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India Tea #4
The Secrets of the Tea Garden
She’s gone in search of happy memories. But was her idyllic childhood in India an illusion? After the Second World War, Libby Robson leaves chilly England for India, and the childhood home where she left her heart—and her beloved father, James—fourteen years ago. At first Libby is intoxicated by India’s vibrant the bustle of Calcutta, the lush tea gardens of Assam. But beneath the surface a rebellion is India is on the brink of Independence, and the days of British rule are numbered. As the owner of a tea plantation, James embodies the hated colonial regime, and Libby finds herself questioning her idealised memories—particularly when she meets the dashing freedom fighter Ghulam Khan. As Independence looms, life in India becomes precarious for Libby, James and even Ghulam. And when James reveals a shameful family secret, Libby is forced to question her past—and her future.
567 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2018
957 people are currently reading
1028 people want to read
About the author
Janet MacLeod Trotter
47 books364 followersJanet was brought up in the North East of England with her four brothers, by Scottish parents. She is a best-selling author of 24 books, including the hugely popular INDIA TEA SERIES, THE JARROW TRILOGY and a childhood memoir, BEATLES & CHIEFS, which was featured on BBC Radio Four. Her novel, THE HUNGRY HILLS, gained her a place on the shortlist of The Sunday Times’ Young Writers’ Award, and the TEA PLANTER’S DAUGHTER and IN THE FAR PASHMINA MOUNTAINS were nominated for the RNA Historical Novel Award. Her India-set novels, such as THE RAJ HOTEL SERIES, are inspired by her grandparents who lived and worked in India from the 1920s to '50s.
A graduate of Edinburgh University, she has been editor of the Clan MacLeod Magazine, a columnist on the Newcastle Journal and has had numerous short stories published in women’s magazines. Aged 18 she climbed on a bus and went to Kathmandu - the result was a mystery novel, THE VANISHING OF RUTH. Her second mystery, THE HAUNTING OF KULAH is set on the remote Outer Isles of Scotland. She has also written a Scottish historical novel, THE JACOBITE LASS, based on the epic story of Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald.
A graduate of Edinburgh University, she has been editor of the Clan MacLeod Magazine, a columnist on the Newcastle Journal and has had numerous short stories published in women’s magazines. Aged 18 she climbed on a bus and went to Kathmandu - the result was a mystery novel, THE VANISHING OF RUTH. Her second mystery, THE HAUNTING OF KULAH is set on the remote Outer Isles of Scotland. She has also written a Scottish historical novel, THE JACOBITE LASS, based on the epic story of Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 21, 2022
I za ovaj, posljednji nastavak serijala, kao i za prethodne dijelove, imam određenih zamjerki, a to je previše "sapuničastih" elemenata i malo naivni zapleti i njihovi raspleti. Dajem ipak pet zvjezdica jer sam zavoljela likove, a posebno hrabre i upečatljive junakinje sa svim njihovim manama i vrlinama. Sve u svemu uživala sam čitajući ovaj divni serijal i žao mi je što je završen.
December 31, 2018
“Libby watched the golden liquid being poured into the china cups which she helped hand around. She picked up hers and inhaled the steamy scent. The tea smelled of mango and papaya. Libby closed her eyes and sipped. Instantly, the heat and vivid colours of the tea garden were conjured up...”
I thoroughly enjoyed this sojourn to India - wonderful historical fiction. Although listed as part of a series, I have not previously read any and found it to be fine as a standalone read. Of course, some characters are carried over and many other reviewers enjoyed visiting ‘old’ friends, so it may be worth investigating. The series involves families who were either born in India or had roots back in England. This particular volume revolves around the partition of India in 1947.
In the dying days of colonial rule, this book portrays the vestiges of the British Empire in India with a small smattering of white opinions set against the new and revolutionary thoughts and actions for independence. This, I found, to be the strongest aspect of the book, the turbulent political situation, was well researched, being rich in historical detail.
The writing provides in depth accounts of place and people - sometimes a little too much detail. In my opinion, there are certain passages that went on for too long and became repetitive - there was definite room for more editing with regards to personal character plotlines and development. That being said, the larger overarching themes of Anglo-Indian relations was well done, particularly those of mixed heritage who found themselves not really belonging to either side. Even those ex-pats who had spent the majority of their life living and working in India - their struggles were likewise well portrayed.
The exotic settings were definitely well captured and presented, particularly Calcutta and the tea growing regions of Assam. Tied in with this is a study of the type of person who could adjust to such remote living. There is an array of characters that you will have to get your head around - who belongs to which family (this may be perhaps where reading previous books in the series would be an advantage). Overall, I enjoyed the historical background of this period, the time leading up to separation and independence.
‘What’s a real Indian, Ghulam?’ she demanded hotly. ‘Shouldn’t that include all the minorities here? Or don’t you want to think about the inconvenient ones –the Anglo-Indians like Flowers or my cousin Adela –or even the Indian-born Europeans like myself? Are we not pure enough for the new India?’
‘That’s not what I meant—’
‘’Cause if that’s your attitude then you are no better than the Hindu extremists who want to rid India of the Muslims and Sikhs. Because once you start excluding one group then where do you stop?’
I thoroughly enjoyed this sojourn to India - wonderful historical fiction. Although listed as part of a series, I have not previously read any and found it to be fine as a standalone read. Of course, some characters are carried over and many other reviewers enjoyed visiting ‘old’ friends, so it may be worth investigating. The series involves families who were either born in India or had roots back in England. This particular volume revolves around the partition of India in 1947.
In the dying days of colonial rule, this book portrays the vestiges of the British Empire in India with a small smattering of white opinions set against the new and revolutionary thoughts and actions for independence. This, I found, to be the strongest aspect of the book, the turbulent political situation, was well researched, being rich in historical detail.
The writing provides in depth accounts of place and people - sometimes a little too much detail. In my opinion, there are certain passages that went on for too long and became repetitive - there was definite room for more editing with regards to personal character plotlines and development. That being said, the larger overarching themes of Anglo-Indian relations was well done, particularly those of mixed heritage who found themselves not really belonging to either side. Even those ex-pats who had spent the majority of their life living and working in India - their struggles were likewise well portrayed.
The exotic settings were definitely well captured and presented, particularly Calcutta and the tea growing regions of Assam. Tied in with this is a study of the type of person who could adjust to such remote living. There is an array of characters that you will have to get your head around - who belongs to which family (this may be perhaps where reading previous books in the series would be an advantage). Overall, I enjoyed the historical background of this period, the time leading up to separation and independence.
‘What’s a real Indian, Ghulam?’ she demanded hotly. ‘Shouldn’t that include all the minorities here? Or don’t you want to think about the inconvenient ones –the Anglo-Indians like Flowers or my cousin Adela –or even the Indian-born Europeans like myself? Are we not pure enough for the new India?’
‘That’s not what I meant—’
‘’Cause if that’s your attitude then you are no better than the Hindu extremists who want to rid India of the Muslims and Sikhs. Because once you start excluding one group then where do you stop?’
March 8, 2019
Fantastic Series
I absolutely loved the India tea series. So full of interesting characters and places.. So much history and culture to learn about. I'm going to miss these characters. I feel as if they are real and I'm leaving them behind.
I absolutely loved the India tea series. So full of interesting characters and places.. So much history and culture to learn about. I'm going to miss these characters. I feel as if they are real and I'm leaving them behind.
April 11, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It is the 4th in the series, and I hadn't read any of the previous books. So for the first third of the book, I felt a little lost. It was like I went along with a friend to her family reunion-- everyone had a history and stories, and I was the outsider, struggling to follow along and remember who was who. Ultimately I was able to place everyone and follow along, but it definitely would have been better if I had read this series in order.
I loved the setting. The tea plantation in India, the country becoming independent from Britain, partition- I haven't read much about this tumultuous time and found it very interesting. There was just something that kept me from becoming truly engaged with the characters and the story until more than 2/3 of the way into it. I don't know if it was the writing style or the fact that I started with book number 4. Or maybe it was a tad longer than it needed to be. Overall, my impression was that this book was okay.
I loved the setting. The tea plantation in India, the country becoming independent from Britain, partition- I haven't read much about this tumultuous time and found it very interesting. There was just something that kept me from becoming truly engaged with the characters and the story until more than 2/3 of the way into it. I don't know if it was the writing style or the fact that I started with book number 4. Or maybe it was a tad longer than it needed to be. Overall, my impression was that this book was okay.
April 5, 2019
This isn’t my favorite book in this series, and my reservations about the other books in Trotter’s series have really come to the fore in The Secrets of the Tea Garden. I enjoy international fiction, and the author’s greatest strength (in my opinion) is her ability to depict India, and life on a tea plantation.
But the writing is throwing me off. It seems overly simplistic, and the editing isn’t up to the standards of a major publisher. I’ve run into this issue in other Lake Union books, and wonder if this Amazon imprint is positioning itself as a mid-way point between traditional publishing and self publishing. (I actually checked to see if this book was self published at the 1 percent mark.)
So this will be the last McLeod book for me, and I’ll carefully preview any other Lake Union products before I purchase them.
But the writing is throwing me off. It seems overly simplistic, and the editing isn’t up to the standards of a major publisher. I’ve run into this issue in other Lake Union books, and wonder if this Amazon imprint is positioning itself as a mid-way point between traditional publishing and self publishing. (I actually checked to see if this book was self published at the 1 percent mark.)
So this will be the last McLeod book for me, and I’ll carefully preview any other Lake Union products before I purchase them.
October 22, 2018
This is the first time I have read this author. The story is set against the events leading up to partition in India. The characters are well developed and the reader gets a real sense of the issues some of the English are having to deal with. Many of them have spent a large part of their life working and living in India with their families. Some of them are empathic to the needs of the Indian situation. Others not so. The book also tells a parallel story of a couple who have returned from India to settle in Newcastle and the problems and difficulties they have to face. The story has substance and you feel the author is writing from the heart. I enjoyed the story very much so will probably look out for other books by Janet Macleod Trotter!
August 3, 2019
He llegado al final de la serie, debo decir que es una historia apasionante que invita a seguir leyendo para saber el destino de los personajes.Esta cuarta entrega cierra las historias de todos los personajes y lo hace de forma magnífica sin dejar hilos sueltos. En el transcurso puede que algo no me haya gustado,comportamientos,decisiones,etc pero no cabe duda que son historias muy bien hilvanadas,a veces de forma inesperada,llena de emociones,tristezas,alegrías,tragedias y momentos mágicos llenos de amor y ternura.Los trozos históricos muy bien ensamblados,no aburren ni se hacen tediosos,sino que resultan interesantes. Los personajes bien diseñados,con defectos y virtudes. La serie invita a amar la India con su diversidad.Felicito a la autora y recomiendo la serie
May 13, 2024
“...todo en esta vida pasa por la política”.
"Los secretos de Assam" es la cuarta y última entrega de la serie Aromas de té que narra las vidas de varias generaciones de una familia de plantadores de té en la India colonial y postcolonial.
La historia nos lleva al período posterior a la Segunda Guerra Mundial, en donde Libby Robson, quien de niña dejó la India para estudiar en Escocia, anhela que la familia vuelva a reunirse en el país de su infancia. Su objetivo es regresar a la antigua plantación de té, reencontrarse con su padre y restaurar la relación especial que compartían. Sin embargo, la India está al borde de la independencia, sumida en luchas religiosas, revueltas y cambios significativos. Los días de la dominación británica están contados.
Libby, siempre ha sido una niña rebelde y protestona, azuzada en sus ideas socialistas por una profesora de Inglaterra. Cuando vuelve a la India, entiende que ha estado viviendo en el pasado, y que lo que ve ahora en el continente indio es lo que realmente le llena la vida y descubre que se siente parte de ese país que lucha por resurgir de las cenizas y convertirse en un territorio libre.
Aquí aparecen todos los anteriores personajes: Tilly y James, sus padres, guardan un secreto que les está trastornando la mente. Clarrie, la primera protagonista, quien sigue siendo una mujer fuerte y tenaz. Sophie y Rafi; Sam y Adela resuelven definitivamente sus problemas… aunque Adela me siga pareciendo un tanto insufrible.
A lo largo de la serie, la autora se implica en seguir el devenir de sus personajes, además de contarnos cómo se desarrolló el tema social y político de la India desde 1922 hasta 1942, logrando una ambientación excepcional; Se basó en los diarios de su abuelo, quien vivió en la India durante estos años, y contó con la colaboración de personas e instituciones, creando un mundo vívido, repleto de colores y olores.
Con respecto a la sociedad y vida política de la India, en este libro nos muestra cómo se llegó al fin de la colonización inglesa, y la independencia de la India. Nos cuenta las luchas entre Hindúes y Musulmanes por repartirse el país. Aparece el propulsor de la paz, Gandhi y todo el devenir, hasta conseguir la partición.
Este libro cierra una serie interesante que me ha hecho conocer una historia de la cual poco sabía, a través de una familia que ha tenido múltiples desventuras y tragedias.
“...siempre habrá oportunidades para quienes estén dispuestos a conseguirlas”.
"Los secretos de Assam" es la cuarta y última entrega de la serie Aromas de té que narra las vidas de varias generaciones de una familia de plantadores de té en la India colonial y postcolonial.
La historia nos lleva al período posterior a la Segunda Guerra Mundial, en donde Libby Robson, quien de niña dejó la India para estudiar en Escocia, anhela que la familia vuelva a reunirse en el país de su infancia. Su objetivo es regresar a la antigua plantación de té, reencontrarse con su padre y restaurar la relación especial que compartían. Sin embargo, la India está al borde de la independencia, sumida en luchas religiosas, revueltas y cambios significativos. Los días de la dominación británica están contados.
Libby, siempre ha sido una niña rebelde y protestona, azuzada en sus ideas socialistas por una profesora de Inglaterra. Cuando vuelve a la India, entiende que ha estado viviendo en el pasado, y que lo que ve ahora en el continente indio es lo que realmente le llena la vida y descubre que se siente parte de ese país que lucha por resurgir de las cenizas y convertirse en un territorio libre.
Aquí aparecen todos los anteriores personajes: Tilly y James, sus padres, guardan un secreto que les está trastornando la mente. Clarrie, la primera protagonista, quien sigue siendo una mujer fuerte y tenaz. Sophie y Rafi; Sam y Adela resuelven definitivamente sus problemas… aunque Adela me siga pareciendo un tanto insufrible.
A lo largo de la serie, la autora se implica en seguir el devenir de sus personajes, además de contarnos cómo se desarrolló el tema social y político de la India desde 1922 hasta 1942, logrando una ambientación excepcional; Se basó en los diarios de su abuelo, quien vivió en la India durante estos años, y contó con la colaboración de personas e instituciones, creando un mundo vívido, repleto de colores y olores.
Con respecto a la sociedad y vida política de la India, en este libro nos muestra cómo se llegó al fin de la colonización inglesa, y la independencia de la India. Nos cuenta las luchas entre Hindúes y Musulmanes por repartirse el país. Aparece el propulsor de la paz, Gandhi y todo el devenir, hasta conseguir la partición.
Este libro cierra una serie interesante que me ha hecho conocer una historia de la cual poco sabía, a través de una familia que ha tenido múltiples desventuras y tragedias.
“...siempre habrá oportunidades para quienes estén dispuestos a conseguirlas”.
March 5, 2023
Teško mi je pala pomisao da je ovo poslednji deo serijala Indijski čaj. Toliko puno likova, njihovih životnih priča, jedna bogata porodična saga gde svaki junak na kraju postaje heroj.
Moram biti sentimentalniji prema prvom, za mene lično najboljem, delu serijala.
Topla preporuka od srca!
Moram biti sentimentalniji prema prvom, za mene lično najboljem, delu serijala.
Topla preporuka od srca!
June 3, 2022
Cuarto y último libro, no es el mejor pero se deja leerUna história bonita de principio a fin
May 30, 2019
I received The Secrets of the Tea Garden as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
After World War II, Libby Robson leaves war-ravaged England, where she has spent the last dozen years, to her birthplace in India, where she was born and lived most of her childhood. There she reunites with her estranged father James, who remained in South Asia during the war, as well as a passel of other friends and relatives. The India she encounters, however, is one on the cusp of a great--and violent--change, as the country gains its independence and is partitioned into two states, primarily Hindu India and primarily Muslim Pakistan. We also revisit the continuing storylines of some of the series' other characters. What Libby thought would be a nostalgic homecoming turns into anything but, as she faces the aftermath of British rule in India, confronts her father's demons, and falls for an Indian Muslim political activist.
Like some others, I did not read the previous books in the series and so it took me probably two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through the book to have a solid handle on who was who. It's not a positive or a negative; simply a heads-up for those diving right in. This is part romance, part historical fiction. The former being a genre that doesn't often deal with this period, it was an interesting choice and I learned a lot about an era I'm not terribly familiar with. That said, I found myself much more interested in the historical fiction part of the narrative rather than the relationship between Libby and Ghulam. I didn't dislike either of them; I just found the surrounding narrative a lot more engaging (and frankly, important). I did appreciate that the fate of the side characters (the main characters from previous books) weren't always black and white, or uniformly happy. People who may have had a happy ending in "their" story have died, been hurt, or grown apart, which is, honestly, refreshing in the "happily ever after" genre of romance: things don't always end up flowers and roses. It certainly made me interested in reading more of this series.
After World War II, Libby Robson leaves war-ravaged England, where she has spent the last dozen years, to her birthplace in India, where she was born and lived most of her childhood. There she reunites with her estranged father James, who remained in South Asia during the war, as well as a passel of other friends and relatives. The India she encounters, however, is one on the cusp of a great--and violent--change, as the country gains its independence and is partitioned into two states, primarily Hindu India and primarily Muslim Pakistan. We also revisit the continuing storylines of some of the series' other characters. What Libby thought would be a nostalgic homecoming turns into anything but, as she faces the aftermath of British rule in India, confronts her father's demons, and falls for an Indian Muslim political activist.
Like some others, I did not read the previous books in the series and so it took me probably two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through the book to have a solid handle on who was who. It's not a positive or a negative; simply a heads-up for those diving right in. This is part romance, part historical fiction. The former being a genre that doesn't often deal with this period, it was an interesting choice and I learned a lot about an era I'm not terribly familiar with. That said, I found myself much more interested in the historical fiction part of the narrative rather than the relationship between Libby and Ghulam. I didn't dislike either of them; I just found the surrounding narrative a lot more engaging (and frankly, important). I did appreciate that the fate of the side characters (the main characters from previous books) weren't always black and white, or uniformly happy. People who may have had a happy ending in "their" story have died, been hurt, or grown apart, which is, honestly, refreshing in the "happily ever after" genre of romance: things don't always end up flowers and roses. It certainly made me interested in reading more of this series.
October 23, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. Fourth in the series, it might as well have been standalone for me as it's such a while since I've read any of the Tea series (and I think the Tea Planter's Daughter was the first book that I read on kindle!)
This is the saga of a family in India (with roots in Newcastle) - book #4 is set at the time of partition (1947). It provided me with good insights into the struggles and challenges faced by India and West and East Pakistan (now Pakistan and Bangladesh)
A strong cast of characters is lead by Libby and Adela who both have their reasons for leaving (Newcastle to return to India and vice versa). Their stories intertwine and overlap with those of their parents and friends and family. We are (re)introduced to other characters whose stories are explored in the other books in the series. But no matter, as the author is able to link the stories together (and referring to past events without labouring the stories).
An unreserved 5* from me... I was thrilled to discover this book with its insights into India, tea plantations, partitions, struggles at home and abroad and many layers of family complexity.
I look forward to reading many more by this author.
This is the saga of a family in India (with roots in Newcastle) - book #4 is set at the time of partition (1947). It provided me with good insights into the struggles and challenges faced by India and West and East Pakistan (now Pakistan and Bangladesh)
A strong cast of characters is lead by Libby and Adela who both have their reasons for leaving (Newcastle to return to India and vice versa). Their stories intertwine and overlap with those of their parents and friends and family. We are (re)introduced to other characters whose stories are explored in the other books in the series. But no matter, as the author is able to link the stories together (and referring to past events without labouring the stories).
An unreserved 5* from me... I was thrilled to discover this book with its insights into India, tea plantations, partitions, struggles at home and abroad and many layers of family complexity.
I look forward to reading many more by this author.
November 26, 2018
At the end of the Great War, Libby Robson is a strong willed young woman living in Britain with her mother and brothers. Her father James lives is India running a tea plantation. Libby so wants to go to India and back to her childhood and her father. Things are changing drastically in India, they are fighting for independence and want to get away from British rule. As Libby starts for her childhood home, she meets many fun, and exciting people that will challenge how she thinks and feels, especially the rugged yet handsome Ghulum Khan. Once Libby makes it to see James she finds her father not in the best of health and comes to find he has been keeping a secret that has caused him much grief.
Janet MacLeod Trotter has written a wonderful story of struggle and perseverance. It’s a story of family, old friends and new. It’s a story of love and loss and how each person in the story dealt with those emotions. There is also a story within the story of the extended friends and family of the Robson’s that kept the story interesting.
I truly enjoyed The Secrets Of The Tea Garden. I couldn’t help but feel what each of the characters were going through and continued to hope for the best for each one. I look forward to reading another of Janet’s books.
Janet MacLeod Trotter has written a wonderful story of struggle and perseverance. It’s a story of family, old friends and new. It’s a story of love and loss and how each person in the story dealt with those emotions. There is also a story within the story of the extended friends and family of the Robson’s that kept the story interesting.
I truly enjoyed The Secrets Of The Tea Garden. I couldn’t help but feel what each of the characters were going through and continued to hope for the best for each one. I look forward to reading another of Janet’s books.
May 1, 2024
This book is an amazing conclusion to the series. I didn't want it to end, if I'm honest. I also wanted to cry at the end, with happiness at how things worked out, and the fact that book (and the series) had come to an end.
I was so sure that Ghulam Khan was dead, having been murdered, and that Libby Robson would have to learn to live without the love of her life, but when he was found, my heart jumped with gladness for them both. The story of them falling in love was so beautiful!
James Robson did end up heading back to England to try and make amends with Tilly, and start over, after about fourteen years of being part, but I was sad to find that it didn't work for them. I had hoped it would, but after a separation of that long a period, it was almost expected. I was kinda happy that James and Clarrie found happiness with each other, in the end.
Adela and Sam Jackman were able to sort out their differences, especially surrounding the issue of Adela's lost baby and the desire she had to find him. She was able to stop before it destroyed Sam, her marriage and herself. I'm thrilled she was able to find him in the end and leave him with the family he was with. I hope that he gets to meet his mother again.
I was so sure that Ghulam Khan was dead, having been murdered, and that Libby Robson would have to learn to live without the love of her life, but when he was found, my heart jumped with gladness for them both. The story of them falling in love was so beautiful!
James Robson did end up heading back to England to try and make amends with Tilly, and start over, after about fourteen years of being part, but I was sad to find that it didn't work for them. I had hoped it would, but after a separation of that long a period, it was almost expected. I was kinda happy that James and Clarrie found happiness with each other, in the end.
Adela and Sam Jackman were able to sort out their differences, especially surrounding the issue of Adela's lost baby and the desire she had to find him. She was able to stop before it destroyed Sam, her marriage and herself. I'm thrilled she was able to find him in the end and leave him with the family he was with. I hope that he gets to meet his mother again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2020
I loved the India tea stories , you get to learn about the history of growing and producing the tea that end up in the tea rooms ,the culture that influence the owner and their worker who depends on the profits to feed their own family.
December 4, 2018
I am very partial to a tea estate story. We have a small tea property and have heard stories of those far off days when the British ruled our estates and the lifestyle and how they did things is engrained in Sri Lankan history. The British gave us tea estates, coffee estates, railways, an administrative system, roads all over the country, the Protestant faith and most importantly English!
The fact that I do have a McLeod amongst my relations who was a tea planter as it is called here added to my interest in this story.
I loved the story, the ramifications of its setting - the coming of Independence in India was huge, and marred by strife, death and partition of the country. Sri Lanka was nothing like this. The setting alone of Libby and Ghulam set against both religious and racial divides was huge in that era. Mixed marriages were few and far between. The story of Logan and the way he treated the local women is a commonplace issue and the heartbreak of the woman was a very sad one. Added to that the saga of the entire Robson, Logan clans amidst the other characters of the story was beautifully told.
The descriptiveness of the Assam region where the tea estates were, seemed idyllic and the lifestyle took a certain kind of woman or man to adapt to the loneliness, the insularity of the communities and knowing the rigid barriers that were in place. That some adapted and some did not, and returning to their home country did not solve their woes is also taken into account. Decades spent on an estate and then moving to Newcastle did not go down well with some. It did bode well for others.
Reading the book was nostalgic for me personally and I loved the read.
The fact that I do have a McLeod amongst my relations who was a tea planter as it is called here added to my interest in this story.
I loved the story, the ramifications of its setting - the coming of Independence in India was huge, and marred by strife, death and partition of the country. Sri Lanka was nothing like this. The setting alone of Libby and Ghulam set against both religious and racial divides was huge in that era. Mixed marriages were few and far between. The story of Logan and the way he treated the local women is a commonplace issue and the heartbreak of the woman was a very sad one. Added to that the saga of the entire Robson, Logan clans amidst the other characters of the story was beautifully told.
The descriptiveness of the Assam region where the tea estates were, seemed idyllic and the lifestyle took a certain kind of woman or man to adapt to the loneliness, the insularity of the communities and knowing the rigid barriers that were in place. That some adapted and some did not, and returning to their home country did not solve their woes is also taken into account. Decades spent on an estate and then moving to Newcastle did not go down well with some. It did bode well for others.
Reading the book was nostalgic for me personally and I loved the read.
December 31, 2018
I remember when I’d finished reading The Girl from the Tea Garden, I was really hoping that there would be a fourth book to the series, featuring Libby. My wish came true with a five-star novel.
This has been a wonderful series with interesting and diverse characters set against a beautiful and fascinating backdrop that we’ve watched change as the decades have rolled on. I particularly enjoyed this book which takes place during the turbulence of the post-war era and the partition of India. It’s a place and period in history that I have to say I knew nothing about before reading this novel, so I feel that I have been educated a little on a key time for the world’s second most populous country.
It was lovely to meet up with old friends from the previous books again and to see questions answered and issues resolved. I really enjoyed Libby who has become a young woman prepared to go against the grain of what is expected of her and is capable of making up her own mind and acting on her convictions. Seeing her set against the more died-in-the-wool British characters as well as the Indian characters, helped to make the book a compelling read. Without giving away any spoilers, I’d also like to commend Mrs Trotter for some brave plot decisions which reflect real life, rather than tying everything up in neat bows as is often the case in fiction.
I highly recommend this novel which can be read as a standalone. However, it will be enjoyed more if the earlier books in the series are read first.
This has been a wonderful series with interesting and diverse characters set against a beautiful and fascinating backdrop that we’ve watched change as the decades have rolled on. I particularly enjoyed this book which takes place during the turbulence of the post-war era and the partition of India. It’s a place and period in history that I have to say I knew nothing about before reading this novel, so I feel that I have been educated a little on a key time for the world’s second most populous country.
It was lovely to meet up with old friends from the previous books again and to see questions answered and issues resolved. I really enjoyed Libby who has become a young woman prepared to go against the grain of what is expected of her and is capable of making up her own mind and acting on her convictions. Seeing her set against the more died-in-the-wool British characters as well as the Indian characters, helped to make the book a compelling read. Without giving away any spoilers, I’d also like to commend Mrs Trotter for some brave plot decisions which reflect real life, rather than tying everything up in neat bows as is often the case in fiction.
I highly recommend this novel which can be read as a standalone. However, it will be enjoyed more if the earlier books in the series are read first.
September 7, 2021
Dies ist das Finale der Reihe „Die Frauen der Teeplantage“, außergewöhnliche
Frauen in Indien zu bewegten Zeiten, das bringt es hier auf den Punkt.
Habe bereits alle drei Bände gelesen und fand sie einfach fantastisch.
Assam, Indien 1947: Viele Jahre hat Libby vom Wiedersehen mit ihrem Vater und der Rückkehr
auf die Teeplantage ihrer Kindheit geträumt. Doch nun, am Ende der Tage britischer Herrschaft
erlebt Libby das Land ganz anders, als sie es in Erinnerung hatte.
Ein Sturm von Veränderung bricht herein mit vielen Enthüllungen, auf die der Leser gespannt sein darf.
Wieder einmal hat mich dieses Buch in eine Gefühlswelt gestürzt und ich konnte mich der Faszination dieser Story nicht entziehen. Die historischen Details sind herausragend und für mich perfekt ausgearbeitet. Die politische Veränderung in Indien, ein großes Paket und doch toll und lebendig geschrieben.
Das menschliche und politische so zu vereinen dass es für den Leser ein klares Bild ergibt, ist schon eine besondere Leistung die es zu würdigen gibt.
Dieses Buch ist wieder einmal keine leichte Kost.
Danke für diese wundervolle Lebensgeschichte der Menschen in Indien.
Mehr Worte bedarf es für mich hier nicht.
Fazit: Finale, historisch und menschlich.
Klare Kauf- und Leseempfehlung von mir.
Danke an NetGalley und dem Tinte & Feder Verlag für das Rezessionsexemplar. Dies hat meine Meinung hier in keiner Weise beeinflusst.
Frauen in Indien zu bewegten Zeiten, das bringt es hier auf den Punkt.
Habe bereits alle drei Bände gelesen und fand sie einfach fantastisch.
Assam, Indien 1947: Viele Jahre hat Libby vom Wiedersehen mit ihrem Vater und der Rückkehr
auf die Teeplantage ihrer Kindheit geträumt. Doch nun, am Ende der Tage britischer Herrschaft
erlebt Libby das Land ganz anders, als sie es in Erinnerung hatte.
Ein Sturm von Veränderung bricht herein mit vielen Enthüllungen, auf die der Leser gespannt sein darf.
Wieder einmal hat mich dieses Buch in eine Gefühlswelt gestürzt und ich konnte mich der Faszination dieser Story nicht entziehen. Die historischen Details sind herausragend und für mich perfekt ausgearbeitet. Die politische Veränderung in Indien, ein großes Paket und doch toll und lebendig geschrieben.
Das menschliche und politische so zu vereinen dass es für den Leser ein klares Bild ergibt, ist schon eine besondere Leistung die es zu würdigen gibt.
Dieses Buch ist wieder einmal keine leichte Kost.
Danke für diese wundervolle Lebensgeschichte der Menschen in Indien.
Mehr Worte bedarf es für mich hier nicht.
Fazit: Finale, historisch und menschlich.
Klare Kauf- und Leseempfehlung von mir.
Danke an NetGalley und dem Tinte & Feder Verlag für das Rezessionsexemplar. Dies hat meine Meinung hier in keiner Weise beeinflusst.
December 9, 2018
“After the Second World War, Libby Robson leaves chilly England for India, and the childhood home where she left her heart—and her beloved father, James—fourteen years ago.
At first Libby is intoxicated by India’s vibrant beauty: the bustle of Calcutta, the lush tea gardens of Assam. But beneath the surface a rebellion is simmering: India is on the brink of Independence, and the days of British rule are numbered. As the owner of a tea plantation, James embodies the hated colonial regime, and Libby finds herself questioning her idealised memories—particularly when she meets the dashing freedom fighter Ghulam Khan.
As Independence looms, life in India becomes precarious for Libby, James and even Ghulam. And when James reveals a shameful family secret, Libby is forced to question her past—and her future.”
The storyline itself was a repeat of the previous three books. The history was fascinating, though, and showed through much more prevalently throughout the book. I liked how this book wrapped up the story of the families. I did find it odd how liberal their lives were, though, given the time. Either things have reverted that much, or the author took a LOT of liberties with history, despite the genre.
At first Libby is intoxicated by India’s vibrant beauty: the bustle of Calcutta, the lush tea gardens of Assam. But beneath the surface a rebellion is simmering: India is on the brink of Independence, and the days of British rule are numbered. As the owner of a tea plantation, James embodies the hated colonial regime, and Libby finds herself questioning her idealised memories—particularly when she meets the dashing freedom fighter Ghulam Khan.
As Independence looms, life in India becomes precarious for Libby, James and even Ghulam. And when James reveals a shameful family secret, Libby is forced to question her past—and her future.”
The storyline itself was a repeat of the previous three books. The history was fascinating, though, and showed through much more prevalently throughout the book. I liked how this book wrapped up the story of the families. I did find it odd how liberal their lives were, though, given the time. Either things have reverted that much, or the author took a LOT of liberties with history, despite the genre.
November 24, 2018
Outstanding!
This entire series has opened my eyes to a country and culture I had no previous understanding of. Loving historical fiction as I do, I was fortunate to come across The India Tea Plantation series by Ms Trotter, an accomplished author.
This book is, again, thorough in descriptions of culture and sites in various parts of India after WWII. The events of independence and partition of India are told from the aspects of many different people giving a rounded education of the effects on the population.
The story also brings the reader back to England at the same point in time as the lives of the characters in this series continue to unfold. The loves, losses, celebrations and fears of the central characters are all woven into a large tapestry of family and friends.
I'm not sure if the story will continue, but, if not, this last book has been a great read filled with inspiration and adventure. A definite high recommendation to readers of historical fiction.
This entire series has opened my eyes to a country and culture I had no previous understanding of. Loving historical fiction as I do, I was fortunate to come across The India Tea Plantation series by Ms Trotter, an accomplished author.
This book is, again, thorough in descriptions of culture and sites in various parts of India after WWII. The events of independence and partition of India are told from the aspects of many different people giving a rounded education of the effects on the population.
The story also brings the reader back to England at the same point in time as the lives of the characters in this series continue to unfold. The loves, losses, celebrations and fears of the central characters are all woven into a large tapestry of family and friends.
I'm not sure if the story will continue, but, if not, this last book has been a great read filled with inspiration and adventure. A definite high recommendation to readers of historical fiction.
September 27, 2021
The Audio let it down!
Audio Version -This book was the last in a series of four about varying generations of family based in India and Newcastle. I have absolutely loved each book. I only listen to books due to health issues, therefore the execution of the audio versions are as important to me as the written versions are to those who read the books. This book was extremely well written with a lovely storyline and it was great to follow the characters on from the previous books. Sadly though the audio really let it down and I don't know how it was approved for release. Throughout the series a lot of the main characters have spoke with either Scottish or Newcastle accents. In this book those characters lost all their identities from past books by speaking in an upper class English accent. It completely spoilt the book in my opinion and I have no idea why there was a lack of consistency. This is why I cannot give it the 5 stars it deserves.
Audio Version -This book was the last in a series of four about varying generations of family based in India and Newcastle. I have absolutely loved each book. I only listen to books due to health issues, therefore the execution of the audio versions are as important to me as the written versions are to those who read the books. This book was extremely well written with a lovely storyline and it was great to follow the characters on from the previous books. Sadly though the audio really let it down and I don't know how it was approved for release. Throughout the series a lot of the main characters have spoke with either Scottish or Newcastle accents. In this book those characters lost all their identities from past books by speaking in an upper class English accent. It completely spoilt the book in my opinion and I have no idea why there was a lack of consistency. This is why I cannot give it the 5 stars it deserves.
February 3, 2019
The Secrets of the Tea Garden
The Author is British , And Story Is Indian Based What I Like In This Book Is The Story with Difference And Root Attached With India. Author Present Book In A Effective Manner And With Her Own Experiences With India. As I Didnt Read Previous Books By The Same Author However That Does Not Feel Any Loss of Interest In This Book. A Straight Forward Story With Lots of Twist And Feature to Bind The Audience To Finish Reading. As This Is A Book Story Based In India So I Like Because of I Am Indian And Good To See Author explain The Characters In Indian Context In This Book. In A Interesting And Dedicated Way. The Story Is Clear And Interesting And characters Are planned Effectively With Good Presentation By The Author. So This Is A Book Better For Reading And Enjoy The Story.
The Author is British , And Story Is Indian Based What I Like In This Book Is The Story with Difference And Root Attached With India. Author Present Book In A Effective Manner And With Her Own Experiences With India. As I Didnt Read Previous Books By The Same Author However That Does Not Feel Any Loss of Interest In This Book. A Straight Forward Story With Lots of Twist And Feature to Bind The Audience To Finish Reading. As This Is A Book Story Based In India So I Like Because of I Am Indian And Good To See Author explain The Characters In Indian Context In This Book. In A Interesting And Dedicated Way. The Story Is Clear And Interesting And characters Are planned Effectively With Good Presentation By The Author. So This Is A Book Better For Reading And Enjoy The Story.
April 6, 2023
Enjoyed this sumptuous book as a stand alone.
After watching the movie ‘Viceroy’s House’, I was very interested to learn more about the partition of India in 1947 & how it drastically affected so many peoples lives.
When I saw this novel was set around that time, I was drawn to it because of this.
The authors note was interesting knowing that the story & experiences used, were loosely based on her grandparents life in India around that time.
Reason why it’s a 4 star for me is because I found it a bit of a slow burner to start with, with a lot of characters & I wasn’t so sure whether I was drawn to the heroine. Had to also skim over a page or two.
The latter part of the book had me gripped. I didn’t realise that it belonged to a series & was the last book. So I look forward to reading the others, which should hopefully give more insight into the other main characters.
After watching the movie ‘Viceroy’s House’, I was very interested to learn more about the partition of India in 1947 & how it drastically affected so many peoples lives.
When I saw this novel was set around that time, I was drawn to it because of this.
The authors note was interesting knowing that the story & experiences used, were loosely based on her grandparents life in India around that time.
Reason why it’s a 4 star for me is because I found it a bit of a slow burner to start with, with a lot of characters & I wasn’t so sure whether I was drawn to the heroine. Had to also skim over a page or two.
The latter part of the book had me gripped. I didn’t realise that it belonged to a series & was the last book. So I look forward to reading the others, which should hopefully give more insight into the other main characters.
August 31, 2021
Das Cover passt perfekt zu den ersten drei Teilen.
Die Autorin Janet Mcleod Trotter schreibt das ergreifende Finale der epischen Familiensaga genauso locker und leicht wie in den Bändern 1 bis 3. Eine entschlossene junge Frau, eine Ära, die zu Ende geht, und der Mut zur großen Liebe. Ich hatte unterhaltsame Lesestunden, die mich ins
wunderschöne Assam und ins viktorianischen England mit vielen Abenteuern, Intrigen, aber auch romantischen Momenten führte. Liebe, Hass, Angst, Arroganz und Missverständnisse sowie Schicksalsschläge geben der Geschichte eine besondere Spannung. Ich kann diesen Roman auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen. Um die Zusammenhänge besser zu verstehen, sollte man jedoch die vorherigen Bücher schon gelesen haben.
January 7, 2019
The Secrets of the Tea Garden by Janet MacLeod Trotter is book 4 of India Tea. Janet MacLeod Trotter. The book follows a family in India that has roots in Newcastle in England. it is set in 1947 in India which dis the time around when independence and partition of India took place. The best part of this story is that the story is told from the aspects of many different people which results in you having a rounded education of the effects on the population. this book does just as well as a stand alone. Janet MacLeod Trotter does a wonderful job of weaving history into her novels. The story keeps your interest.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.
November 22, 2018
Terrific story. Libby returns to India which she has in many ways mythologizes, just as the winds of partition are blowing in 1947. What she finds is not what she left but there's a lot here to learn- and love to find. This is a family story that's been winding its way here through several novels but you don't need to have read those to thoroughly enjoy this one. You'll learn a bit about this tumultuous period - not in depth by any means and from a privileged perspective- but that to me was an added bonus. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of historical fiction.
August 25, 2019
An Emotional Climax for Characters and the Country
Best book in the series. I loved this book and the emotional tales it told. Adela's was a particularly difficult read but was completely right; James' nervous relationships with his daughter, his wife and his past; Libby's love of India and it's people despite attempts to push her away; and the overarching tale of the British leaving India, partition and a people torn apart. This book would not have the same impact without having read the rest of the series and it is really worth sticking with them.
Best book in the series. I loved this book and the emotional tales it told. Adela's was a particularly difficult read but was completely right; James' nervous relationships with his daughter, his wife and his past; Libby's love of India and it's people despite attempts to push her away; and the overarching tale of the British leaving India, partition and a people torn apart. This book would not have the same impact without having read the rest of the series and it is really worth sticking with them.
June 7, 2021
This is the last book in The India Tea series, of which I haven’t read any others. I found it really interesting to read about India’s partition as I had no idea that was how Pakistan came about and how recent it was. The descriptions of India were good and I could actually feel the heat. There were a lot of characters with a lot of individual stories going on and at one point I’d actually forgotten what the main story was about. So overall it was a good story, however for me the book was just too long and a bit repetitive. It also got a little too deep politically for me in parts. This did make me struggle with it and it became a bit of a chore to finish. Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK/Lake Union Publishing for letting me read and review this book.
December 16, 2018
A page turner
This 4th book in the series was by far the best. The wealth of characters kept the reader engaged. I had a hard time putting it down, I will say that I worked at keeping the characters and their relationships straight. I enjoyed the historical background into this time when India was ruled by England and the time leading up to separation and independence. A good read. I highly recommend it.
This 4th book in the series was by far the best. The wealth of characters kept the reader engaged. I had a hard time putting it down, I will say that I worked at keeping the characters and their relationships straight. I enjoyed the historical background into this time when India was ruled by England and the time leading up to separation and independence. A good read. I highly recommend it.
November 2, 2020
I enjoyed the other books of the series, but perhaps this was not my favorite book. If we compare it with the other books in this serie, I found this book to have much more dialogues and less action than the others. I would say I liked the historical part since I didnt know much about it, and the descriptions of India and the landscapes is still superb, and makes you feel like you are there and want to see all those places.
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