What do you think?
Rate this book
Journey to Paradise
Singapore, 1949. When Miranda steps onto the pier with her husband Gerry she hopes that their move will bring the fresh start she needs and a chance to heal the scars from her past.
Gerry's role at the British foreign office affords them a beautiful house and invites the best parties in town. But their life feels worlds apart from England and true friends are hard to find.
When doctor Nick Wythenshaw encourages Miranda to work within the local community, she finds new purpose that opens her eyes to a new way of life.
But as riots erupt across the region and danger draws close to home, Miranda must make an impossible choice. Will she sacrifice everything she holds dear to find happiness?
Gerry's role at the British foreign office affords them a beautiful house and invites the best parties in town. But their life feels worlds apart from England and true friends are hard to find.
When doctor Nick Wythenshaw encourages Miranda to work within the local community, she finds new purpose that opens her eyes to a new way of life.
But as riots erupt across the region and danger draws close to home, Miranda must make an impossible choice. Will she sacrifice everything she holds dear to find happiness?
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
16 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Paula Greenlees
2 books34 followersPaula has lived in various places, including Singapore, where she was based for three years. It was while living in Singapore that the first seeds of her debut novel, Journey to Paradise developed. The crumbling buildings and the modern high-rises popping up almost overnight seemed to be a metaphor for the social diversity and change in Singapore at that time. However, as a young mother living there, she wondered what it must have been like as a post-war colonial wife living miles away from the familiarity of home. Despite the gloss and glamour of colonial living, women were frequently stuck in unhappy marriages, often unable to follow careers or have the independence to divorce if things went wrong – which they inevitably did.
Her writing, although set against exotic backgrounds, is set on the cusp of change – the shift from colonial dominance to independence. She likes to dig into a variety of issues, and her main protagonist is, in many ways, a metaphor for the events surrounding her at that time. It isn’t always an easy journey, but in the end, success comes her way.
Her writing, although set against exotic backgrounds, is set on the cusp of change – the shift from colonial dominance to independence. She likes to dig into a variety of issues, and her main protagonist is, in many ways, a metaphor for the events surrounding her at that time. It isn’t always an easy journey, but in the end, success comes her way.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 24, 2021
Miranda and Gerry Lewis are English and move to Singapore in the late 1940’s and it’s fresh start for them both. For Miranda she needs to escape the painful past, her baby Henry passed away, consumed by grief, she's lost and isn't coping. Life in post war Singapore is one of luxury, Gerry likes the social side of his job and the endless drinking. But Miranda feels like an outsider, she struggles to make friends with the other ex-pat wives and she’s worried they will find out about her past.
Her relationship with Gerry gets worse, he becomes very distant and starts working long hours. Miranda wants to volunteer at St Augustin’s, they desperately need help at the hospital, Gerry doesn’t like the idea and he’s worried what the people will think! Nick Wythenshaw is a doctor at the hospital, he’s encourages her to help and Miranda finds a purpose. Tension builds in the region, a commissioner is assassinated, and Nick and Miranda help injured people during a riot. Her relationship changes with the handsome doctor, Miranda’s miserable in her marriage and Gerry hasn’t been a supportive and caring husband.
Journey To Paradise is a story about a mothers grief, her husband not being understanding, it causes them to drift apart and will they stay together? I felt like I was exploring the streets of Singapore with Miranda, I could almost smell the spices and four stars from me.
Her relationship with Gerry gets worse, he becomes very distant and starts working long hours. Miranda wants to volunteer at St Augustin’s, they desperately need help at the hospital, Gerry doesn’t like the idea and he’s worried what the people will think! Nick Wythenshaw is a doctor at the hospital, he’s encourages her to help and Miranda finds a purpose. Tension builds in the region, a commissioner is assassinated, and Nick and Miranda help injured people during a riot. Her relationship changes with the handsome doctor, Miranda’s miserable in her marriage and Gerry hasn’t been a supportive and caring husband.
Journey To Paradise is a story about a mothers grief, her husband not being understanding, it causes them to drift apart and will they stay together? I felt like I was exploring the streets of Singapore with Miranda, I could almost smell the spices and four stars from me.
March 2, 2022
My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
The writing is beautiful, I could easy picture the whole scene. Where the scene is so real-life I felt like I was there seeing Miranda off on her journey on the ship. I love how the author Paula Greenlees has adapted the scenery from the boat absolutely perfectly. I absolutely recommend reading Journey to Paradise.
An impossible choice.
A love that will change forever.
I have part of chapter 1 and 2 on website.
The writing is beautiful, I could easy picture the whole scene. Where the scene is so real-life I felt like I was there seeing Miranda off on her journey on the ship. I love how the author Paula Greenlees has adapted the scenery from the boat absolutely perfectly. I absolutely recommend reading Journey to Paradise.
An impossible choice.
A love that will change forever.
I have part of chapter 1 and 2 on website.
May 5, 2021
It was supposed to be a new start for Miranda and her husband Gerry when they moved to Singapore. The story set in the late 1940s at a time of unrest. Miranda is still grieving after the tragic death of their baby boy, but times are very different now than they were. Grief counselling was still years away, and fear of having another baby terrifying for her. It put a strain on her marriage and left her with no one to turn to for support.
There was a great divide of equality between men and women, with women staying home while their husbands worked. Miranda didn’t fit in with the other British wives, especially as her neighbour had a baby of her own, who seemed to be constantly crying. It is all too much for Miranda. After meeting the very dashing doctor Nick Wythenshaw, he suggests that she could take on a voluntary role in the community. Not something that her husband approves of.
I loved this book which transported me back in time. There was a divide between men and women, rich and poor and the colour of your skin. The British saw themselves as superior. Descriptions of Singapore ooze of culture and tradition. The British were very heavy-handed in trying to change everything.
The characters were portrayed perfectly. Although Gerry is not the most understanding man, I did have to see things from his point of view too. He did try to get his wife involved. I could understand his needs too, he had been patient for much longer than a lot would have waited in that time.
A beautiful story of a bygone era, that isn’t so long ago.
I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
There was a great divide of equality between men and women, with women staying home while their husbands worked. Miranda didn’t fit in with the other British wives, especially as her neighbour had a baby of her own, who seemed to be constantly crying. It is all too much for Miranda. After meeting the very dashing doctor Nick Wythenshaw, he suggests that she could take on a voluntary role in the community. Not something that her husband approves of.
I loved this book which transported me back in time. There was a divide between men and women, rich and poor and the colour of your skin. The British saw themselves as superior. Descriptions of Singapore ooze of culture and tradition. The British were very heavy-handed in trying to change everything.
The characters were portrayed perfectly. Although Gerry is not the most understanding man, I did have to see things from his point of view too. He did try to get his wife involved. I could understand his needs too, he had been patient for much longer than a lot would have waited in that time.
A beautiful story of a bygone era, that isn’t so long ago.
I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
March 21, 2021
Paula’s novel transports the reader to a long-forgotten and fascinating time in Singapore. Set in a turbulent, post-war period with the British empire in decline, the contrasting experiences of Miranda and the cast of characters in the book clearly show the stark power imbalances between men and women, expats and locals. An enchanting, evocative debut!
March 8, 2021
Discover the locations in Journey to Paradise
Sail to Singapore with the expats in Journey to Paradise
I have just spent the most luscious and vividly described time in Singapore. Miranda is out there with her husband Gregg, but she feels lost in her new home. She’s there to support him but soon finds that he is always out and doesn’t understand why she is unhappy. She spends time walking, exploring her new home, wanders the streets into the markets and getting to know the locals.
In BookTrail terms, this is exquisite – we get driven around the city in the novel in an expat car, visit posh homes, wander and explore as the characters do in the novel. The descriptions of the setting, the smells, noises, colours are wonderful. You can tell the author has spent some time here and that there are some very fond memories of it. I think she channels that magic feeling of discovering something for the first time via Miranda and it’s lovely to read. You get all the feels here – the scent of the flowers, the food, the scent of the air and oh, those sunsets….
The novel is not all lush description however. There’s obviously a dangerous political situation unfolding as the story develops. Much of this happens ‘ off stage’ but the characters react and talk about the situation and analyse their role in their host country. I felt the women were desperate to do more than have coffee and look after their babies but were restricted from doing so,. The focus was on them, their men seemed distant and disconnected from their wives experiences in this new land. No wonder Miranda starts to explore and want something more. When Nick offers her the chance to help in the local community, she jumps at the chance. Guess who objects though?
I really felt for Miranda. Alone in a foreign and very different country. Your husband might be there, but he’s distant. Nick and Miranda get close. Gerry her husband starts to stay out later. Marriages break down here. There’s not much mixing between the locals and the expats and that is very sad to see.
There’s plenty of scene setting and you learn quite a bit about the battles, troubles and the difficult relationships between the authorities and the people. There is trouble brewing and a great sense of unease throughout.
A nice ending, a just ending and it was the most wonderfully scenic journey getting there.
January 4, 2022
Miranda and Gerry are starting a new life in Singapore.
It’s difficult to believe this is Paula Greenlees’ debut novel because her writing is so assured and beautifully crafted. Her descriptions in Journey to Paradise evoke strong images in the reader’s mind so that the Singapore setting is both photographic and filmic in quality, drawing in her reader completely. I loved how the scents, the heat and the local settings are depicted through such skilled use of the senses that I felt myself transported back to Singapore. Pitch perfect descriptions meant I could see and touch the glorious silks, smell and taste the food and hear the sounds of the markets and birds.
The plot in Journey to Paradise is a skilful blend of Miranda’s personal life with the historical context of 1949 so that there’s a real authenticity to the story that enriches the reader’s experience. Equally convincing is the insight into the social hierarchy of Singapore’s society, both for the local people and the ex-patriot community. I found the social mores, the snobbery and the hypocrisy completely fascinating.
All that said, the real strength in Journey to Paradise comes through the characterisation of Miranda. Her sense of isolation, her grief and her personality are totally convincing. Whilst she may have physically sailed to a paradise island, the real journey comes through her understanding of herself and those in her life. In many ways, Journey to Paradise is a feminist text, exemplifying how women can survive and thrive without men in their lives. By the time I’d finished reading Journey to Paradise I felt I’d had a privileged insight into mind of a complex, realistic woman.
The other people are equally compelling. Paula Greenlees has a real skill in depicting the lives and attitudes of even the most minor characters so that the social and historical elements of the narrative come to life very vividly. I must admit that I loathed Gerry from the very beginning and was fascinated to see how his character played out in the story – but you’ll need to read Journey to Paradise to see what I mean.
Themes of marriage, motherhood, friendship, education, politics, romance and self-discovery mean that Journey to Paradise is a book of depth as well as entertainment. I thought it was a glorious read being captivating, emotionally satisfying and historically fascinating. I loved it.
It’s difficult to believe this is Paula Greenlees’ debut novel because her writing is so assured and beautifully crafted. Her descriptions in Journey to Paradise evoke strong images in the reader’s mind so that the Singapore setting is both photographic and filmic in quality, drawing in her reader completely. I loved how the scents, the heat and the local settings are depicted through such skilled use of the senses that I felt myself transported back to Singapore. Pitch perfect descriptions meant I could see and touch the glorious silks, smell and taste the food and hear the sounds of the markets and birds.
The plot in Journey to Paradise is a skilful blend of Miranda’s personal life with the historical context of 1949 so that there’s a real authenticity to the story that enriches the reader’s experience. Equally convincing is the insight into the social hierarchy of Singapore’s society, both for the local people and the ex-patriot community. I found the social mores, the snobbery and the hypocrisy completely fascinating.
All that said, the real strength in Journey to Paradise comes through the characterisation of Miranda. Her sense of isolation, her grief and her personality are totally convincing. Whilst she may have physically sailed to a paradise island, the real journey comes through her understanding of herself and those in her life. In many ways, Journey to Paradise is a feminist text, exemplifying how women can survive and thrive without men in their lives. By the time I’d finished reading Journey to Paradise I felt I’d had a privileged insight into mind of a complex, realistic woman.
The other people are equally compelling. Paula Greenlees has a real skill in depicting the lives and attitudes of even the most minor characters so that the social and historical elements of the narrative come to life very vividly. I must admit that I loathed Gerry from the very beginning and was fascinated to see how his character played out in the story – but you’ll need to read Journey to Paradise to see what I mean.
Themes of marriage, motherhood, friendship, education, politics, romance and self-discovery mean that Journey to Paradise is a book of depth as well as entertainment. I thought it was a glorious read being captivating, emotionally satisfying and historically fascinating. I loved it.
October 2, 2021
Read the full review on my blog: https://theverybookish.com/2021/10/02...
I would firstly like to thank NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think we all know by now that I love historical fiction, and so when a debut historical fiction novel pops up, I’m not going to say no. I’d seen this book all over Instagram as there were some blog tours, but I didn’t get the opportunity to join in and I was so disappointed as the reviews were glowing. When I saw it still available on NetGalley I jumped at the opportunity, and I’m so glad I did.
Miranda and Gerry Lewis move to Singapore from England in the late 1940’s for a fresh start. For Miranda, escaping from England means that she’s escaping from the harsh reality of losing her baby, Henry, though she remains full of grief and mentally isn’t doing well. The writing in this book is beautiful – so descriptive and sets the scene well. This creates such a page-turner of a novel. I knew from early on that this was going to be a fantastic read.
I would firstly like to thank NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think we all know by now that I love historical fiction, and so when a debut historical fiction novel pops up, I’m not going to say no. I’d seen this book all over Instagram as there were some blog tours, but I didn’t get the opportunity to join in and I was so disappointed as the reviews were glowing. When I saw it still available on NetGalley I jumped at the opportunity, and I’m so glad I did.
Miranda and Gerry Lewis move to Singapore from England in the late 1940’s for a fresh start. For Miranda, escaping from England means that she’s escaping from the harsh reality of losing her baby, Henry, though she remains full of grief and mentally isn’t doing well. The writing in this book is beautiful – so descriptive and sets the scene well. This creates such a page-turner of a novel. I knew from early on that this was going to be a fantastic read.
June 9, 2021
What a beautiful book! I could not put it down and didn’t want it to end . Fantastic read can’t wait to read more of her work .
February 28, 2022
Review 📚
Journey to Paradise by Paula Greenlees
Set in Singapore 1949, Journey to Paradise tells the story of Miranda and her new adventure at 28 years old, departing from London in the Queen Mary, with her husband Gerry. He just got a new job that will bring a new world of possibilities and status or so he says...
Grieving for baby Henry, Miranda's broken heart agreed with this journey that would hopefully offer some hope of rebuilding a new life and put the past behind. To remember her beautiful boy she still has a lock of his hair inside the heart shaped necklace offered by Gerry as a gift and every week she places white Rose's by his grave.
The fear of having another baby started to be terrifying and slowly damaged her relationship. Lonely and with a lack of support, Miranda also decides to leave her volunteering at the hospital, started just after the war ended.Gerry's new job would probably bring a new life and situations that would demand a great deal of effort and learning like meeting VIP and all the rules that come with it so all her focus has to be on it. Trying to cope with all these changes and also hide a secret it's her mission from now on!
At the time, society expected that only men worked and women stayed at home.Nick Wythenshaw, an acquaintance from Singapore, changed that when he offered Miranda the chance to volunteer in the local community. Miranda finds a new purpose and suddenly her protective VIP world is not so seductive anymore.No need to say that Gerry did not supported this decision...Meanwhile riots start erupting in the region so Miranda will finally face the choice of her life. What will her decision be??
The inequality between men and women was strong and reinforced by centuries of discrimination, a topic that I believe was very well described by the author in the book.
I loved the detailed descriptions of the arrival in Singapore and how well the reader was introduced to a new culture, traditions, weather, food and people. I could almost see myself arriving at the port and being welcomed by that hot and vibrant culture around me...
I truly enjoyed reading this debut novel, thank you so much to the lovely @paulagreenlees for this review copy.
Journey to Paradise by Paula Greenlees
Set in Singapore 1949, Journey to Paradise tells the story of Miranda and her new adventure at 28 years old, departing from London in the Queen Mary, with her husband Gerry. He just got a new job that will bring a new world of possibilities and status or so he says...
Grieving for baby Henry, Miranda's broken heart agreed with this journey that would hopefully offer some hope of rebuilding a new life and put the past behind. To remember her beautiful boy she still has a lock of his hair inside the heart shaped necklace offered by Gerry as a gift and every week she places white Rose's by his grave.
The fear of having another baby started to be terrifying and slowly damaged her relationship. Lonely and with a lack of support, Miranda also decides to leave her volunteering at the hospital, started just after the war ended.Gerry's new job would probably bring a new life and situations that would demand a great deal of effort and learning like meeting VIP and all the rules that come with it so all her focus has to be on it. Trying to cope with all these changes and also hide a secret it's her mission from now on!
At the time, society expected that only men worked and women stayed at home.Nick Wythenshaw, an acquaintance from Singapore, changed that when he offered Miranda the chance to volunteer in the local community. Miranda finds a new purpose and suddenly her protective VIP world is not so seductive anymore.No need to say that Gerry did not supported this decision...Meanwhile riots start erupting in the region so Miranda will finally face the choice of her life. What will her decision be??
The inequality between men and women was strong and reinforced by centuries of discrimination, a topic that I believe was very well described by the author in the book.
I loved the detailed descriptions of the arrival in Singapore and how well the reader was introduced to a new culture, traditions, weather, food and people. I could almost see myself arriving at the port and being welcomed by that hot and vibrant culture around me...
I truly enjoyed reading this debut novel, thank you so much to the lovely @paulagreenlees for this review copy.
June 29, 2021
I feel in love with this book almost immediately, the setting was post WWII where Mirander and Gerry set off for a new life in Singapore. This is one of my favourite era’s for historical fiction and this book did not let me down.
The writing was beautiful, smooth and fluid. I was transported to the jungle and felt the humid, oppressive climate. I could smell the mixture of spices and street cooking with sulphur and waste. Sweet jasmine and post storm jungle. This was all thanks to some very detailed and clever writing.
The story covered loss, grief, deceit, but along with that a balance of love and kindness too. I really did feel for the main character, Mirander. Two main points I loved about this story was that she had a lot more support than she thought she had. Her friend Georgina was fiercely supportive even when things started going wrong and she also didn’t give her mother-in-law enough credit either. The other point being that it’s never too late to start over and be happy.
One of my favourite characters was Mei ling. I could picture her so vividly, strong, obtuse at times, but so warm and caring too. She had me in stitches at time with her wisdom and sharp tongue.
In a time where it was difficult to communicate and letters would take weeks to arrive you can see how isolated one could be. This story was so well researched and it made for an exquisite read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m so glad I signed up for this tour. I would definitely recommend to all historical fiction fans.
The writing was beautiful, smooth and fluid. I was transported to the jungle and felt the humid, oppressive climate. I could smell the mixture of spices and street cooking with sulphur and waste. Sweet jasmine and post storm jungle. This was all thanks to some very detailed and clever writing.
The story covered loss, grief, deceit, but along with that a balance of love and kindness too. I really did feel for the main character, Mirander. Two main points I loved about this story was that she had a lot more support than she thought she had. Her friend Georgina was fiercely supportive even when things started going wrong and she also didn’t give her mother-in-law enough credit either. The other point being that it’s never too late to start over and be happy.
One of my favourite characters was Mei ling. I could picture her so vividly, strong, obtuse at times, but so warm and caring too. She had me in stitches at time with her wisdom and sharp tongue.
In a time where it was difficult to communicate and letters would take weeks to arrive you can see how isolated one could be. This story was so well researched and it made for an exquisite read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m so glad I signed up for this tour. I would definitely recommend to all historical fiction fans.
April 15, 2021
I kindly received an eARC advance copy of this book to read and review though NetGalley.
I have travelled to Singapore several times and am fascinated by this beautiful city state. In this book, you are transported back to the Singapore of the late 1940’s and a different era altogether. Not only is the city landscape still “wilder” but the social situation is another world. Not just the kickback against colonialism but also an era when wife were expected to tow the line, subject to their husband’s power.
Miranda has lost her young baby son and is struggling to cope with her grief when her family and husband decide to move the couple to Singapore. As an expat wife of a civil servant, the expectation is for Miranda to conform to the mould and fit in so that her husband earns a promotion. But things gradually fall apart for the couple. She misses volunteering at the hospital, he works later and later hours and has a roving eye for the young secretaries.
Miranda connects with a young doctor, Nick, working at the charity hospital who suggests she volunteer with the patients there. As things develop, her marriage falls apart and right up until the very last pages, you get the sense that things may go horribly wrong for both Miranda and Nick.
This is a beautiful and thoughtful story that brings so many societal issues up while vividly describing the landscape. It’s a goodie!
I have travelled to Singapore several times and am fascinated by this beautiful city state. In this book, you are transported back to the Singapore of the late 1940’s and a different era altogether. Not only is the city landscape still “wilder” but the social situation is another world. Not just the kickback against colonialism but also an era when wife were expected to tow the line, subject to their husband’s power.
Miranda has lost her young baby son and is struggling to cope with her grief when her family and husband decide to move the couple to Singapore. As an expat wife of a civil servant, the expectation is for Miranda to conform to the mould and fit in so that her husband earns a promotion. But things gradually fall apart for the couple. She misses volunteering at the hospital, he works later and later hours and has a roving eye for the young secretaries.
Miranda connects with a young doctor, Nick, working at the charity hospital who suggests she volunteer with the patients there. As things develop, her marriage falls apart and right up until the very last pages, you get the sense that things may go horribly wrong for both Miranda and Nick.
This is a beautiful and thoughtful story that brings so many societal issues up while vividly describing the landscape. It’s a goodie!
September 4, 2022
This is a beautifully written historical fiction set in post WWII with vivid descriptions of life in Singapore for an English expat. It is a story filled with loss, love, betrayal and hope with rich characterization. Thank you NetGalley, Random House UK and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. Available now through Barnes and Noble.
January 8, 2022
1949: Miranda is about to take a step into the unknown. Her husband Gerry has been assigned to undertake the role of Colonial Officer in Her Majesty's Foreign Office in the exotic environs of Singapore, and as a dutiful wife, Miranda must accompany and support him in his career move.
Although sad to leave her home, parents and friends behind, Miranda is rather excited about the prospect of a new start on the other side of the world, hoping it will help her to recover from the tragic death of their young son - and bring her and Gerry back together again. However, the cultural melting pot of post-war Singapore is hard to navigate: Miranda struggles to adjust to suddenly having staff to look after her, and walking the fine line of expected etiquette among the ex-pat community is like stumbling through a minefield - especially among the wives of Gerry's colleagues.
Miranda is bored and lonely, finding the role of domestic goddess and hostess unfulfilling, especially since Gerry is working long hours and the hoped for reconciliation between them seems further away than ever. She seems to have little in common with the women she hoped would become her friends and misunderstandings between them soon have her wishing she had never come to Singapore. But then she finds new purpose through volunteering at the local clinic and becomes friends with the young doctor who works there, Nick Wythenshaw, despite Gerry's disapproval.
As a closeness between her and Nick develops, blossoming into something more, Miranda also begins to understand something of the difficult political situation and the plight of the native peoples in Singapore, and realises that her sympathies lie in a different quarter to those of her husband. When rioting and civil disorder break out, the danger that comes close to Miranda forces her to confront her unhappiness. It's time to make some difficult decisions...
Journey to Paradise is an immersive story that drops you right into the midst of post-war Singapore, just as the sun is starting to set on the British Empire.
At its heart, this is a love story, but in the telling Greenlees weaves in some fascinating social, political and military history about the lie of the land in 1949, and this brings real depth to the tale. As soon as Miranda sets foot in Singapore, you experience the new sights, sounds and smells that overwhelm her creating an intensely evocative feeling of time and place. This contrasts beautifully with the grey scene Miranda and Gerry leave behind at the quay-side in Southampton, emphasising that this is going to be a whole new life for them both. But of course, some things stay the same no matter where you are, and before long it becomes clear that there is trouble, quite literally, in paradise...
One of my favourite things about this story is the way Greenlees shines a light on the lives of the women of the ex-pat community in Singapore in 1949. Despite moving half-way across the World, Miranda is still very much tied to the expected role of wife and mother, here to support the endeavours of her husband and sacrifice her own desires in the process. If things go wrong, she is the one left with out any sort of support, or easy way to escape her marriage.
Almost from the start Miranda chafes against the tight strictures placed on her as the wife of a member of the colonial administration, becoming the face of how times are changing. Through her we get to see the truth about the life of women in the late 1940s, and the double standards that lie behind the rarefied existence of the Raffles set - and the rot that has set in. She is not afraid to get to know the real Singapore, and so we also learn about the social and political troubles for the local population, and most intriguingly, the resentment they feel about being abandoned by the British and left to suffer under Japanese occupation - for-shadowing the eventual end of British rule.
This book absolutely engrossed me from start to finish, tying me up in an exotic location and indulging my partiality for an engaging story and stirring history. This is an impressive debut, and I look forward to more from the pen of Paula Greenlees.
Although sad to leave her home, parents and friends behind, Miranda is rather excited about the prospect of a new start on the other side of the world, hoping it will help her to recover from the tragic death of their young son - and bring her and Gerry back together again. However, the cultural melting pot of post-war Singapore is hard to navigate: Miranda struggles to adjust to suddenly having staff to look after her, and walking the fine line of expected etiquette among the ex-pat community is like stumbling through a minefield - especially among the wives of Gerry's colleagues.
Miranda is bored and lonely, finding the role of domestic goddess and hostess unfulfilling, especially since Gerry is working long hours and the hoped for reconciliation between them seems further away than ever. She seems to have little in common with the women she hoped would become her friends and misunderstandings between them soon have her wishing she had never come to Singapore. But then she finds new purpose through volunteering at the local clinic and becomes friends with the young doctor who works there, Nick Wythenshaw, despite Gerry's disapproval.
As a closeness between her and Nick develops, blossoming into something more, Miranda also begins to understand something of the difficult political situation and the plight of the native peoples in Singapore, and realises that her sympathies lie in a different quarter to those of her husband. When rioting and civil disorder break out, the danger that comes close to Miranda forces her to confront her unhappiness. It's time to make some difficult decisions...
Journey to Paradise is an immersive story that drops you right into the midst of post-war Singapore, just as the sun is starting to set on the British Empire.
At its heart, this is a love story, but in the telling Greenlees weaves in some fascinating social, political and military history about the lie of the land in 1949, and this brings real depth to the tale. As soon as Miranda sets foot in Singapore, you experience the new sights, sounds and smells that overwhelm her creating an intensely evocative feeling of time and place. This contrasts beautifully with the grey scene Miranda and Gerry leave behind at the quay-side in Southampton, emphasising that this is going to be a whole new life for them both. But of course, some things stay the same no matter where you are, and before long it becomes clear that there is trouble, quite literally, in paradise...
One of my favourite things about this story is the way Greenlees shines a light on the lives of the women of the ex-pat community in Singapore in 1949. Despite moving half-way across the World, Miranda is still very much tied to the expected role of wife and mother, here to support the endeavours of her husband and sacrifice her own desires in the process. If things go wrong, she is the one left with out any sort of support, or easy way to escape her marriage.
Almost from the start Miranda chafes against the tight strictures placed on her as the wife of a member of the colonial administration, becoming the face of how times are changing. Through her we get to see the truth about the life of women in the late 1940s, and the double standards that lie behind the rarefied existence of the Raffles set - and the rot that has set in. She is not afraid to get to know the real Singapore, and so we also learn about the social and political troubles for the local population, and most intriguingly, the resentment they feel about being abandoned by the British and left to suffer under Japanese occupation - for-shadowing the eventual end of British rule.
This book absolutely engrossed me from start to finish, tying me up in an exotic location and indulging my partiality for an engaging story and stirring history. This is an impressive debut, and I look forward to more from the pen of Paula Greenlees.
March 20, 2021
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Singapore, 1948
When Miranda moves to the Alexandra Quarter with her husband Gerry, she hopes it will bring the fresh start they need.
Though their life in ex-pat society is full of luxury, Miranda can't help feeling like an outsider, and her relationship with Gerry becomes increasingly distant.
When Doctor Nick Wythenshaw encourages Miranda to work within the local community, she finds new purpose away from her protected world that opens her eyes to a new way of life.
But as riots erupt across the region and danger draws close to home, Miranda must make an impossible choice.
Will she sacrifice everything she holds dear to find happiness?
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Women’s Fiction
Historical Fiction
Review:
The writing is very vivid; full of atmosphere, the story captures you from the start. The scenery is depicted in great detail this made it come to life and feel authentic. The historical facts are well researched. It shows that the author has actually lived in Singapore. The characters are nice and they show realistic human traits, this made them interesting.
Overall:
This is a very interesting story, nicely written and very captivating. The characters are interesting and appear realistic as they show real human traits, such as love, despair, anger and loyalty. The plot takes place during an interesting time in Singapore’s history, post WII at the end of the colonial era. The book is well researched; this gives it an authentic feel. Worth reading!
Review copy provided by NetGalley at no cost to me
Singapore, 1948
When Miranda moves to the Alexandra Quarter with her husband Gerry, she hopes it will bring the fresh start they need.
Though their life in ex-pat society is full of luxury, Miranda can't help feeling like an outsider, and her relationship with Gerry becomes increasingly distant.
When Doctor Nick Wythenshaw encourages Miranda to work within the local community, she finds new purpose away from her protected world that opens her eyes to a new way of life.
But as riots erupt across the region and danger draws close to home, Miranda must make an impossible choice.
Will she sacrifice everything she holds dear to find happiness?
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Women’s Fiction
Historical Fiction
Review:
The writing is very vivid; full of atmosphere, the story captures you from the start. The scenery is depicted in great detail this made it come to life and feel authentic. The historical facts are well researched. It shows that the author has actually lived in Singapore. The characters are nice and they show realistic human traits, this made them interesting.
Overall:
This is a very interesting story, nicely written and very captivating. The characters are interesting and appear realistic as they show real human traits, such as love, despair, anger and loyalty. The plot takes place during an interesting time in Singapore’s history, post WII at the end of the colonial era. The book is well researched; this gives it an authentic feel. Worth reading!
Review copy provided by NetGalley at no cost to me
January 5, 2022
Really enjoyed the post World Word 2 Singapore setting. I had no idea what turmoil the population endured during those times. Great evocation of the environment, the sticky heat, the bustling markets and chattering monkeys. While a romance at heart, this novel explores the position of women in the 1940s particularly the ownership and control imposed on them by their husbands. Its gob-smacking to read as a Western woman until you realise how many women around the world are still treated like this. Good on our heroine Miranda for kicking her abusive unfaithful husband into touch and making her bid for freedom and true love. Put this in your beach bag and enjoy.
August 2, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
One requesting this book I wasn't really sure what to expect. Married couple Miranda and Gerry Lewis are both English and relocate to Singapore in 1941 for Gerry's job. Hoping this will be a fresh start for both of them, Miranda is still grieving after the death of their infant son and not coping very well, Henry was her world. Her Husband however, just wants her to get on with things and try for another baby but she isn't ready.
Whilst Gerry settles into his luxurious life in post war Singapore, Miranda is falling deeper into despair, still longing for her son, not settling into life in a foreign country and struggling to make friends. She would like to volunteer at the local hospital but her Husband thinks she should stay at home and keep house. Their relationship quickly deteriorates and Gerry goes out more spending time at work or in the bar and Miranda strikes up a relationship with the local Doctor who also has his own demons, he encourages her to work within the local community and she starts to find a new purpose.
The sights and sounds of Singapore are brought to life by the author, the descriptions were amazing. She also showed the stark contracts between the ex-pats and the locals and how different life for both sides was.
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely look out for the authors up coming books.
Merged review:
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
One requesting this book I wasn't really sure what to expect. Married couple Miranda and Gerry Lewis are both English and relocate to Singapore in 1941 for Gerry's job. Hoping this will be a fresh start for both of them, Miranda is still grieving after the death of their infant son and not coping very well, Henry was her world. Her Husband however, just wants her to get on with things and try for another baby but she isn't ready.
Whilst Gerry settles into his luxurious life in post war Singapore, Miranda is falling deeper into despair, still longing for her son, not settling into life in a foreign country and struggling to make friends. She would like to volunteer at the local hospital but her Husband thinks she should stay at home and keep house. Their relationship quickly deteriorates and Gerry goes out more spending time at work or in the bar and Miranda strikes up a relationship with the local Doctor who also has his own demons, he encourages her to work within the local community and she starts to find a new purpose.
The sights and sounds of Singapore are brought to life by the author, the descriptions were amazing. She also showed the stark contracts between the ex-pats and the locals and how different life for both sides was.
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely look out for the authors up coming books.
One requesting this book I wasn't really sure what to expect. Married couple Miranda and Gerry Lewis are both English and relocate to Singapore in 1941 for Gerry's job. Hoping this will be a fresh start for both of them, Miranda is still grieving after the death of their infant son and not coping very well, Henry was her world. Her Husband however, just wants her to get on with things and try for another baby but she isn't ready.
Whilst Gerry settles into his luxurious life in post war Singapore, Miranda is falling deeper into despair, still longing for her son, not settling into life in a foreign country and struggling to make friends. She would like to volunteer at the local hospital but her Husband thinks she should stay at home and keep house. Their relationship quickly deteriorates and Gerry goes out more spending time at work or in the bar and Miranda strikes up a relationship with the local Doctor who also has his own demons, he encourages her to work within the local community and she starts to find a new purpose.
The sights and sounds of Singapore are brought to life by the author, the descriptions were amazing. She also showed the stark contracts between the ex-pats and the locals and how different life for both sides was.
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely look out for the authors up coming books.
Merged review:
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
One requesting this book I wasn't really sure what to expect. Married couple Miranda and Gerry Lewis are both English and relocate to Singapore in 1941 for Gerry's job. Hoping this will be a fresh start for both of them, Miranda is still grieving after the death of their infant son and not coping very well, Henry was her world. Her Husband however, just wants her to get on with things and try for another baby but she isn't ready.
Whilst Gerry settles into his luxurious life in post war Singapore, Miranda is falling deeper into despair, still longing for her son, not settling into life in a foreign country and struggling to make friends. She would like to volunteer at the local hospital but her Husband thinks she should stay at home and keep house. Their relationship quickly deteriorates and Gerry goes out more spending time at work or in the bar and Miranda strikes up a relationship with the local Doctor who also has his own demons, he encourages her to work within the local community and she starts to find a new purpose.
The sights and sounds of Singapore are brought to life by the author, the descriptions were amazing. She also showed the stark contracts between the ex-pats and the locals and how different life for both sides was.
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely look out for the authors up coming books.
February 27, 2022
Plot: In 1949, Miranda and Gerry move to Singapore for Gerry's job in the British Foreign office and a fresh start after the loss of their Son, Henry. Gerry is working all hours and Miranda feeling at a loss in a country she is still trying to learn their way of life. The local Doctor, Nick Wythenshaw encourages Miranda to volunteer at the local hospital but after riots begin in the local town and a feeling of uneasiness takes over, Miranda must decide to either follow her heart or turn a blind eye to all that is going on around her.
Review: This is a fantastic historical fiction novel. I literally couldnt stop reading it. The descriptions of Singapore and its culture, sense of community and landscape is very well written and gives you a great sense of actually being there. I loved Miranda's character and I felt like I had been on an emotional journey with her. I was holding ny breathe reading the last few chapters as I had a vision in my head of how I wanted it to end.
This is a debut novel by Paula Greenlees and I am very much hoping that she writes another one as this one is amazing.
This novel would appeal to anyone who loves historical romantic fiction.
Merged review:
Plot: In 1949, Miranda and Gerry move to Singapore for Gerry's job in the British Foreign office and a fresh start after the loss of their Son, Henry. Gerry is working all hours and Miranda feeling at a loss in a country she is still trying to learn their way of life. The local Doctor, Nick Wythenshaw encourages Miranda to volunteer at the local hospital but after riots begin in the local town and a feeling of uneasiness takes over, Miranda must decide to either follow her heart or turn a blind eye to all that is going on around her.
Review: This is a fantastic historical fiction novel. I literally couldnt stop reading it. The descriptions of Singapore and its culture, sense of community and landscape is very well written and gives you a great sense of actually being there. I loved Miranda's character and I felt like I had been on an emotional journey with her. I was holding ny breathe reading the last few chapters as I had a vision in my head of how I wanted it to end.
This is a debut novel by Paula Greenlees and I am very much hoping that she writes another one as this one is amazing.
This novel would appeal to anyone who loves historical romantic fiction.
Review: This is a fantastic historical fiction novel. I literally couldnt stop reading it. The descriptions of Singapore and its culture, sense of community and landscape is very well written and gives you a great sense of actually being there. I loved Miranda's character and I felt like I had been on an emotional journey with her. I was holding ny breathe reading the last few chapters as I had a vision in my head of how I wanted it to end.
This is a debut novel by Paula Greenlees and I am very much hoping that she writes another one as this one is amazing.
This novel would appeal to anyone who loves historical romantic fiction.
Merged review:
Plot: In 1949, Miranda and Gerry move to Singapore for Gerry's job in the British Foreign office and a fresh start after the loss of their Son, Henry. Gerry is working all hours and Miranda feeling at a loss in a country she is still trying to learn their way of life. The local Doctor, Nick Wythenshaw encourages Miranda to volunteer at the local hospital but after riots begin in the local town and a feeling of uneasiness takes over, Miranda must decide to either follow her heart or turn a blind eye to all that is going on around her.
Review: This is a fantastic historical fiction novel. I literally couldnt stop reading it. The descriptions of Singapore and its culture, sense of community and landscape is very well written and gives you a great sense of actually being there. I loved Miranda's character and I felt like I had been on an emotional journey with her. I was holding ny breathe reading the last few chapters as I had a vision in my head of how I wanted it to end.
This is a debut novel by Paula Greenlees and I am very much hoping that she writes another one as this one is amazing.
This novel would appeal to anyone who loves historical romantic fiction.
June 16, 2021
WW2 is over and as the 1940s draw to a close Miranda and Gerry move to Singapore so that Gerry can take up a civil service position there during British colonial rule. The boat journey is long and the contrast to Britain is vast and noticeable as soon as they arrive in Singapore.
Miranda is absolutely fascinated by her new home and takes it all in despite finding certain aspects of it hard, for example the relentless heat and the fact they have servants. Gerry takes to ex-pat life like a duck to water and his career driven mentality overrules everything, he’s so keen to climb the ranks.
We soon realise, however, that the couple are getting over a shocking and desperately sad situation - the death of their young son Henry. She is still consumed with grief and at the same time wants to give back - she volunteered at the hospital during the war and would like to do the same in Singapore.
When she meets Nick who is a doctor working for a Catholic mission, she finds that they have much in common and longs to help. Gerry will hear nothing of it and insists that she play the role of dutiful wife but Miranda longs for some meaning to her life and her friendship with Nick intensifies to dangerous levels.
This story had me gripped and I soaked up all of the beautiful descriptions of Singapore - sights, sounds and smells all so different to what Miranda is used to. There is a smouldering danger to life there too as people are beginning to resent colonial life and it’s huge contrast to the poverty the people are experiencing.
I liked Miranda a lot and really felt sorry for the unimaginable pain she was going through. I rather disliked Gerry and his character got more and more intolerable as he got further rooted into his role. I was yearning for Miranda and Nick to find happiness together and there were so many twists that I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The book certainly kept me interested all the way through. A thoroughly captivating and engrossing read about love, loss, ambition and colonial rule and the devastation it could sometimes cause.
Miranda is absolutely fascinated by her new home and takes it all in despite finding certain aspects of it hard, for example the relentless heat and the fact they have servants. Gerry takes to ex-pat life like a duck to water and his career driven mentality overrules everything, he’s so keen to climb the ranks.
We soon realise, however, that the couple are getting over a shocking and desperately sad situation - the death of their young son Henry. She is still consumed with grief and at the same time wants to give back - she volunteered at the hospital during the war and would like to do the same in Singapore.
When she meets Nick who is a doctor working for a Catholic mission, she finds that they have much in common and longs to help. Gerry will hear nothing of it and insists that she play the role of dutiful wife but Miranda longs for some meaning to her life and her friendship with Nick intensifies to dangerous levels.
This story had me gripped and I soaked up all of the beautiful descriptions of Singapore - sights, sounds and smells all so different to what Miranda is used to. There is a smouldering danger to life there too as people are beginning to resent colonial life and it’s huge contrast to the poverty the people are experiencing.
I liked Miranda a lot and really felt sorry for the unimaginable pain she was going through. I rather disliked Gerry and his character got more and more intolerable as he got further rooted into his role. I was yearning for Miranda and Nick to find happiness together and there were so many twists that I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The book certainly kept me interested all the way through. A thoroughly captivating and engrossing read about love, loss, ambition and colonial rule and the devastation it could sometimes cause.
June 25, 2021
Post war Singapore and Miranda has relocated with her husband Gerry. After the loss of their son, Miranda understandingly fell to pieces so a new start is what they both had in mind.
After a six week voyage, Singapore is as magical as she had imagined but not everything was smelling of roses.
Miranda falls out with her neighbour after a misunderstanding and Gerry begins to leave for work earlier and earlier and gets home later and later.
Miranda wants to volunteer but Gerry feels this is unnecessary for a woman to do. It’s not until Miranda meets doctor Nick Wythenshaw that she realises she doesn’t have to put up with her lifestyle any longer.
What a beautifully romantic novel set in post war Singapore, at a time where women were expected to do as their husbands said, and to put up with their behaviour.
Miranda was a grieving mother but was told to put it behind her and move on. Gerry was a chauvinist pig in my opinion and a most unlikable character with his womanising ways.
Nick was a real breath of fresh air and I enjoyed the part he played in this novel.
The way of life was so different to how it is now, I’d find it very difficult to keep my mouth shut, but then we live in a different time these days! I’d have not stood to be spoken to how she was.
I’ve never been to Singapore but I loved the mixing of culture described and it seemed to be a real melting pot of religions and ways of life. I enjoyed the danger element of the political unrest and never realised the Singapore people felt Britain were to blame for the invasion by the Japanese during WW2.
A great debut and I look forward to reading more of her work.
After a six week voyage, Singapore is as magical as she had imagined but not everything was smelling of roses.
Miranda falls out with her neighbour after a misunderstanding and Gerry begins to leave for work earlier and earlier and gets home later and later.
Miranda wants to volunteer but Gerry feels this is unnecessary for a woman to do. It’s not until Miranda meets doctor Nick Wythenshaw that she realises she doesn’t have to put up with her lifestyle any longer.
What a beautifully romantic novel set in post war Singapore, at a time where women were expected to do as their husbands said, and to put up with their behaviour.
Miranda was a grieving mother but was told to put it behind her and move on. Gerry was a chauvinist pig in my opinion and a most unlikable character with his womanising ways.
Nick was a real breath of fresh air and I enjoyed the part he played in this novel.
The way of life was so different to how it is now, I’d find it very difficult to keep my mouth shut, but then we live in a different time these days! I’d have not stood to be spoken to how she was.
I’ve never been to Singapore but I loved the mixing of culture described and it seemed to be a real melting pot of religions and ways of life. I enjoyed the danger element of the political unrest and never realised the Singapore people felt Britain were to blame for the invasion by the Japanese during WW2.
A great debut and I look forward to reading more of her work.
March 17, 2022
This was a great read. It was well written with a great storyline and well developed characters that were compelling. I couldn't put this book down, it was full of beautiful imagery and rich descriptions. I cannot wait to read more by this author.
May 5, 2021
Post war Singapore in 1948 is a place of contrasts especially for the last of the colonials who travel from England to take up positions of authority in local government. Miranda Lewis, and her husband Gerry, are hoping that their move to Singapore will help to chase away some of the sadness in their marriage but rather than bringing them closer it would seem that the move only accentuates their opposing viewpoints.
Nick Wythenshawe is a young doctor who is currently involved in working at a Catholic mission, in Singapore, for orphan children. When he and Miranda first meet they find that they have much in common especially when Miranda decides to help out at the mission. Their compassionate natures draws them to each other but they must choose their way forward very carefully.
Singapore is beautifully recreated and the sights, sounds and rather volatile atmosphere comes alive in the author's skilful recreation of this beautiful place. This is a dangerous time to be English in Singapore, resentments run deep especially in the juxtaposition between the decadent lifestyles of the colonials against the poverty and insecurity of the local people. The author brings this sense of danger into the story and whilst the English party through the night at their clubs and private dinner parties, there is more going on politically and socially than they could ever have imagined.
Journey to Paradise is a lovely story with an authentic historical background and a wonderful sense of time and place which all help to bring this exotic paradise to life in a meaningful and thoughtful way.
Nick Wythenshawe is a young doctor who is currently involved in working at a Catholic mission, in Singapore, for orphan children. When he and Miranda first meet they find that they have much in common especially when Miranda decides to help out at the mission. Their compassionate natures draws them to each other but they must choose their way forward very carefully.
Singapore is beautifully recreated and the sights, sounds and rather volatile atmosphere comes alive in the author's skilful recreation of this beautiful place. This is a dangerous time to be English in Singapore, resentments run deep especially in the juxtaposition between the decadent lifestyles of the colonials against the poverty and insecurity of the local people. The author brings this sense of danger into the story and whilst the English party through the night at their clubs and private dinner parties, there is more going on politically and socially than they could ever have imagined.
Journey to Paradise is a lovely story with an authentic historical background and a wonderful sense of time and place which all help to bring this exotic paradise to life in a meaningful and thoughtful way.
June 25, 2021
I have never read a book set in Singapore or a book set in the 1940s so this one really intrigued.
We follow Gerry & Miranda who are moving to Singapore for a fresh start. Having recently lost a baby, it’s safe to say their marriage isn’t as stable as it once was.
From the get-go, I really warmed to Miranda. I thought she was a very endearing, if somewhat naive character. I found her struggle to socialise somewhat frustrating at times.
Gerry on the other hand, I extremely disliked. I thought he was a male chauvinistic pig if I am honest haha Then i remembered that I was reading a book set in the 1940s with a 21st century head on. I then began to appreciate Gerry as a character (I still didn’t like him).
Then we have Nick. Oh Nick. I absolutely loved his character 🥰
I was well and truly transported back to the 1940s throughout this book. The pictures that were conjured in my mind were so vivid thanks to the descriptions written throughout.
A captivating and enchanting read that has made me want to travel to Singapore as soon as the restrictions are lifted! Haha
We follow Gerry & Miranda who are moving to Singapore for a fresh start. Having recently lost a baby, it’s safe to say their marriage isn’t as stable as it once was.
From the get-go, I really warmed to Miranda. I thought she was a very endearing, if somewhat naive character. I found her struggle to socialise somewhat frustrating at times.
Gerry on the other hand, I extremely disliked. I thought he was a male chauvinistic pig if I am honest haha Then i remembered that I was reading a book set in the 1940s with a 21st century head on. I then began to appreciate Gerry as a character (I still didn’t like him).
Then we have Nick. Oh Nick. I absolutely loved his character 🥰
I was well and truly transported back to the 1940s throughout this book. The pictures that were conjured in my mind were so vivid thanks to the descriptions written throughout.
A captivating and enchanting read that has made me want to travel to Singapore as soon as the restrictions are lifted! Haha
August 21, 2021
4 stars
An interesting read, evocative of life in Singapore. Our heroine, Miranda has had a tough time. Her baby has died, sudden infant death, could be a trigger for some readers and in her pain she found herself in a shameful and difficult situation. Her husband Gerry has a new job in Singapore so they sell up and take the cruise ship down to this exotic island. Miranda has a close friend near by but she finds it difficult to interact with the local ex-pat community. She gets on well with her indigenous cook/maid. Nick is a local doctor who works for a cash strapped local hospital come charity. He has his own nemesis in the matron nurse.
There's lots of well crafted characters and historical context, the romance is fairly muted. A good description of wives moral dilemnas when facing separation or divorce.
This is a new author for me and I will look out for more of her work.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own..
An interesting read, evocative of life in Singapore. Our heroine, Miranda has had a tough time. Her baby has died, sudden infant death, could be a trigger for some readers and in her pain she found herself in a shameful and difficult situation. Her husband Gerry has a new job in Singapore so they sell up and take the cruise ship down to this exotic island. Miranda has a close friend near by but she finds it difficult to interact with the local ex-pat community. She gets on well with her indigenous cook/maid. Nick is a local doctor who works for a cash strapped local hospital come charity. He has his own nemesis in the matron nurse.
There's lots of well crafted characters and historical context, the romance is fairly muted. A good description of wives moral dilemnas when facing separation or divorce.
This is a new author for me and I will look out for more of her work.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own..
June 30, 2021
Journey to Paradise is one of those books that stays with you. When I first finished reading the book I gave it a 3 star. Since then I've found myself thinking about it a lot (a sign of a good book) and so have since upped my ranking of it to a 4 star. It's one of those books that you don't fully realise how good it was until after you've finished it and have time to reflect.
As a British expat myself I was pulled to the story. I now also want to visit Singapore. Obviously it will be somewhat different now to the place described so wonderfully in the book.
I enjoyed the story of Miranda, hated Gerry, and have mixed feeling about Dr. Nick. I loved all the secondary, supporting characters too which really added to the story.
I think this would be a perfect read for a book club as it offers plenty of areas of discussion; the role of women and how it's changed over the years, living as an expat, losing a child, marriage and fidelity... and this is only off the top of my head.
As a British expat myself I was pulled to the story. I now also want to visit Singapore. Obviously it will be somewhat different now to the place described so wonderfully in the book.
I enjoyed the story of Miranda, hated Gerry, and have mixed feeling about Dr. Nick. I loved all the secondary, supporting characters too which really added to the story.
I think this would be a perfect read for a book club as it offers plenty of areas of discussion; the role of women and how it's changed over the years, living as an expat, losing a child, marriage and fidelity... and this is only off the top of my head.
July 2, 2021
Miranda is moving to Singapore from post-war England. Her husband has a new job in the Colonial Office and this is going to be a fresh start for both of them. Still in grief following the death of their baby son, Miranda is unsure if she'll be able to truly settle in Singapore and fit in with the other Colonial wives. And then there's the attractive doctor she can't stop thinking about...
I think this was the first book I've ever read that's set in Singapore, certainty during this time period, and I found the whole thing very interesting. The book did get off to a slightly slow start but after a few chapters I found it hard to put down and I rattled through it. I found the characters easy to get to know and the imagery of the landscape was wonderful!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to explore a new area of historical fiction as well as anyone who enjoys a good romance novel.
I think this was the first book I've ever read that's set in Singapore, certainty during this time period, and I found the whole thing very interesting. The book did get off to a slightly slow start but after a few chapters I found it hard to put down and I rattled through it. I found the characters easy to get to know and the imagery of the landscape was wonderful!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to explore a new area of historical fiction as well as anyone who enjoys a good romance novel.
June 11, 2021
Really easy but enjoyable read. I loved following Miranda as she explored Singapore and found herself again. She was such an intensly likeable character, though the same can't be said about her husband.
I loved the descriptions of Singapore and that this novel didn't shy away from or minimise the civil unrest and the unhappiness of the Malay people at the occupation of the British. I liked that Miranda wasn't of the bullish opinion that the British way is the right and only way and that she wanted to listen, understand and embrace the culture.
And the drama/ romance! There was just the right smattering of drama - subtly levered in, so you never got bored and just had to carry on!
Really recommend this book, a joyous read.
I loved the descriptions of Singapore and that this novel didn't shy away from or minimise the civil unrest and the unhappiness of the Malay people at the occupation of the British. I liked that Miranda wasn't of the bullish opinion that the British way is the right and only way and that she wanted to listen, understand and embrace the culture.
And the drama/ romance! There was just the right smattering of drama - subtly levered in, so you never got bored and just had to carry on!
Really recommend this book, a joyous read.
June 27, 2021
Such a revealing and interesting read about Singapore post World War 2.
It is beautifully written and really draws you in so it seems as if you are right there with the characters. I loved the descriptions of not just the area but also the parties, dresses and animals that Miranda encountered.
It was a really heart in your mouth book with lots of ups and downs and just as you think you know what's going to happen something else happens to threw it all out the window.
So well written that I would love to read more by this author.
It is beautifully written and really draws you in so it seems as if you are right there with the characters. I loved the descriptions of not just the area but also the parties, dresses and animals that Miranda encountered.
It was a really heart in your mouth book with lots of ups and downs and just as you think you know what's going to happen something else happens to threw it all out the window.
So well written that I would love to read more by this author.
June 28, 2021
I finished this book last night, and liked it more than I did originally. Thank you to InstaBookTours on Instagram for organizing this virtual book tour, the publisher Random House, and the author for providing a copy.
My original opinions of the characters wasn’t great, but I love how (most) of them evolved. By the end, I grew to like Miranda and Nick. While it was hard, I definitely think she make the best choice for her future. If I pitched the author a sequel idea, I would either like to see the future of Poppy, or the life of Georgina in America.
Overall, I’d rate this 3.5 stars.
My original opinions of the characters wasn’t great, but I love how (most) of them evolved. By the end, I grew to like Miranda and Nick. While it was hard, I definitely think she make the best choice for her future. If I pitched the author a sequel idea, I would either like to see the future of Poppy, or the life of Georgina in America.
Overall, I’d rate this 3.5 stars.
September 5, 2022
This is a great story! Very believable and I could even imagine this as a movie or tv show. The scenes of Singapore are very enticing and your heart really goes out to the female lead. It’s a story where the husband is going to be the least liked man in the end. But it’s okay! Things will come to a full circle!
I think this novel is great for those wishing to escape during this Covid time.
I think this novel is great for those wishing to escape during this Covid time.
January 6, 2022
I chose this book because of its location. Having lived in Singapore during the late 1960s I have read many novels set during the wartime Japanese occupation, but this is the first I have read of post-war life for the British community during The Malayan Emergency. It was wonderful to recognise places visited by the heroine, Miranda, which were more familiar to me than 21st century Singapore.
Miranda engages our sympathy with her fight to find meaning in life after the tragic death of her baby. A new country is not helpful when your husband is out of the house for long hours and the other colonial wives gossip behind your back. Gerry is a handsome, successful colonial officer but he expects his wife to conform to the life of leisure and shopping rather than continuing to volunteer in a hospital as she had in England. Meeting Dr Nick Wythenshaw, “their eyes met like sunlight catching a mirror,” but to respond to this would be playing with fire.
The novel describes the incredible contrasts of simple local kampongs with the luxurious bungalows of the British and the perfume of jasmine with the smell of rotten eggs. Miranda gives us her first impressions of the bright colours of the women’s clothes and the customs of the Malay, Chinese and Tamil cultures. Paula Greenlees really brings each scene vividly to life. But she does not shy away from the harsh aspects of colonial life, of riots caused by resentment and poverty and unkind actions by bored ex-pat residents.
The story builds up tension as Miranda’s life becomes more complicated but she gains the confidence to take control of her own life in a dramatic concluding chapter.
Miranda engages our sympathy with her fight to find meaning in life after the tragic death of her baby. A new country is not helpful when your husband is out of the house for long hours and the other colonial wives gossip behind your back. Gerry is a handsome, successful colonial officer but he expects his wife to conform to the life of leisure and shopping rather than continuing to volunteer in a hospital as she had in England. Meeting Dr Nick Wythenshaw, “their eyes met like sunlight catching a mirror,” but to respond to this would be playing with fire.
The novel describes the incredible contrasts of simple local kampongs with the luxurious bungalows of the British and the perfume of jasmine with the smell of rotten eggs. Miranda gives us her first impressions of the bright colours of the women’s clothes and the customs of the Malay, Chinese and Tamil cultures. Paula Greenlees really brings each scene vividly to life. But she does not shy away from the harsh aspects of colonial life, of riots caused by resentment and poverty and unkind actions by bored ex-pat residents.
The story builds up tension as Miranda’s life becomes more complicated but she gains the confidence to take control of her own life in a dramatic concluding chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews