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Echoes of Empire #3
The Amulet
From award-winning author Ann Bennett, comes a new, heart-breaking novel set in Singapore, during World War Two.
Perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.
After her mother’s death, Lara discovers a beautiful amulet amongst her belongings, engraved with the words “for Suria.”
Suspecting Suria to be the grandmother she never met, Lara travels to Singapore to find out why her mother was committed to the care of a local orphanage during World War Two.
In 1941, Suria, a poor Malay girl working in a tailor’s shop and living in a communal warehouse, is befriended by a British officer, Charles Simmonds. They start to grow close, but war threatens to engulf Singapore and tear them apart.
While delving into her grandmother’s past, Lara is forced to confront betrayal and brutality as she learns some disturbing truths about families and friendships…
Praise for Ann Bennett
'A vivid account of a brutal period, and a searing exploration of trauma, memory and loss..' The Lady Magazine.
‘Have just discovered this writer … So descriptive of the Far East. Harrowing in parts but unputdownable! Best author I have read in a very long time.’ Amazon Reviewer.
‘This was a story of love, passion and cruelty I could not put down ….’ Lizeanne Lloyd - Lost in a Good Book
I raced through this book in just over twenty-four hours … I literally could not put it down.’ Bibliobeth – Goodreads.
‘I really loved this haunting, powerful and beautiful novel.’ Amazon Reviewer
Perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.
After her mother’s death, Lara discovers a beautiful amulet amongst her belongings, engraved with the words “for Suria.”
Suspecting Suria to be the grandmother she never met, Lara travels to Singapore to find out why her mother was committed to the care of a local orphanage during World War Two.
In 1941, Suria, a poor Malay girl working in a tailor’s shop and living in a communal warehouse, is befriended by a British officer, Charles Simmonds. They start to grow close, but war threatens to engulf Singapore and tear them apart.
While delving into her grandmother’s past, Lara is forced to confront betrayal and brutality as she learns some disturbing truths about families and friendships…
Praise for Ann Bennett
'A vivid account of a brutal period, and a searing exploration of trauma, memory and loss..' The Lady Magazine.
‘Have just discovered this writer … So descriptive of the Far East. Harrowing in parts but unputdownable! Best author I have read in a very long time.’ Amazon Reviewer.
‘This was a story of love, passion and cruelty I could not put down ….’ Lizeanne Lloyd - Lost in a Good Book
I raced through this book in just over twenty-four hours … I literally could not put it down.’ Bibliobeth – Goodreads.
‘I really loved this haunting, powerful and beautiful novel.’ Amazon Reviewer
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2020
1024 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 2, 2020
This time-slip novel, set in Singapore, moves between the experiences of Lara in 2000 and those of her Malay grandmother, Suria, during the Japanese occupation in World War Two. Wondering why her mother had grown up in an orphanage, Lara is hoping that a beautiful amulet on a silver chain, kept by her mother all her life will lead her to discover its original owner. As Lara travels nervously to Malaysia and then Singapore, we meet Suria whose name was inscribed on the amulet.
Suria has left her small village on the Malay peninsula to find work in Singapore. That way she can send money to her mother who is sick. Unfortunately, she loses her job through no fault of her own and so reluctantly she accepts the help of British Army officer, Charles Simmonds to obtain a job at the famous Raffles Hotel. Circumstances throw the two together, but as the Japanese army approach, there can be no happy ending.
Lara is trying to come to terms with the fact that her mother had never seemed satisfied with her achievements and now she has died before they understood each other. Coming on her own to the Far East takes courage, and soon she is entangled in a fraudulent enterprise. However, she does have some success in locating the orphanage, but should she trust in the helpful young Australian she has just met?
Suria’s story is poignant and painful. She suffers badly and loses everything. She is such a believable character the reader naturally empathises with her predicament and as Lara gradually gains knowledge of her grandmother, she must have been proud.
The description of Singapore at the beginning of the 21st century is authentic and detailed, and the events of 1942 are accurate accounts of the experiences of the population of Singapore during the invasion. There is a feeling of redemption in Lara’s story which gives the book a feeling of hope for the future.
Suria has left her small village on the Malay peninsula to find work in Singapore. That way she can send money to her mother who is sick. Unfortunately, she loses her job through no fault of her own and so reluctantly she accepts the help of British Army officer, Charles Simmonds to obtain a job at the famous Raffles Hotel. Circumstances throw the two together, but as the Japanese army approach, there can be no happy ending.
Lara is trying to come to terms with the fact that her mother had never seemed satisfied with her achievements and now she has died before they understood each other. Coming on her own to the Far East takes courage, and soon she is entangled in a fraudulent enterprise. However, she does have some success in locating the orphanage, but should she trust in the helpful young Australian she has just met?
Suria’s story is poignant and painful. She suffers badly and loses everything. She is such a believable character the reader naturally empathises with her predicament and as Lara gradually gains knowledge of her grandmother, she must have been proud.
The description of Singapore at the beginning of the 21st century is authentic and detailed, and the events of 1942 are accurate accounts of the experiences of the population of Singapore during the invasion. There is a feeling of redemption in Lara’s story which gives the book a feeling of hope for the future.
July 28, 2024
The Amulet was an interesting dual timeline novel set in Singapore. Lara's recently deceased mother was adopted at the end of WWII. Lara has always been interested in her mother's past but her mother refused to discuss it. While going through her mother's papers, she finds an amulet with the name "Suria" engraved on it, and documents from an orphanage in Singapore. The story then alternates between modern day Lara's hunt for information about her mother and Suria and Charles in 1941 Singapore.
I found the Suria/Charles timeline absolutely riveting. I feel like most of the WWII historical fiction I read is centered in Europe. It was interesting to see how Singapore fared in WWII and the atrocities that they suffered during the Japanese invasion. Reputed to be impregnable, Winston Churchill stated during the attack that it was “the worst disaster and the largest capitulation in British history”.
Lara's search for information about her family was interesting too. It just didn't have the impact of the WWII part of the story. The positive side of this timeline is that readers learn much more about the cultural side of Singapore.
I enjoyed this more than I expected when I picked it up. It's #3 in a series called Echoes of Empire, which is a collection of standalone novels set in the Far East during WWII.
I found the Suria/Charles timeline absolutely riveting. I feel like most of the WWII historical fiction I read is centered in Europe. It was interesting to see how Singapore fared in WWII and the atrocities that they suffered during the Japanese invasion. Reputed to be impregnable, Winston Churchill stated during the attack that it was “the worst disaster and the largest capitulation in British history”.
Lara's search for information about her family was interesting too. It just didn't have the impact of the WWII part of the story. The positive side of this timeline is that readers learn much more about the cultural side of Singapore.
I enjoyed this more than I expected when I picked it up. It's #3 in a series called Echoes of Empire, which is a collection of standalone novels set in the Far East during WWII.
November 5, 2020
Brilliant
I loved this book and believed in the characters immediately. The story certainly demonstrates humankind at its kindest and cruelest. Highly recommended if you like historical fiction set against a backdrop of some diligently researched history. Didn't want it to finish and several hours after reading the last line, its still going round in my head. Great book!
I loved this book and believed in the characters immediately. The story certainly demonstrates humankind at its kindest and cruelest. Highly recommended if you like historical fiction set against a backdrop of some diligently researched history. Didn't want it to finish and several hours after reading the last line, its still going round in my head. Great book!
January 26, 2021
Brilliant
Couldn't put it down. Heartbreaking love and loss in Singapore during the second world war and the courage of those who lived through it.
Couldn't put it down. Heartbreaking love and loss in Singapore during the second world war and the courage of those who lived through it.
November 3, 2020
I really loved this book
I’ve really enjoyed all her books this one is no exception. I can’t wait until she releases another one. I will definitely read it.
I’ve really enjoyed all her books this one is no exception. I can’t wait until she releases another one. I will definitely read it.
January 5, 2021
Interesting but feels half finished
I found the topic interesting although difficult to read about, but it really felt like there would be more to this story. I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone but if felt thin to me, I got to the end and was expecting a plot twist. It was akin to childlike story endings of "and then they woke up". I'm disappointed as I was enjoying the boom til then.
I found the topic interesting although difficult to read about, but it really felt like there would be more to this story. I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone but if felt thin to me, I got to the end and was expecting a plot twist. It was akin to childlike story endings of "and then they woke up". I'm disappointed as I was enjoying the boom til then.
November 13, 2020
A heart-breaking novel of love and loss set in WW2 Singapore.After her mother’s death, Lara discovers a beautiful amulet amongst her belongings,engraved with the words “for Suria.”Suspecting Suria to be the grandmother she never met,Lara travels to Singapore to find out why her mother was committed to the care of a local orphanage during World War Two.In 1941, Suria, a poor Malay girl working in a tailor’s shop and living in a communal warehouse, is befriended by a British officer, Charles Simmonds.They start to grow close, but war threatens to engulf Singapore and tear them apart.While delving into her grandmother’s past,Lara is forced to confront betrayal and brutality as she learns some disturbing truths about families and friendships.Raffles Hotel is a colonial style luxury hotel in Singapore.During WWII, Raffles Hotel was renamed Syonan Ryokan meaning Light of the South when the Japanese occupied.The Tanglin Club is one of the most prominent and prestigious social clubs in Singapore, founded in 1865.It was used by the IJA as an officer's club.Convent Orphanages existed to receive, nurture and educate abandoned babies.The Sook Ching massacre was a systemic purge of perceived hostile elements among the Chinese in Singapore and Chinese Malayans by the Japanese military during the Occupation of Singapore and Malaya, after the British surrender.III Corps was formed by the Indian Army in WWII for service in Southeast Asia.The corps fought in the Battle of Singapore, surrendering in Feb 1942.The British had plans-Operation Matador and Operation Krohcol-to move forward into the south of Siam to forestall Japanese advances.However,lack of forewarning,combined with caution over upsetting Japan needlessly with precipitate actions,prevented the plans from being implemented,making it easier for the Japanese to defeat them and take them prisoner in horrific camps like Changi.Comfort women were women and girls forced into sexual slavery by the IJA in occupied countries prewar and during WWII,or who participated in voluntary prostitution.These women were brutally raped and treated deplorably by both IJA, and civilians, who saw them as collaborators.
September 15, 2024
2.5 stars
After reading The Lake Pagoda by Bennett, which was a fairly average but engaging story, I thought I'd try another from her WW2 series. Unfortunately The Amulet is mediocre at best, with wooden characters and a predictable outcome.
Long stretches of narrative description became tiresome. Sections of this description felt juvenile coming from an experienced author. Many pages read like this: Lara did this, then she did thst, then she saw this then she felt that...Really tedious and the lack of dialogue places prevents the reader from building a real connection with the characters.
Characters don't feel realistic. It seems more likely that Suria was a rebound for Charles than there being any real love there. I felt no chemistry between the characters and his reasons for trying to help her in a time of deep racial segregation didn't feel justified. Charles' wife again is presented as the unlovable woman to justify his actions to the reader.
The modern story with Lara's search for her nan was very wooden and her love interests were boring and just felt like another contrived way to push the narrative forward. Her dialogue with Christian felt inauthentic and scripted, just generally unrealistic. Lara is also a very sickly sweet character with no edge and a tad naive to travel halfway across the world with no information other than an amulet. The idea that that would open all the doors it did, feels again, you guessed it, contrived. The first third of the story was engaging but halfway through became tough to read because I just didn't feel the characters jump off the page, they seem fake. I kept reading because I was waiting for a much needed plot twist. The minor one a quarter of the way through wasn't major.
There are a few strengths, though. Bennett's descriptions of war in Singapore is harrowing and her highlighting the horror of the lives of 'comfort women' was powerfully told.
If you're interested in WW2 history in Singapore it'll be a useful read. Otherwise, I don't recommend it.
After reading The Lake Pagoda by Bennett, which was a fairly average but engaging story, I thought I'd try another from her WW2 series. Unfortunately The Amulet is mediocre at best, with wooden characters and a predictable outcome.
Long stretches of narrative description became tiresome. Sections of this description felt juvenile coming from an experienced author. Many pages read like this: Lara did this, then she did thst, then she saw this then she felt that...Really tedious and the lack of dialogue places prevents the reader from building a real connection with the characters.
Characters don't feel realistic. It seems more likely that Suria was a rebound for Charles than there being any real love there. I felt no chemistry between the characters and his reasons for trying to help her in a time of deep racial segregation didn't feel justified. Charles' wife again is presented as the unlovable woman to justify his actions to the reader.
The modern story with Lara's search for her nan was very wooden and her love interests were boring and just felt like another contrived way to push the narrative forward. Her dialogue with Christian felt inauthentic and scripted, just generally unrealistic. Lara is also a very sickly sweet character with no edge and a tad naive to travel halfway across the world with no information other than an amulet. The idea that that would open all the doors it did, feels again, you guessed it, contrived. The first third of the story was engaging but halfway through became tough to read because I just didn't feel the characters jump off the page, they seem fake. I kept reading because I was waiting for a much needed plot twist. The minor one a quarter of the way through wasn't major.
There are a few strengths, though. Bennett's descriptions of war in Singapore is harrowing and her highlighting the horror of the lives of 'comfort women' was powerfully told.
If you're interested in WW2 history in Singapore it'll be a useful read. Otherwise, I don't recommend it.
April 29, 2022
A good story but was hard to read about all the cruelties of the war. A reminder that the war not only affected those alive then but generations to come. Lara decides after her mother passes away to go to Singapore and see what she can find out about her mother's past. All they knew was that she had been in an orphanage. Lara and her mother had a strained relationship and Lara felt like she could ever meetup to the standards her mother set. Hopefully she could learn some reasons for her mother being that way. She goes to Singapore and begins to put the pieces together. She also meets Christian who helps her. I don't want to give anything away so you will have to read the book to find out what Lara learns. The author does a great job of writing and making everything so real. You can picture what is happening in your mind and she develops all the characters so well. When the story endsyou still want to know more.
November 28, 2020
Normally, I would give 3 stars for a solidly constructed narrative. However, this is another of this author's books that for me narrates an interesting situation, convincing characters and evokes the tropical clime adroitly.
Coupled with the clarity of a prose style that also has in many places the authenticity of a memoir.
I will read more of Ann Bennet's work; I hope that one day she embarks on a much longer work with a few story strands based on her themes around ordinary people doing their best in extraordinary situations in the Far East. We are due for another 'Far Pavilions' in terms of scope and theme.
This blend of calm clear narrative of 'ordinary' characters in 'exotic' locations and overlapping time periods is reminiscent in flavour of some of the great Nevil Shute's works. More later when I have had a chance to read another Ann Bennett.
Coupled with the clarity of a prose style that also has in many places the authenticity of a memoir.
I will read more of Ann Bennet's work; I hope that one day she embarks on a much longer work with a few story strands based on her themes around ordinary people doing their best in extraordinary situations in the Far East. We are due for another 'Far Pavilions' in terms of scope and theme.
This blend of calm clear narrative of 'ordinary' characters in 'exotic' locations and overlapping time periods is reminiscent in flavour of some of the great Nevil Shute's works. More later when I have had a chance to read another Ann Bennett.
November 14, 2022
Very moving
This was yet again a story of someone searching to find the unknown history of their mother and grandmother, but this one is told very well and the story moves effortlessly between two time periods.
It tells of lives torn apart and ruined by the cruelty of war. In this case it was the cruelty of the Japanese when they took Singapore. Strength of character could only carry Suria so far and her fate had repercussions for her daughter and granddaughter.
I have visited Singapore and Changi and knew something of the war, but mainly from the British side. This book told how the local Malay and Chinese were treated and I found this interesting. Ann Bennett told a clever story interweaving history with the present in a well written book.
This was yet again a story of someone searching to find the unknown history of their mother and grandmother, but this one is told very well and the story moves effortlessly between two time periods.
It tells of lives torn apart and ruined by the cruelty of war. In this case it was the cruelty of the Japanese when they took Singapore. Strength of character could only carry Suria so far and her fate had repercussions for her daughter and granddaughter.
I have visited Singapore and Changi and knew something of the war, but mainly from the British side. This book told how the local Malay and Chinese were treated and I found this interesting. Ann Bennett told a clever story interweaving history with the present in a well written book.
October 27, 2021
Wow!
This is Anne Bennett’s most powerful book yet. Her detailed descriptions of brutal Japanese soldiers and the comfort girls was riveting but very disturbing. But she accurately captures the horrors of war. And the details of a heartfelt love story that was hampered by the ravages of war. I gained a better understanding of why the Japanese were so despised in SE Asia due to their brutality during WWII. I highly recommend this book to learn how Malaysia and Singapore residents suffered during the war.
This is Anne Bennett’s most powerful book yet. Her detailed descriptions of brutal Japanese soldiers and the comfort girls was riveting but very disturbing. But she accurately captures the horrors of war. And the details of a heartfelt love story that was hampered by the ravages of war. I gained a better understanding of why the Japanese were so despised in SE Asia due to their brutality during WWII. I highly recommend this book to learn how Malaysia and Singapore residents suffered during the war.
November 4, 2020
I have now read several books by Ann Bennett all with Singapore/Malaya as the theme and I now feeling a little jaded with the themes of women who come to Singapore searching for lost parents, love or whatever. No doubt that ms Bennett has a lot of information on the Japanese occupation of Singapore and how beastly they were but I feel 8 must move on with my reading.
November 20, 2020
Good read
Really enjoyed this book in the sense that it keeps you wanting to read it. Of course there were some very terrible things that went on during this time, but I expected that. A little repetitive in the descriptions, but does give you the feel of the area. Hard to imagine what these young people were forced to endure.
Really enjoyed this book in the sense that it keeps you wanting to read it. Of course there were some very terrible things that went on during this time, but I expected that. A little repetitive in the descriptions, but does give you the feel of the area. Hard to imagine what these young people were forced to endure.
February 24, 2023
I’ve read quite a few Ann Bennett books and I must admit that for some reason it took me a while to get into this one! However, once I did, I was hooked! Yes it was harrowing in places, but Nevertheless an unputdownable read!
I feel that the conclusion of Ann’s books sometimes seem a bit rushed, but that’s probably because I don’t want them to finish!
I feel that the conclusion of Ann’s books sometimes seem a bit rushed, but that’s probably because I don’t want them to finish!
November 15, 2020
A good read
As with Ann Bennett' s other novels this is a good read. The fall of Singapore is humanized by Suria's story, I did hope for a happier ending to her story though.Definitely would recommend.
As with Ann Bennett' s other novels this is a good read. The fall of Singapore is humanized by Suria's story, I did hope for a happier ending to her story though.Definitely would recommend.
December 2, 2020
A Beautiful Story
Ever since visiting Singapore 2 years ago and Raffles Hotel I have been fascinated with the place and this story brought it to life for me again. Inspiring and heart rending at the same time, packed with adventure I really enjoyed it.
Ever since visiting Singapore 2 years ago and Raffles Hotel I have been fascinated with the place and this story brought it to life for me again. Inspiring and heart rending at the same time, packed with adventure I really enjoyed it.
December 7, 2020
An emotional story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book despite the sadness and the horror of what the Japanese did - they were very bad people and deserved to die. And the strength of the people who stood up to them was truly and act of courage and resilience.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book despite the sadness and the horror of what the Japanese did - they were very bad people and deserved to die. And the strength of the people who stood up to them was truly and act of courage and resilience.
May 17, 2021
Excellent... But what else would we expect from Ann Bennett?
The author is excellent with wartime drama. A girl searches for her deceased mother's past and finds her grandmother's past in Singapore. A heartbreaking drama in WWII. I loved it!
The author is excellent with wartime drama. A girl searches for her deceased mother's past and finds her grandmother's past in Singapore. A heartbreaking drama in WWII. I loved it!
July 11, 2021
Read if …..
you’re a fan of other Ann Bennett books or historical fiction. The story follows 3 characters; one in 2000 and two in the 1940s. In taking us through their journeys the author gives an eye opening and interesting account of Singapore before and during the Japanese invasion.
you’re a fan of other Ann Bennett books or historical fiction. The story follows 3 characters; one in 2000 and two in the 1940s. In taking us through their journeys the author gives an eye opening and interesting account of Singapore before and during the Japanese invasion.
July 18, 2021
Another gripping story
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read about Sindapore during the war and what happened when the Japanese invaded. If you like this type of genre you well enjoy this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read about Sindapore during the war and what happened when the Japanese invaded. If you like this type of genre you well enjoy this book.
August 30, 2021
This book
I spent the first three quarters of this book thinking I may have read it before but now realise it's because the story was so predictable.it's a nice story but no wow factor sadly
I spent the first three quarters of this book thinking I may have read it before but now realise it's because the story was so predictable.it's a nice story but no wow factor sadly
April 21, 2023
Another excellent read
I love Ann Bennetts books. This one is no different I loved it.
It tells the story of Lara who researches her mothers history following her passing. The story tells the story of her grandmother, mother and herself.
A wonderful read.
I love Ann Bennetts books. This one is no different I loved it.
It tells the story of Lara who researches her mothers history following her passing. The story tells the story of her grandmother, mother and herself.
A wonderful read.
November 17, 2020
Excellent...read it in two nights. .👍
December 14, 2020
The amulet
An I interesting story of the types of events that happened to the Malay people during the events of World war two.
An I interesting story of the types of events that happened to the Malay people during the events of World war two.
January 4, 2021
Of you like romance and mystery then this book is for you
When Lara mother dies she sent out to find out the truth behind her..others birth but it not as simple as she though
When Lara mother dies she sent out to find out the truth behind her..others birth but it not as simple as she though
May 7, 2021
excellent author. I love her story telling and have read most of her books which take place in India, Indochina area and about WW2 times. Engaging and well written.
June 27, 2021
Good read
This one kept the pages turning. Interesting, well developed characters. Good history intermixed. This is my second book by this author.
This one kept the pages turning. Interesting, well developed characters. Good history intermixed. This is my second book by this author.
October 7, 2021
Intriguing
This book gives a lot of detail about WW2 and the characters make it very personal. Interesting and very touching.
This book gives a lot of detail about WW2 and the characters make it very personal. Interesting and very touching.
March 22, 2022
Fascinating Read
Great story plus history lesson as well. The time-slips were smooth and the story rolled out seamlessly across the years.
Great story plus history lesson as well. The time-slips were smooth and the story rolled out seamlessly across the years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews