to learn that an Officer earns 500 Pounds a year (whatever that would have been in the money of the time, it was certainly a lot!).
I never really connected with any of the characters. The story reads like…”this happened, then this, then that…” The characters were not well fleshed-out and I never really felt for them in their tribulations. There is no real conflict or intensity. I would not normally consider historical fiction for a “summer beach read” but this one is light enough to be a candidate. I doubt that I will read further in this series.
I never really connected with any of the characters. The story reads like…”this happened, then this, then that…” The characters were not well fleshed-out and I never really felt for them in their tribulations. There is no real conflict or intensity. I would not normally consider historical fiction for a “summer beach read” but this one is light enough to be a candidate. I doubt that I will read further in this series.
March 28, 2020
The first in the Macquarie series covers the early military career of Lachlan Macquarie, known as the Father of Australia. In this book, he rejoins the British Army as a lieutenant to support his mother and brother on their Scottish farm. He travels to India where he meets the first love of his life, Jane Jarvis. Their courtship and marriage was romantic but ultimately tragic. Heartwarming and bittersweet.
I found the details about the early years of the British Raj (late 1790s-early 1800s) to be quite interesting. Lachlan is depicted as a determined, honorable young man, deserving of his rather rapid rise through the ranks.
Recommended for fans of historical fiction.
I found the details about the early years of the British Raj (late 1790s-early 1800s) to be quite interesting. Lachlan is depicted as a determined, honorable young man, deserving of his rather rapid rise through the ranks.
Recommended for fans of historical fiction.
April 3, 2022
This book is an exceptional example of being able to learn, and tremendously enjoy a marvelous story at the same time. Brown has that rare talent to create captivating characters living life in the 17th & 18th centuries. She makes her stories life-like, while at the same time doing it in such a way that it was hard for me to stop turning pages and put the book down. You cannot help but enjoy the way she weaves the historical facts, and way of life into a story with drama, excitement (yours), hardship, failure, pain, suffering, and the joys of love. You'll never not enjoy a Gretta Curran Browne story.
August 22, 2017
I completely enjoyed this book. It was the second book I have read by this author. The first one I read was about the Irish uprising.
The main character in this book was historical figure--later known as "the Father of Australia." He was a British soldier who fought in America's Revolutionary War and later was stationed in India and other parts of the world in the late 1700s. The book is very well-written and one grows to love the characters. There is a romance here which emotionally moved me.
I bought the second in this series and look forward to reading it!
The main character in this book was historical figure--later known as "the Father of Australia." He was a British soldier who fought in America's Revolutionary War and later was stationed in India and other parts of the world in the late 1700s. The book is very well-written and one grows to love the characters. There is a romance here which emotionally moved me.
I bought the second in this series and look forward to reading it!
February 15, 2022
This book is challenging, entertaining, and educational…all in one. The developing and growth of the characters as they take part in, and become part of, the history of England, Scotland, and France, kept me reading for hours. The central character, Lachlan MacQuarie, is strong and honest and has his own code of honor, despite deep losses. I am so glad the tale merges into the next important period of Great Britain’s sordid history as Lachlan and George and Elizabeth take a major role in the formation of Australia from a penal colony. Next….
August 29, 2025
Epic read!
This was one of those books I had on my ‘To Read’ list for way too long! Why did I hold back??
By Eastern Windows had everything I love about historical fiction; it was based on fact, the characters actually had character, it was intercontinental, it was respectfully romantic, the language was clean, you could smell, see and feel Scotland, India and China - the drama, the joys, the love and loss.
Thank you Gretta for a great read. Now on to Book 2 in the series - here’s hoping it doesn’t disappoint!!!
This was one of those books I had on my ‘To Read’ list for way too long! Why did I hold back??
By Eastern Windows had everything I love about historical fiction; it was based on fact, the characters actually had character, it was intercontinental, it was respectfully romantic, the language was clean, you could smell, see and feel Scotland, India and China - the drama, the joys, the love and loss.
Thank you Gretta for a great read. Now on to Book 2 in the series - here’s hoping it doesn’t disappoint!!!
March 8, 2022
A visit to faraway places
Although this book was probably intended to be about a young man named Lachlan and his life as an officer in the British Army, it is more like a description of life in 1800 India, China, and lastly Scotland. The book drove home how difficult that life was and how sad. If you want an uplifting read, this is not for you. Yet the book was well written and very descriptive.
Although this book was probably intended to be about a young man named Lachlan and his life as an officer in the British Army, it is more like a description of life in 1800 India, China, and lastly Scotland. The book drove home how difficult that life was and how sad. If you want an uplifting read, this is not for you. Yet the book was well written and very descriptive.
June 6, 2023
An entertaining and well researched tale of colonial India, with wonderful detail about the social, political and military history of the period. While written more in the style of telling not showing, there is enough personal detail and evolution of the characters to bring them to life and engage the reader in their trials and difficulties. I was left wanting to know more about the characters (based on real life events) and the events of their lives.
October 7, 2018
A wonderful read set in three countries - Scotland, India and China. It was especially special for me that part of the story is set in my city of birth, Calicut, India. I loved reading about the lifestyles in these three countries during that period. from a British soldier’s point of view. The love story woven through the book makes it extra refreshing. And a true story too!
May 27, 2019
I love books based upon real people and this series of 2 books is wonderful. I has just the right blend of personal history and real history. His heartbreak in romance is written just right. The back ground of real history is interesting and makes the reader want to know more. I believe this is what good historical novels are supposed to do. Read this and "The Far Horizon". Both very good.
August 28, 2019
Travel within Beauty
The beauty within this book far outweighed my expeditions. The journey away from home by a young soldier who is growing up and learns lessons from all around him not only warmed my heart, but made me sad and cry as well. First time with the author and I will return to her writings!
The beauty within this book far outweighed my expeditions. The journey away from home by a young soldier who is growing up and learns lessons from all around him not only warmed my heart, but made me sad and cry as well. First time with the author and I will return to her writings!
February 15, 2020
One of the best reads I have had in a long time.
The story is beautifully written. History and far off places come alive with vivid imagery. It is a wonderful and captivating story that stirs the imagination and emorions. Well worth the read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical romances.
The story is beautifully written. History and far off places come alive with vivid imagery. It is a wonderful and captivating story that stirs the imagination and emorions. Well worth the read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical romances.
March 24, 2020
This book was beautifully written and makes me want to learn more about the lead characters as it is based on a true story. A true tale of love, loss, friendship, hardship and army life. The descriptions of Scotland, India and China are beautiful and you can really picture what it would have been like to live there. All around fabulous.
November 10, 2020
Absolutely incredible. This story is so full of imagery that you could actually invasion the scenes as you read them. The geographical references reminded me of my military career and how at a moments notice BAM you were headed somewhere else. The love story was deep, tragic, so wonderful in the end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
February 23, 2022
Beautiful love story and tragedy that happens to Lachlan and Jane. The military service was so spot on with what it's like to have your spouse serve his country. Long bouts with them gone. Tender story about George that had a great outcome in the end. As did Lachlan's story - happily ever after but not how you thought when you are reading about Jane and Lachlan. Glad I picked this bookbub book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews