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Penang #3
A Painter in Penang
Die sechzehnjährige Jasmine Barrington hasst ihr Leben in Kenia und sehnt sich zurück auf die Insel Penang im britischen Kolonialstaat Malaya, wo sie geboren wurde. Der Rauswurf aus ihrer Klosterschule in Nairobi bietet eine willkommene Möglichkeit zur Flucht und die Chance, bei den Freunden ihrer Eltern, Mary und Reggie Hyde-Underwood, auf deren Kautschukplantage auf Penang zu wohnen. Aber wir schreiben das Jahr 1948 und kommunistische Aufständische beginnen eine Schreckensherrschaft, die sich zum Malayan Emergency entwickelt. Jasmine kommt einem schockierenden Geheimnis auf die Spur, als ihr eigenes Leben in Gefahr gerät. Die einzige Konstante für das Mädchen in dieser turbulenten Zeit ist ihre Leidenschaft für die Malerei.
Von der international erfolgreichen und preisgekrönten Autorin von „Die Perle von Penang“ ist dies eine dramatische Geschichte über das Erwachsenwerden vor dem Hintergrund eines tropischen Paradieses, das vom Bürgerkrieg zerrissen wird.
Von der international erfolgreichen und preisgekrönten Autorin von „Die Perle von Penang“ ist dies eine dramatische Geschichte über das Erwachsenwerden vor dem Hintergrund eines tropischen Paradieses, das vom Bürgerkrieg zerrissen wird.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
795 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Clare Flynn
47 books223 followersClare Flynn is the author of twety historical novels and a collection of short stories. She is the 2020 winner of the UK Selfies Adult Fiction prize for her best-selling novel The Pearl of Penang, was shortlisted for the RNA Industry Awards Indie Champion of the Year for 2021 and won the award in 2022.
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Historical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Historical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 8, 2020
Jasmine Barrington is sixteen; she’s living with her step-mother Evie, her step-father Arthur and brother Hugh in Nairobi in Kenya. Evie is horrified when she realizes Jasmine is absolutely miserable, she hates school, she's been expelled and misses her homeland of Penang in Malay. Evie loves Jasmine and she makes the difficult choice to take her home to Penang. Mary and Reggie Hyde-Underwood offer her a place to stay at their rubber plantation, they have a baby Frances, Mary teaches school at the estate, and Jasmine can help her with the baby and sit her final school exams.
Jasmine is delighted to be home, she missed Penang so much and as soon as she gets off the boat she feels like a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders. Jasmine is on the brink of becoming a woman, she’s very pretty and men start to notice her. She finds this really uncomfortable, she's not ready and all she wants to do is sketch and paint. It’s a difficult time for her, luckily Mary is very understanding and she helps Jasmine navigate the complexities of growing up.
Jasmine sets up a studio at the estate, she’s a very talented artist and she might like to go to art school in Paris? But communists start causing civil unrest in Malay, this makes everyone very nervous after what they went through during WW II and it’s the beginning of the Malayan Emergency. Plantations begin to be targeted, Jasmine discovers a shocking secret from her dead fathers past, it puts her in danger, and should she return to Nairobi and put her dreams of being an artist on hold?
I loved A Painter in Penang; it includes characters from the two previous books in the series The Pearl of Penang ( Evie ) and Prisoner from Penang ( Mary ).. Set once again in the tropical paradise, it’s about a young girl’s journey home, her growing up and her being able to cope and deal with the challenges life throws at her. Clare Flynn has done it again, her books never disappoint and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Jasmine is delighted to be home, she missed Penang so much and as soon as she gets off the boat she feels like a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders. Jasmine is on the brink of becoming a woman, she’s very pretty and men start to notice her. She finds this really uncomfortable, she's not ready and all she wants to do is sketch and paint. It’s a difficult time for her, luckily Mary is very understanding and she helps Jasmine navigate the complexities of growing up.
Jasmine sets up a studio at the estate, she’s a very talented artist and she might like to go to art school in Paris? But communists start causing civil unrest in Malay, this makes everyone very nervous after what they went through during WW II and it’s the beginning of the Malayan Emergency. Plantations begin to be targeted, Jasmine discovers a shocking secret from her dead fathers past, it puts her in danger, and should she return to Nairobi and put her dreams of being an artist on hold?
I loved A Painter in Penang; it includes characters from the two previous books in the series The Pearl of Penang ( Evie ) and Prisoner from Penang ( Mary ).. Set once again in the tropical paradise, it’s about a young girl’s journey home, her growing up and her being able to cope and deal with the challenges life throws at her. Clare Flynn has done it again, her books never disappoint and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
October 4, 2020
After devouring the first two books in this series, The Pearl of Penang and Prisoner in Penang, I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the characters and the exotic setting in the third story, A Painter in Penang.
While this book can certainly be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first two beforehand, to get to know the main characters, the struggles they endured, and the consequences on their lives afterwards.
The central character here is sixteen-year-old Jasmine, living in Africa, but yearning to return to her homeland of Malaya. Her step-mother, Evie (main character in The Pearl of Penang), arranges for Jasmine to live back on Penang with her friend Mary (main character in Prisoner in Penang) and her husband Reggie.
As the island becomes caught up in the fearful beginnings of the Malayan Emergency, the author deftly evokes Jasmine’s struggles with her awakened emotions of womanhood, and the troubles she encounters sorting through her feelings towards two very different men.
As with all of Clare Flynn’s books, I was drawn into the all characters’ struggles and problems, and felt like I was right there in Penang with its humidity, its lush tropical vegetation, its rubber plantations and azure blue seas.
I would highly recommend this beautifully-written historical fiction story.
While this book can certainly be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first two beforehand, to get to know the main characters, the struggles they endured, and the consequences on their lives afterwards.
The central character here is sixteen-year-old Jasmine, living in Africa, but yearning to return to her homeland of Malaya. Her step-mother, Evie (main character in The Pearl of Penang), arranges for Jasmine to live back on Penang with her friend Mary (main character in Prisoner in Penang) and her husband Reggie.
As the island becomes caught up in the fearful beginnings of the Malayan Emergency, the author deftly evokes Jasmine’s struggles with her awakened emotions of womanhood, and the troubles she encounters sorting through her feelings towards two very different men.
As with all of Clare Flynn’s books, I was drawn into the all characters’ struggles and problems, and felt like I was right there in Penang with its humidity, its lush tropical vegetation, its rubber plantations and azure blue seas.
I would highly recommend this beautifully-written historical fiction story.
October 1, 2020
The Painter of Penang is the third book in Clare Flynn’s Penang series. It sees Evie and Arthur, who met during the first book, happily settled in Nairobi with their children Hugh, from Evie’s first marriage, and Jasmine, the daughter of Evie’s first husband.
However sixteen year old Jasmine has failed to settle in Kenya and is unhappy at school, to the point of getting expelled. Her dearest wish is to return to her birthplace of Penang, so Evie arranges for Jasmine to go to spend some time there with her friend Mary (the subject of the second book of the series) who lives there with her rubber planter husband, Reggie and their daughter.
Jasmine is thrilled to be back on the island, despite the rumblings of the troubles leading to the Malayan Emergency. She has her own painting studio, studies for her school certificate, helps Mary with teaching at the school for children of plantation workers, and helps to look after baby Frances, whom she adores – while energetically ignoring the amorous advances of Howard Baxter, who works on a nearby plantation, and Lieutenant Ellis, a very unpleasant British subaltern.
This was a beautiful, moving and in places exciting read. The characters are all very well written and the political situation is made clear without the reader being left feeling they’ve had a history lesson. The sense of place is very strong – I have visited Penang just once, for a holiday, and that brief visit in conjunction with the descriptions in the book gave me a very clear picture of everything that took place.
Most importantly of all, this book stands alone. I have read the first Penang book but not the second, and felt having missed one out didn’t affect my enjoyment at all. Every character and their place in the story is clearly explained and it would be perfectly easy to join in at this point in the series – although, like me right now, by the time you finish the book you will be itching to go back and catch up on what you have missed!
However sixteen year old Jasmine has failed to settle in Kenya and is unhappy at school, to the point of getting expelled. Her dearest wish is to return to her birthplace of Penang, so Evie arranges for Jasmine to go to spend some time there with her friend Mary (the subject of the second book of the series) who lives there with her rubber planter husband, Reggie and their daughter.
Jasmine is thrilled to be back on the island, despite the rumblings of the troubles leading to the Malayan Emergency. She has her own painting studio, studies for her school certificate, helps Mary with teaching at the school for children of plantation workers, and helps to look after baby Frances, whom she adores – while energetically ignoring the amorous advances of Howard Baxter, who works on a nearby plantation, and Lieutenant Ellis, a very unpleasant British subaltern.
This was a beautiful, moving and in places exciting read. The characters are all very well written and the political situation is made clear without the reader being left feeling they’ve had a history lesson. The sense of place is very strong – I have visited Penang just once, for a holiday, and that brief visit in conjunction with the descriptions in the book gave me a very clear picture of everything that took place.
Most importantly of all, this book stands alone. I have read the first Penang book but not the second, and felt having missed one out didn’t affect my enjoyment at all. Every character and their place in the story is clearly explained and it would be perfectly easy to join in at this point in the series – although, like me right now, by the time you finish the book you will be itching to go back and catch up on what you have missed!
April 5, 2021
Really enjoyed all three books in this Malaysian trilogy. They won't win any literary prizes but the descriptions of post-war Penang in A Painter in Penang really bring the Malayan Emergency to life and not always in the best light for its Colonial rulers.
September 30, 2020
Loved this book! I have read the previous books in the series, but you can read this book as a standalone if need be. It is better to read the series though, because the other books are a fabulous read too and they give you a good background of the main characters.
Young Jasmine finds herself in a tricky situation. She longs to go back to Malaya, where she was born, but she is stuck in Africa with her parents and just can't seem to settle. Evie, her mum, is sympathetic and decides to ask her best friend, Mary, if Jasmine can stay with them and continue her education. Jasmine is still only 16, after all, and at a critical time when it comes to her future. I don't want to give too much away but there is a lovely dynamic between Jasmine, her mum, Mary and Mary's husband Reggie.
What no-one realises is that Jasmine is going to Malaya just before the Emergency - which is something I had vaguely heard about but didn't really know the ins and outs of. Well....what follows is a rollercoaster of an experience for everyone and it is especially hard when you are only 16 and in that awkward stage where you are just on the cusp of womanhood, and you have such strong emotions but have difficulty sorting out your feelings. The author describes that stage of a young womans life so well! It took me right back to my own teenage years although they were, thankfully, not as tricky as Jasmine's.
Beautifully written book. I felt like I was right there in Malaya with the fierce sun, the bright flora and the turquoise water of the ocean. I was also very emotionally affected by the story of Jasmine and Bintang as well as Jasmine's struggle with her feelings towards both Bintang and Howard.
5 stars from me.
Young Jasmine finds herself in a tricky situation. She longs to go back to Malaya, where she was born, but she is stuck in Africa with her parents and just can't seem to settle. Evie, her mum, is sympathetic and decides to ask her best friend, Mary, if Jasmine can stay with them and continue her education. Jasmine is still only 16, after all, and at a critical time when it comes to her future. I don't want to give too much away but there is a lovely dynamic between Jasmine, her mum, Mary and Mary's husband Reggie.
What no-one realises is that Jasmine is going to Malaya just before the Emergency - which is something I had vaguely heard about but didn't really know the ins and outs of. Well....what follows is a rollercoaster of an experience for everyone and it is especially hard when you are only 16 and in that awkward stage where you are just on the cusp of womanhood, and you have such strong emotions but have difficulty sorting out your feelings. The author describes that stage of a young womans life so well! It took me right back to my own teenage years although they were, thankfully, not as tricky as Jasmine's.
Beautifully written book. I felt like I was right there in Malaya with the fierce sun, the bright flora and the turquoise water of the ocean. I was also very emotionally affected by the story of Jasmine and Bintang as well as Jasmine's struggle with her feelings towards both Bintang and Howard.
5 stars from me.
January 13, 2021
It is 1948 and the world is recovering from WWII. In some places, the consequences of the war are irreversible. The colonial world is crumbling, and for those who have spent their entire lives living abroad as representatives of the British Empire, the transformation will not be easy. Jasmine Barrington is sixteen and after years away from the place she considers home, she is finally allowed to return to Penang, an island off the Malay peninsula.
Jasmine returns to a changed world. Yes, the British still rule what will one day be the independent nation of Malaysia, but there is substantial unrest. The old world order is no longer valid, and while the rubber plantations remain owned by white planters, the Malays, the Chinese and the Indians want their share of the future. Communist insurgents spread violence and fear, and tensions rise when white planters are murdered by the rebels.
In the midst of all this turbulence, Jasmine is leaving childhood behind. The girl is becoming a woman, and like all teenagers, she is at times self-centred and naïve. She is afflicted by emotions she doesn’t want to have, is frustrated by the fact that men—especially one young man—dance attendance, is just as frustrated when said young man ignores her. And then, of course, there’s her friendship with the Malay driver, which in one scintillating moment becomes so much more—or so Jasmine feels. All of this is beautifully depicted by Ms Flynn and elegantly woven into the volatile political situation.
Over a period of several months, Jasmine will experience everything from first love to betrayal. She emerges somewhat wiser, somewhat bruised. But that, after all, is what growing up entails.
Ms Flynn delivers an excellent period piece where the geographic, historical and political setting are constantly present without ever becoming over-bearing. At times, the pace lags a little, and at times, Jasmine’s behaviour is enervating—but what teenager isn’t like this? All in all, A Painter in Penang is an enjoyable and very educational read, shedding light on an era that lies so close to our time but is already sinking into the mists of history.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Jasmine returns to a changed world. Yes, the British still rule what will one day be the independent nation of Malaysia, but there is substantial unrest. The old world order is no longer valid, and while the rubber plantations remain owned by white planters, the Malays, the Chinese and the Indians want their share of the future. Communist insurgents spread violence and fear, and tensions rise when white planters are murdered by the rebels.
In the midst of all this turbulence, Jasmine is leaving childhood behind. The girl is becoming a woman, and like all teenagers, she is at times self-centred and naïve. She is afflicted by emotions she doesn’t want to have, is frustrated by the fact that men—especially one young man—dance attendance, is just as frustrated when said young man ignores her. And then, of course, there’s her friendship with the Malay driver, which in one scintillating moment becomes so much more—or so Jasmine feels. All of this is beautifully depicted by Ms Flynn and elegantly woven into the volatile political situation.
Over a period of several months, Jasmine will experience everything from first love to betrayal. She emerges somewhat wiser, somewhat bruised. But that, after all, is what growing up entails.
Ms Flynn delivers an excellent period piece where the geographic, historical and political setting are constantly present without ever becoming over-bearing. At times, the pace lags a little, and at times, Jasmine’s behaviour is enervating—but what teenager isn’t like this? All in all, A Painter in Penang is an enjoyable and very educational read, shedding light on an era that lies so close to our time but is already sinking into the mists of history.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
September 28, 2020
Another absolutely amazing book! Ms. Flynn has a way of writing historical fiction that pulls you into the story and makes you fall in love with its characters. As she describes the beautifully green lush vegetation, the long sandy beaches and the eye catching morning sunrises you can imagine yourself standing on a hilltop looking at it spread out before you, as well as the miles of rubber trees. I also must say she has created such a diversity of characters that you do actually come to dislike very strongly the ones she wants you too as well as to respect, admire and love the ones she wants you too also. The time period covered in this book, when the Chinese communist party is making war with the British and any Malayan that won't support them is weaved through the story making fear rise in your chest. The main character Jasmine experiences such a swing of different situations for her young 16 years, yet handles them with so much maturity and emotion, I felt myself holding back my tears. I really loved this book and I truly hope that Ms. Flynn is going to continue the series as I don't want to let the characters leave yet. There is so many things I would still like to know about them all, especially Jasmine, Howard, Amir, the Hyde-Underwoods, and of course our beautiful Evie.
I would like to thank the publisher for allowing me to read a free advance copy of this book. The above review is totally my own honest opinion of a book I highly recommend to everyone.
I would like to thank the publisher for allowing me to read a free advance copy of this book. The above review is totally my own honest opinion of a book I highly recommend to everyone.
October 1, 2020
The first of Clare Flynn’s books I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not my normal genre but it pulled me in quickly and it was an easy read.
Set mainly in a Penang, Malaysia in 1948, the story centres around Jasmine, the painter in the title. Having been brought up in a Penang she left, with her mother, when her father died. Her mother remarried and they are living in a Kenya but Jasmine yearns for Penang and her parents allow her to go back, to live with friends of theirs.
So beautifully written and Clare clearly knows the country and it’s troubled history well. I am hoping there might be a follow up to the books to let us know how Jasmine’s life progresses. A 5* from me.
Set mainly in a Penang, Malaysia in 1948, the story centres around Jasmine, the painter in the title. Having been brought up in a Penang she left, with her mother, when her father died. Her mother remarried and they are living in a Kenya but Jasmine yearns for Penang and her parents allow her to go back, to live with friends of theirs.
So beautifully written and Clare clearly knows the country and it’s troubled history well. I am hoping there might be a follow up to the books to let us know how Jasmine’s life progresses. A 5* from me.
October 3, 2020
I absolutely love this series and although each book can be read as a standalone you would be missing a treat if you didn’t start at the beginning. This is historical fiction at it’s best and I really like the descriptive writing and the characters this author conjures up. A visit to a tropical paradise without leaving your seat....brilliant. Thanks to TBC and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
October 25, 2020
I do t know how the author does it but yet again another wonderfully written book in a great trilogy - I can’t get enough of the way this author describes places, people and emotions - perfect!
Jasmine is a great character and I loved following her coming of age away from her home in Nairobi - but please tell me there’s more!
Jasmine is a great character and I loved following her coming of age away from her home in Nairobi - but please tell me there’s more!
October 30, 2020
This is the third in the Penang series that I've read and I absolutely loved it! I didn't think it would be possible to top the first two books but Clare Flynn has only gone and done it! If you enjoy historical fiction with romance thrown in, do not miss this series. And even if it's not your usual choice I'd still highly recommend Clare's books. Not only are the plots real page-turners, but the rich, well-researched history is so seamlessly woven in that you feel that you're being both educated and entertained at the same time. The back of the book offers an overview of Clare's other titles and, having devoured the plot summaries (something I rarely do), I can't wait to read more!
February 19, 2021
Loved the Panang 3 book series
When I read the last page I wished the story hadn't ended. I wanted more ! Loved all 3 books..
If you love historical novels put these on your must read book list.
When I read the last page I wished the story hadn't ended. I wanted more ! Loved all 3 books..
If you love historical novels put these on your must read book list.
February 2, 2025
I picked up this book because it’s set in Penang, my hometown,l. Clearly aimed at a younger audience, the story felt trite and unengaging to me. I liked the familiar setting but the writing lacked depth, making it hard to stay invested. I found it uninteresting
October 28, 2020
A Painter in Penang (Penang series Book 3) by Clare Flynn
I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and gripping novel which is book three in Clare Flynn’s ‘Penang series’, having read and loved both ‘The Pearl of Penang’ and ‘Prisoner from Penang’ I was looking forward to this third instalment and was definitely not disappointed. The novel can be read as a standalone story but the setting is the same across all three books and the characters also crossover so I personally feel that a reader will enjoy the series more if read in order. ‘A Painter in Penang’ is a gripping story of the Malayan Emergency and although it is a dramatic and heartwarming coming of age story the backdrop is the tropical paradise which is being torn apart by the civil war. Sixteen year-old Jasmine Barrington hates living in Kenya and dislikes her Nairobi convent school and wishes she could return to the island of Penang in British colonial Malaya where she was born. Jasmine’s wish comes true having been expelled from her school she has the opportunity to stay with family friends Mary and Reggie Hyde-Underwood on their Penang rubber estate. However it’s 1948 and the communist insurgents have embarked on a reign of terror in what has become known as the Malayan Emergency. As Jasmine and the Hyde-Underwood‘s live through the turmoil Jasmine’s passion for painting continues and becomes her one constant. However having discovered a shocking secret Jasmines own life is suddenly put in danger.
This really is a page turner of a novel and I was hooked from the beginning until the very last page, it is also a book which has stayed with me long after finishing it. The 1948 era and the Malayan Emergency backdrop were vividly bought to life by Flynn’s detailed descriptions and wonderful narrative. I felt completely immersed in both the period of the book and the story itself. The characters are very realistic and relatable and the storyline flows nicely with plenty of action in the plot to keep me happily turning the pages. A five star, must read novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and gripping novel which is book three in Clare Flynn’s ‘Penang series’, having read and loved both ‘The Pearl of Penang’ and ‘Prisoner from Penang’ I was looking forward to this third instalment and was definitely not disappointed. The novel can be read as a standalone story but the setting is the same across all three books and the characters also crossover so I personally feel that a reader will enjoy the series more if read in order. ‘A Painter in Penang’ is a gripping story of the Malayan Emergency and although it is a dramatic and heartwarming coming of age story the backdrop is the tropical paradise which is being torn apart by the civil war. Sixteen year-old Jasmine Barrington hates living in Kenya and dislikes her Nairobi convent school and wishes she could return to the island of Penang in British colonial Malaya where she was born. Jasmine’s wish comes true having been expelled from her school she has the opportunity to stay with family friends Mary and Reggie Hyde-Underwood on their Penang rubber estate. However it’s 1948 and the communist insurgents have embarked on a reign of terror in what has become known as the Malayan Emergency. As Jasmine and the Hyde-Underwood‘s live through the turmoil Jasmine’s passion for painting continues and becomes her one constant. However having discovered a shocking secret Jasmines own life is suddenly put in danger.
This really is a page turner of a novel and I was hooked from the beginning until the very last page, it is also a book which has stayed with me long after finishing it. The 1948 era and the Malayan Emergency backdrop were vividly bought to life by Flynn’s detailed descriptions and wonderful narrative. I felt completely immersed in both the period of the book and the story itself. The characters are very realistic and relatable and the storyline flows nicely with plenty of action in the plot to keep me happily turning the pages. A five star, must read novel.
December 11, 2020
I give this book 4 and 1/2 stars
In the late 1940’s, sixteen-year-old Jasmine Barrington, with the permission of her step mother, transplants herself back to the country she loves—Penang. As she travels, Jasmine’s path crosses that of fellow traveler, Howard Baxter, also destined for Penang to work on a rubber plantation. Howard quickly becomes smitten with Jasmine, though she wants nothing to do with him.
Living with friends of her family, the Hyde-Underwoods, Jasmine relaxes in the tropical atmosphere she loves. Social events throw her together with Howard, but will she keep up her uninterested facade or fall to his honest charm?
Political tensions rise as Penang is caught in a communist uprising. A native man, Bintang, serving the Hyde-Underwoods poses for Jasmine, while she paints. She thinks of him as a kind of friend but will Bintang think the same of her, or will the past crimes against his family by whites cause him to join forces with the enemy?
Will her heart for Penang be enough to keep Jasmine with the Hyde-Underwoods, or will she travel out of the chaos of the political hotbed of Penang to safety?
Readers of coming of age and historical fiction will enjoy this well-painted, story portrait of an island country and a girl who holds Penang in her heart.
The likable but flawed characters kept me interested in the story. I have a fondness for learning about new places and time periods, and Flynn successfully painted Penang through her descriptions and setting.
The ending dropped off a little for me. I would have liked to have had more of a completion of Jasmine’s story in an epilogue. One editorial choice I didn’t care for was the use of single quotation marks instead of double for dialogue.
Overall, A Painter in Penang was a pleasure to read, and I thank the author for a complimentary copy of the book for me to read and review.
In the late 1940’s, sixteen-year-old Jasmine Barrington, with the permission of her step mother, transplants herself back to the country she loves—Penang. As she travels, Jasmine’s path crosses that of fellow traveler, Howard Baxter, also destined for Penang to work on a rubber plantation. Howard quickly becomes smitten with Jasmine, though she wants nothing to do with him.
Living with friends of her family, the Hyde-Underwoods, Jasmine relaxes in the tropical atmosphere she loves. Social events throw her together with Howard, but will she keep up her uninterested facade or fall to his honest charm?
Political tensions rise as Penang is caught in a communist uprising. A native man, Bintang, serving the Hyde-Underwoods poses for Jasmine, while she paints. She thinks of him as a kind of friend but will Bintang think the same of her, or will the past crimes against his family by whites cause him to join forces with the enemy?
Will her heart for Penang be enough to keep Jasmine with the Hyde-Underwoods, or will she travel out of the chaos of the political hotbed of Penang to safety?
Readers of coming of age and historical fiction will enjoy this well-painted, story portrait of an island country and a girl who holds Penang in her heart.
The likable but flawed characters kept me interested in the story. I have a fondness for learning about new places and time periods, and Flynn successfully painted Penang through her descriptions and setting.
The ending dropped off a little for me. I would have liked to have had more of a completion of Jasmine’s story in an epilogue. One editorial choice I didn’t care for was the use of single quotation marks instead of double for dialogue.
Overall, A Painter in Penang was a pleasure to read, and I thank the author for a complimentary copy of the book for me to read and review.
December 14, 2020
A Painter in Penang is a beautiful coming of age novel set in Malaysia after the 2nd World War. It follows the story of Jasmine who was born in Penang but is now living in Kenya with her parents and little brother Hugh. However, she dreams of being back in Penang and after being expelled from her school it is agreed that she will go live with family friends in Penang until she has finished her education.
I love historical fiction like this, ones that have been expansively researched and therefore make you think about areas of history you just have no knowledge about at all. I must admit I knew nothing about Malaysia at this point in history and it has encouraged to me google and research into it.
I really enjoyed reading this tale and loved Jasmine from the start. She is such a warm-hearted and compassionate character. Yes, there is the mixed up feelings of being a teenager but that’s par the course of her story. There are affairs of the heart and the lack of understanding of them was very on point! I don’t think I was that interested in boy at age 16 either. There is a strength of character in Jasmine, a view that everyone should be equal. Something which doesn’t go down well in some places.
Despite the historical aspects of the book being extremely harrowing, past experiences of the war, the attacks on the rubber plants and the communist attacks throughout the country, this book has a core of joy and warmth in it. It gives hope. Which is something everyone in the world needs at the moment.
An easy recommendation from me! This is actually the last book in a trilogy but you can definitely read it as a stand-alone. I will be making sure I go back and read the first two though as I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
I love historical fiction like this, ones that have been expansively researched and therefore make you think about areas of history you just have no knowledge about at all. I must admit I knew nothing about Malaysia at this point in history and it has encouraged to me google and research into it.
I really enjoyed reading this tale and loved Jasmine from the start. She is such a warm-hearted and compassionate character. Yes, there is the mixed up feelings of being a teenager but that’s par the course of her story. There are affairs of the heart and the lack of understanding of them was very on point! I don’t think I was that interested in boy at age 16 either. There is a strength of character in Jasmine, a view that everyone should be equal. Something which doesn’t go down well in some places.
Despite the historical aspects of the book being extremely harrowing, past experiences of the war, the attacks on the rubber plants and the communist attacks throughout the country, this book has a core of joy and warmth in it. It gives hope. Which is something everyone in the world needs at the moment.
An easy recommendation from me! This is actually the last book in a trilogy but you can definitely read it as a stand-alone. I will be making sure I go back and read the first two though as I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
October 6, 2020
This third book in Clare Flynn’s ‘Penang’ series follows the lives of Evie and Arthur and their son, Hugh and Evie’s step-daughter Jasmine, to Nairobi, Kenya, where they settle down happily with the exception of sixteen-year old Jasmine.
She is sullen and rebellious, eventually being expelled from her convent school there for truancy. After insisting that she just wants to return to the land of her birth, Jasmine persuades Evie to allow her to make the journey to Penang to stay with Mary, a lifelong friend and the girl’s primary school teacher. Mary willingly undertakes the unenviable task of becoming the surrogate mother to the unhappy teenager, who yearns to become an artist.
On the long sea journey to Penang, accompanied by Evie, Jasmine meets a young man who is travelling out to work on a rubber plantation previously owned by her father. He follows her around and apparently falls in love with her. However, she spurns his advances and seeks to avoid his company on board the ship, and later in Penang.
I can’t say I empathized with the character of Jasmine. I found her ungrateful and rude; a result of too much indulgence by all the adults surrounding her. Her one- sided relationship with the Malayan driver, was the cause of his disappearance and subsequent death, for which she displayed little remorse.
The landscape of the Malayan peninsula and the island of Penang are beautifully portrayed in this story. The sequence of events leading to the uprising in Malaya, following the Japanese occupation, are clearly defined. It is a dramatic backdrop to Jasmine’s coming-of-age story.
I enjoyed reading this book. It enlightened me on the history of Malaya, its people and culture.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
She is sullen and rebellious, eventually being expelled from her convent school there for truancy. After insisting that she just wants to return to the land of her birth, Jasmine persuades Evie to allow her to make the journey to Penang to stay with Mary, a lifelong friend and the girl’s primary school teacher. Mary willingly undertakes the unenviable task of becoming the surrogate mother to the unhappy teenager, who yearns to become an artist.
On the long sea journey to Penang, accompanied by Evie, Jasmine meets a young man who is travelling out to work on a rubber plantation previously owned by her father. He follows her around and apparently falls in love with her. However, she spurns his advances and seeks to avoid his company on board the ship, and later in Penang.
I can’t say I empathized with the character of Jasmine. I found her ungrateful and rude; a result of too much indulgence by all the adults surrounding her. Her one- sided relationship with the Malayan driver, was the cause of his disappearance and subsequent death, for which she displayed little remorse.
The landscape of the Malayan peninsula and the island of Penang are beautifully portrayed in this story. The sequence of events leading to the uprising in Malaya, following the Japanese occupation, are clearly defined. It is a dramatic backdrop to Jasmine’s coming-of-age story.
I enjoyed reading this book. It enlightened me on the history of Malaya, its people and culture.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
February 13, 2021
Once again Clare had me gripped with no 3 in the Penang series. I finally turned my kindle off at 3.30 this morning.
I felt so much emotion for Jasmine as she went back to Pebang at 16 after all the years away. Sfe was born in Penang and lived there with her father Douglas and step mother Evie who fell in love with Jasmine when she went out to Penang to marry Doug..
Jasmine's heart was in Penang and she loved staying with Mary, Reggie and baby daughter Frances who welcomed her into their home. Her heart was broken though after she fell in love and events became extremely dangerous as the local Communists began to terrorise the plantation owners the British and the native Malayans who didnt follow their rules in a horrific uprising.
As Jasmine prepared to leave Penang to spend Christmas with her family in Nairobi, and then on to fulfil her dream to train as an artist,, it became apparent that she had feelings for Howard who worked at Guthries, although she tried to tell herself she wasn't interested.
I really hope that there will be a fourth in the saga as I can't wait to see how,Jasmine grows up and see if she fulfils her dream. Will she return to Howard or will other events get in the way as she finally grows up into a mature woman?
I couldn't put my Kindle down although I never wanted it to end.. Thankyiu Clare for another wonderful story and bringing the characters to life in such exotic surroundings.
Regards and best wishes
I felt so much emotion for Jasmine as she went back to Pebang at 16 after all the years away. Sfe was born in Penang and lived there with her father Douglas and step mother Evie who fell in love with Jasmine when she went out to Penang to marry Doug..
Jasmine's heart was in Penang and she loved staying with Mary, Reggie and baby daughter Frances who welcomed her into their home. Her heart was broken though after she fell in love and events became extremely dangerous as the local Communists began to terrorise the plantation owners the British and the native Malayans who didnt follow their rules in a horrific uprising.
As Jasmine prepared to leave Penang to spend Christmas with her family in Nairobi, and then on to fulfil her dream to train as an artist,, it became apparent that she had feelings for Howard who worked at Guthries, although she tried to tell herself she wasn't interested.
I really hope that there will be a fourth in the saga as I can't wait to see how,Jasmine grows up and see if she fulfils her dream. Will she return to Howard or will other events get in the way as she finally grows up into a mature woman?
I couldn't put my Kindle down although I never wanted it to end.. Thankyiu Clare for another wonderful story and bringing the characters to life in such exotic surroundings.
Regards and best wishes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2020
Having read and enjoyed the first book, I got this hoping it was a follow-on but not realising it's actually 3rd. That really didn't matter, although I fully intend to get book 2 now - in fact, while there are references to what happened in book 1, it really doesn't matter as this book works completely as a stand-alone. Jasmine was born in Penang and spent her early childhood there, before war sent her and her family elsewhere. She hates it in Africa, where they've ended up, and longs to return to Penang, so in the end she goes to stay with her mother's friend and helps her with the local school. But the war leaves a long shadow, and Jasmine finds that she is forced to grow up faster than anticipated as tensions in the area increase, both in politics and in her personal life.
As well as a great story about strong, believable characters, this book is a great insight into what it was like in the colonies, and the problems there. At a time when we're finding our lives turned upside down by current events, it's a timely reminder that we're not the only ones to have found life can change in a very short time.
As well as a great story about strong, believable characters, this book is a great insight into what it was like in the colonies, and the problems there. At a time when we're finding our lives turned upside down by current events, it's a timely reminder that we're not the only ones to have found life can change in a very short time.
December 3, 2020
This is an historical coming of age story set against a turbulent political background in Penang in 1948. Jasmine returns to Penang to stay with friends of her stepmother at the age of sixteen and finds herself amidst a political struggle for power and a personal battle to become the woman she aspires to.
The setting is beautifully portrayed and immerses the reader in the culture and historical context. The uncertainty and menace of Penang at this time draws you into Jasmine's world as she comes of age. This is the third book in the series but the first one I've read. Like all historical sagas, there is merit in reading the series in order, but there is sufficient character development detail to make this an enjoyable standalone read.
Relatable and vivid characters add to the story's authenticity and Jasmine's character development, and maturity reflects the place and time.
This is an informative and intriguing story that makes you want to investigate the earlier books in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
The setting is beautifully portrayed and immerses the reader in the culture and historical context. The uncertainty and menace of Penang at this time draws you into Jasmine's world as she comes of age. This is the third book in the series but the first one I've read. Like all historical sagas, there is merit in reading the series in order, but there is sufficient character development detail to make this an enjoyable standalone read.
Relatable and vivid characters add to the story's authenticity and Jasmine's character development, and maturity reflects the place and time.
This is an informative and intriguing story that makes you want to investigate the earlier books in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
January 12, 2021
The premise of this book sounded really enticing and I have never read a historical fiction book set in Penang before, nor do I know a great deal about the Malayan Emergency. I have to admit, I was a little nervous as I ventured into unknown waters, but I need not have worried, for the author seemed to be very mindful that her readers may not know that much about this period of history in this country, and because of this I never felt the need to do a quick Google search to try to “keep up” with the historical events in this story.
The story itself was exquisitely told, and the innocence of Jasmine compared to the darker side of events that occur in this novel was handled with a great deal of skill on the author’s part. I have to be careful because I don’t want to give away any spoilers but it is suffice to say that Jasmine has to make some very difficult decisions.
A Painter in Penang is certainly a book that can keep a reader up all night - that was certainly what happened with me.
The story itself was exquisitely told, and the innocence of Jasmine compared to the darker side of events that occur in this novel was handled with a great deal of skill on the author’s part. I have to be careful because I don’t want to give away any spoilers but it is suffice to say that Jasmine has to make some very difficult decisions.
A Painter in Penang is certainly a book that can keep a reader up all night - that was certainly what happened with me.
October 20, 2020
I read the first book in this series some months ago and didn't realise when starting this one that it is the third. However, no knowledge of the previous books is necessary to enjoy this one.
A coming of age story, this is about a young girl called Jasmine who is deeply unhappy and longs for her former home in Penang. As the story unfolds, she must navigate complex relationships and youthful infatuation as well as working out what she wants for her future life and career.
Set in Kenya and Malaysia shortly after the second world war, it was interesting to learn more about the Emergency and get a glimpse into the last days of British colonial rule. The author provides what seems a balanced view, with no side entirely right or wrong.
I enjoyed the book enough to be willing to read any sequel, but I couldn't completely warm to Jasmine, even though she does gain in maturity as time and events progress.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A coming of age story, this is about a young girl called Jasmine who is deeply unhappy and longs for her former home in Penang. As the story unfolds, she must navigate complex relationships and youthful infatuation as well as working out what she wants for her future life and career.
Set in Kenya and Malaysia shortly after the second world war, it was interesting to learn more about the Emergency and get a glimpse into the last days of British colonial rule. The author provides what seems a balanced view, with no side entirely right or wrong.
I enjoyed the book enough to be willing to read any sequel, but I couldn't completely warm to Jasmine, even though she does gain in maturity as time and events progress.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2020
I Was Really Looking Forward To This Book After Learning About It During The Book Blitz In October. And I Was Not Disappointed.... I Really Enjoyed This Book And Can Really Relate To Jasmine And Her Pull To Returning To Malaya (Malaysia).
Having Visited Penang And My Grandfather Dying In 1952 Whilst Part Of The British Army In The Malayan Emergency, It Was So Lovely To Read A Book That Is Based Around The Two. It Is Also Incredibly Unusual For The Malayan Emergency To Be Discussed As It Is Very Much The Forgotten War.
Clare Flynn’s Writing Is Gripping And Beautiful. There Are Two Previous Books In This Series, ‘The Pearl Of Penang’ And ‘The Prisoner Of Penang’ And Although It Can Be Read As A Stand-alone Novel, I Think I Should Have Read The Previous Two In Order To Familiarise Myself With The Characters As I Had A Lot Of Questions Throughout.
Even If You Are Not A Historical Fiction Fan, I Think You Would Enjoy This Book.
Having Visited Penang And My Grandfather Dying In 1952 Whilst Part Of The British Army In The Malayan Emergency, It Was So Lovely To Read A Book That Is Based Around The Two. It Is Also Incredibly Unusual For The Malayan Emergency To Be Discussed As It Is Very Much The Forgotten War.
Clare Flynn’s Writing Is Gripping And Beautiful. There Are Two Previous Books In This Series, ‘The Pearl Of Penang’ And ‘The Prisoner Of Penang’ And Although It Can Be Read As A Stand-alone Novel, I Think I Should Have Read The Previous Two In Order To Familiarise Myself With The Characters As I Had A Lot Of Questions Throughout.
Even If You Are Not A Historical Fiction Fan, I Think You Would Enjoy This Book.
January 7, 2026
loved this!
Another brilliant read. I’m glad this one followed Jasmine as I wondered what her life was like after Evie remarried. The civil war in Malaya/Malaysia was also one I studied about during history lessons in school and it was really interesting to read it from the perspective of this story. Really enjoying this series and looking forward to reading the follow on from this!
Favourite quotes include:
Every time Mary looked at her baby daughter she was filled with a fierce surge of love and a desire to protect her. Like a tiger with her cubs. She’d take on anyone or anything that threatened the wellbeing of the child.
‘I have a lot to learn to learn actually. I read somewhere that it’s only once you’ve mastered technique that you can afford to develop an individual style. I’ve had no formal training. I need to dig the foundations deeply enough or my house might fall down.’
Another brilliant read. I’m glad this one followed Jasmine as I wondered what her life was like after Evie remarried. The civil war in Malaya/Malaysia was also one I studied about during history lessons in school and it was really interesting to read it from the perspective of this story. Really enjoying this series and looking forward to reading the follow on from this!
Favourite quotes include:
Every time Mary looked at her baby daughter she was filled with a fierce surge of love and a desire to protect her. Like a tiger with her cubs. She’d take on anyone or anything that threatened the wellbeing of the child.
‘I have a lot to learn to learn actually. I read somewhere that it’s only once you’ve mastered technique that you can afford to develop an individual style. I’ve had no formal training. I need to dig the foundations deeply enough or my house might fall down.’
October 7, 2020
This is the third book in the Penang series and follows the 16-year-old Jasmine.
Jasmine is struggling at school and at home, finding it difficult to adapt to a new life in Africa, where her family are now living. Her longing to return to Penang results in her staying with her mother’s friend and husband and young baby. She helps out at the local school which also enables her to continue with her passion for painting.
Jasmine is a naïve teenager who has to survive emotional upheaval, her first crush, staving off the attention of older men and trying to understand the Malayan Emergency which brings its own tragedies.
This is a well-written book, looking at all sides of life in the late 1940’s on a rubber plantation with the terror of a civil war.
Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy.
Jasmine is struggling at school and at home, finding it difficult to adapt to a new life in Africa, where her family are now living. Her longing to return to Penang results in her staying with her mother’s friend and husband and young baby. She helps out at the local school which also enables her to continue with her passion for painting.
Jasmine is a naïve teenager who has to survive emotional upheaval, her first crush, staving off the attention of older men and trying to understand the Malayan Emergency which brings its own tragedies.
This is a well-written book, looking at all sides of life in the late 1940’s on a rubber plantation with the terror of a civil war.
Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy.
October 11, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this. I had read the first novel in the series, but not the second. I do think it helps to have read the previous books, but it can definitely be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone novel. This focuses on the struggles of a teenage girl coming of age, set against the backdrop of the post WW2 unrest in Malaya, then part of the British Empire, an interesting and less known period of history. The setting is beautifully described, and characters well developed. While some of the storyline may have been a little predictable, I still found myself unable to put the novel down towards the end as I wanted to know what would happen next! In short, a gripping and enjoyable historical novel that I highly recommend.
October 7, 2020
Clare writes the best book and this one you will love
I really loved this book and it really kept my interest . Jasmine is a sixteen year old girl living in Penang where she was born. She is a excellent painter.. the time she is living in is a few years after we 2. This is the time in history when the communist tried to take over that area no matter who they hurt doing it . Clare has written a excellent book that you can not put down. Clare writes so good I would not be surprised if some of her books is made into a movie. I also tried one of her books on audio one that I had read first the pearl of Penang and I loved it. So I recommend
I really loved this book and it really kept my interest . Jasmine is a sixteen year old girl living in Penang where she was born. She is a excellent painter.. the time she is living in is a few years after we 2. This is the time in history when the communist tried to take over that area no matter who they hurt doing it . Clare has written a excellent book that you can not put down. Clare writes so good I would not be surprised if some of her books is made into a movie. I also tried one of her books on audio one that I had read first the pearl of Penang and I loved it. So I recommend
October 13, 2020
Another great book penned by Clare. This is the third book about life in Malaya in the 1940's.
The Rubber industry was very important to the British and there was a vast wealth surrounding the factories.
Trouble is brewing in Penang unbeknownst to Jasmine and her family. Jasmine feels she needs to leave her home in Africa and visit the island she loves so much. She hopes she'll be able to paint to her hearts content.
A usual Clare has researched her topic well and the story covers basic horrific stories. Jasmine makes friends as well as enemies, she faces heartache before she decides her future.
The Rubber industry was very important to the British and there was a vast wealth surrounding the factories.
Trouble is brewing in Penang unbeknownst to Jasmine and her family. Jasmine feels she needs to leave her home in Africa and visit the island she loves so much. She hopes she'll be able to paint to her hearts content.
A usual Clare has researched her topic well and the story covers basic horrific stories. Jasmine makes friends as well as enemies, she faces heartache before she decides her future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2021
A Painter in Penang, the third in the Penang series, continues the story about the families depicted in the earlier books through the events that happen to Jasmine Barrington, the daughter of Evelyn Fraser. It's descriptions of postwar turmoil in Penang are gripping and explore little known history by the majority of readers. Flynn is very deft at painting life on the island and evoking images of the environment. Jasmine is an interesting character that baffles at times because she is a true representation of a teenage girl coming of age. Although Lieutenant Ellis is a stereotypical villain, Jasmine and the other characters are well-developed, as well as, empathetic. As mentioned by others, this book may be enjoyed without having read the others in the series.
March 29, 2021
Caught between two cultures
The story sees a young Jasmine born and growing up in Malaya before WW11 when the Japanese overrun the country, the the British Military taking over the country again after the war (after having abandoned the Malayans to the Japanese atrocities). Jasmine’s experience of post-war Malaya shows how people fall between the cracks between the Chinese communists who overran the country during the war and the returning British Military. Frequently being on death lists with both sides for refusing to provide food to rebels or as little as offending a British officer.
The story sees a young Jasmine born and growing up in Malaya before WW11 when the Japanese overrun the country, the the British Military taking over the country again after the war (after having abandoned the Malayans to the Japanese atrocities). Jasmine’s experience of post-war Malaya shows how people fall between the cracks between the Chinese communists who overran the country during the war and the returning British Military. Frequently being on death lists with both sides for refusing to provide food to rebels or as little as offending a British officer.
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