What do you think?
Rate this book
Oriental Lake #1
The Lake Pavilion
The Lake Pavilion: a sweeping story of secrets and betrayal in wartime England and 1930s British India...
India 1935: Amelia Collins, a missionary’s daughter, left destitute by the death of her parents, leaves their home in the Himalayan foothills to find work in Darjeeling. There she meets District Officer Reginald Holden, a powerful older man, who spirits her away from poverty and prejudice to start a new life as his wife in Ganpur.
Amelia soon forms a bond with Reginald’s young son, Arthur, and resumes missionary work in the villages around Ganpur. There, she discovers a pavilion on a lake where the wives of maharajahs once bathed, now abandoned and cloaked in mystery.
When the Indian independence movement flares in Ganpur and Reginald struggles to contain it, Amelia's world begins to fall apart as she uncovers the shattering truths he has been keeping from her.
Decades later, when Kate Hamilton inherits a rambling country house from her great aunt Amelia, she returns to the village in Buckinghamshire that she left as a teenager in 1944. Sorting through long-hidden papers, she begins to unearth Amelia’s secrets from her years in British India.
But Kate is harbouring a secret of her own – a devastating betrayal from that last summer of the war. She has lived in the shadow of that day ever since, but Kate is convinced that unlocking the truth about Amelia’s Indian past will hold the key to her own future…
India 1935: Amelia Collins, a missionary’s daughter, left destitute by the death of her parents, leaves their home in the Himalayan foothills to find work in Darjeeling. There she meets District Officer Reginald Holden, a powerful older man, who spirits her away from poverty and prejudice to start a new life as his wife in Ganpur.
Amelia soon forms a bond with Reginald’s young son, Arthur, and resumes missionary work in the villages around Ganpur. There, she discovers a pavilion on a lake where the wives of maharajahs once bathed, now abandoned and cloaked in mystery.
When the Indian independence movement flares in Ganpur and Reginald struggles to contain it, Amelia's world begins to fall apart as she uncovers the shattering truths he has been keeping from her.
Decades later, when Kate Hamilton inherits a rambling country house from her great aunt Amelia, she returns to the village in Buckinghamshire that she left as a teenager in 1944. Sorting through long-hidden papers, she begins to unearth Amelia’s secrets from her years in British India.
But Kate is harbouring a secret of her own – a devastating betrayal from that last summer of the war. She has lived in the shadow of that day ever since, but Kate is convinced that unlocking the truth about Amelia’s Indian past will hold the key to her own future…
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2021
811 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 10, 2021
Kate Hamilton is a successful London architect but there is no-one special in her life. As she returns to the village where she spent her early teens, for the funeral of her Great Aunt Amelia, she recalls the summer of 1944 when she and her best friend Joan, cycling round the lanes during their summer holiday, discovered a secret, and everything went wrong. But Kate has inherited Amelia’s house so she must stay there until she has put it up for sale.
Finding private papers belonging to Amelia, Kate discovers a little of her aunt’s previous life in India in 1935. As she meets her aunt’s old friends, we enter Amelia’s world after both her missionary parents died in the Himalayan foothills. Penniless and spurned by the English residents of Darjeeling, she is helped by Reginald Holden, a District Officer from Ganpur. Seeing him as a father figure she is surprised when he asks her to marry him. The fact that he has a young motherless son, convinces her that she has a worthwhile role to play.
Ann Bennett paints a vivid picture of the contrasting worlds in India in the 1930s. While there are protests in the cities by Indians wanting independence, women in the countryside are forced to abandon their girl babies because of economic necessity. Meanwhile the British men enjoy hunting parties, and their wives have idle lives with many servants.
In 1970, Kate has met her old friend, Joan, now a downtrodden housewife with several children, and she is anxious to restore their friendship. Discovering more about Amelia’s tragic life in India, helps Kate to face up to her own actions as a teenager and perhaps to move on to a more fulfilling life in the future. A thought provoking, fascinating time-slip story.
Finding private papers belonging to Amelia, Kate discovers a little of her aunt’s previous life in India in 1935. As she meets her aunt’s old friends, we enter Amelia’s world after both her missionary parents died in the Himalayan foothills. Penniless and spurned by the English residents of Darjeeling, she is helped by Reginald Holden, a District Officer from Ganpur. Seeing him as a father figure she is surprised when he asks her to marry him. The fact that he has a young motherless son, convinces her that she has a worthwhile role to play.
Ann Bennett paints a vivid picture of the contrasting worlds in India in the 1930s. While there are protests in the cities by Indians wanting independence, women in the countryside are forced to abandon their girl babies because of economic necessity. Meanwhile the British men enjoy hunting parties, and their wives have idle lives with many servants.
In 1970, Kate has met her old friend, Joan, now a downtrodden housewife with several children, and she is anxious to restore their friendship. Discovering more about Amelia’s tragic life in India, helps Kate to face up to her own actions as a teenager and perhaps to move on to a more fulfilling life in the future. A thought provoking, fascinating time-slip story.
March 24, 2021
There is always an element of mystery in Ann Bennett’s books, and The Lake Pavilion has two mysteries. Young Kate returns to her childhood home after her Aunt Amelia passes away and Kate finds letters and photos. Kate realizes she doesn’t know her Aunt Amelia as well as she thought she did. Throughout the book, Kate’s story and Amelia’s story are filled out. Amelia struggled during the India of the 1930’s—I won’t spoil the story—you must read this book! Ann Bennett’s novels are always a treasure to read!
April 25, 2021
Loved the authentic descriptions of village India!
India was my home from 1950 until 1967.
My parents were missionaries, had arrived
shortly after India gained its independence from the British. Enjoyed the novel immensely and will look for more works by this writer. I would have hoped, however, that there had been more initial assistance from the mission, for a young lady in Amelia’s circumstances.
India was my home from 1950 until 1967.
My parents were missionaries, had arrived
shortly after India gained its independence from the British. Enjoyed the novel immensely and will look for more works by this writer. I would have hoped, however, that there had been more initial assistance from the mission, for a young lady in Amelia’s circumstances.
April 20, 2021
Ann Bennett's books never disappoint. The Lake Pavilion has just been released and it is excellent. If you enjoy WW2 and modern day combined you will enjoy this. Ms Bennett always has a hook to keep you reading as the story moves and develops.
April 13, 2021
I have always been fascinated by India so decided to read this book. It does contain some Indian culture in its pages but it is much more about pivotal moments in women’s lives. It takes place in three different time periods. The earliest is the years around 1935 then the summer of 1944 and finally 1970. The pivotal character is Amelia. In 1935 her parents have just died and she is left nearly destitute and being unable to find work Reginald come to her rescue. Amelia is just on the brink of adulthood and makes the decision to marry Reginald and become a mother to her son. However she does not have all the information to make a sound decision. The next time period has Amelia in England and married to Kate’s great uncle. Kate and her friend who are just into their teens spend the summer biking and during their travels they see something that they misinterpret and set in motion events that leave them with guilt that haunts them and informs the decisions they make. Again insufficient information. In 1970 middle aged Kate is back from London to settle Amelia’s estate. She discovers that Amelia has kept secret a life she and her family knew nothing about. She decides to try and unravel this secret in the hopes that it will free her from the guilt she has carried. I was quite absorbed in this story and really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed
I really enjoyed this book. I had read others by this author, and this was another great read. I highly recommend it!
I really enjoyed this book. I had read others by this author, and this was another great read. I highly recommend it!
April 21, 2021
Wonderful and interesting story about a difficult time in. Keeps you hooked until the end. Entertaining and interesting characters in this book. Good historical read. Hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2021
Desperation
That's what drive a young woman to make a rash decision that put her in a dangerous situation. And two young girls making a rash decision causes them to have a lifetime of unnecessary guilt. Really good story!
That's what drive a young woman to make a rash decision that put her in a dangerous situation. And two young girls making a rash decision causes them to have a lifetime of unnecessary guilt. Really good story!
May 26, 2021
Reading this was like a trip home for me. My family was posted to India only 8 years after its independence and it was where I spent my childhood. I have been on that incredible, little train to Darjeeling as well as leaving the heat of Delhi for the glorious cooling relief of the hill stations. I'm surprised that the author hadn't actually lived in India because she was able to evoke the culture so well. This became a very emotional read for me when she described the uprisings for independence and the ruthless British attempts of shutting it down. This is one I will read again.
May 19, 2021
I have always been fascinated by India so decided to read this book. It does contain some Indian culture in its pages but it is much more about pivotal moments in women’s lives. It takes place in three different time periods. The earliest is the years around 1935 then the summer of 1944 and finally 1970. The pivotal character is Amelia. In 1935 her parents have just died and she is left nearly destitute and being unable to find work Reginald come to her rescue. Amelia is just on the brink of adulthood and makes the decision to marry Reginald and become a mother to her son. However she does not have all the information to make a sound decision. The next time period has Amelia in England and married to Kate’s great uncle. Kate and her friend who are just into their teens spend the summer biking and during their travels they see something that they misinterpret and set in motion events that leave them with guilt that haunts them and informs the decisions they make. Again insufficient information. In 1970 middle aged Kate is back from London to settle Amelia’s estate. She discovers that Amelia has kept secret a life she and her family knew nothing about. She decides to try and unravel this secret in the hopes that it will free her from the guilt she has carried. I was quite absorbed in this story and really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2022
India 1935: Amelia Collins, a missionary’s daughter, left destitute by the death of her parents, leaves their home in the Himalayan foothills to find work in Darjeeling.There she meets District Officer Reginald Holden, a powerful older man, who spirits her away from poverty and prejudice to start a new life as his wife in Ganpur.
Amelia soon forms a bond with Reginald’s young son, Arthur, and resumes missionary work in the villages around Ganpur.There, she discovers a pavilion on a lake where the wives of maharajahs once bathed, now abandoned and cloaked in mystery.
When the Indian independence movement flares in Ganpur and Reginald struggles to contain it,Amelia's world begins to fall apart as she uncovers the shattering truths he has been keeping from her.
Decades later, when Kate Hamilton inherits a rambling country house from her great aunt Amelia, she returns to the village in Buckinghamshire that she left as a teenager in 1944.Sorting through long-hidden papers,she begins to unearth Amelia’s secrets from her years in British India.
But Kate is harbouring a secret of her own–a devastating betrayal from that last summer of the war.She has lived in the shadow of that day ever since,but Kate is convinced that unlocking the truth about Amelia’s Indian past will hold the key to her own future…
Under the British,India made use of medical missionaries for its public health initiatives,notably including the work by Ernest Muir and others to improve treatment and prevention of Hansen's disease (leprosy).
Post WWI, the Indian National Congress challenged the legitimacy of British rule in India through a popular policy of nonviolent protest.The District Officer (D.O.), was a commissioned officer of one of the colonial governments of the British Empire, from the mid-1930s also a member of the Colonial Service of the UK,who was responsible for a District of one of the overseas territories of the Empire.The district officer was an administrator and often also a magistrate and was the link between the professional and technical services of the colonial government and the people of his district.
Amelia soon forms a bond with Reginald’s young son, Arthur, and resumes missionary work in the villages around Ganpur.There, she discovers a pavilion on a lake where the wives of maharajahs once bathed, now abandoned and cloaked in mystery.
When the Indian independence movement flares in Ganpur and Reginald struggles to contain it,Amelia's world begins to fall apart as she uncovers the shattering truths he has been keeping from her.
Decades later, when Kate Hamilton inherits a rambling country house from her great aunt Amelia, she returns to the village in Buckinghamshire that she left as a teenager in 1944.Sorting through long-hidden papers,she begins to unearth Amelia’s secrets from her years in British India.
But Kate is harbouring a secret of her own–a devastating betrayal from that last summer of the war.She has lived in the shadow of that day ever since,but Kate is convinced that unlocking the truth about Amelia’s Indian past will hold the key to her own future…
Under the British,India made use of medical missionaries for its public health initiatives,notably including the work by Ernest Muir and others to improve treatment and prevention of Hansen's disease (leprosy).
Post WWI, the Indian National Congress challenged the legitimacy of British rule in India through a popular policy of nonviolent protest.The District Officer (D.O.), was a commissioned officer of one of the colonial governments of the British Empire, from the mid-1930s also a member of the Colonial Service of the UK,who was responsible for a District of one of the overseas territories of the Empire.The district officer was an administrator and often also a magistrate and was the link between the professional and technical services of the colonial government and the people of his district.
May 23, 2021
In 1930's India, missionary daughter Amelia falls into hard times and ends up marrying high-ranking Raj official Reginald, who can offer her safety and security. Even though her life is nothing like she imagined, she forms a close bond with Reginald's fragile young son Arthur. The Indian independence movement is heating up all around them, though, and violent threats against the British are coming to a dangerous head. In 1970's England, Kate inherits a country estate in Buckinghamshire from her great-aunt Amelia, but she is eager to sell the estate and return to London. She has traumatic memories of the time in 1944 when she and her friend Joan set in motion a tragic event involving Amelia. First, she must discover why her great-aunt never mentioned her life in India, before Kate and her family even knew her, and how it pertains to Kate's life now and going forward. Lots of clever twists and turns to tie everything together at the end, and I loved learning about the situation in India in the late 1930's under British rule.
April 14, 2021
The Lake Pavilion takes place over several different time periods and tells the story of Kate Hamilton and her Aunt Amelia Collins. When Kate inherits a house from Amelia and returns to the village she left as a teenager she reflects on the events of 1944 when she spent a summer cycling around the lanes with her friend Joan. Kate discovers some of Amelia’s papers and we learn about Amelia’s life in India after her missionary parents died leaving her alone and penniless. I thoroughly enjoyed The Lake Pavilion and became more engrossed as Kate and Amelia’s stories unfolded and the mysteries of their lives is revealed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2022
This is a fascinating and a very moving story.
This story is about the lives of two women, a great aunt and her great niece. It is a story of love and heartache, of fear and tremendous courage, and of a lifetime of regret. It maps out the lives of these two extraordinary women; one of whom who lived in India in the middle of the troubles that erupted there in the 1930's. The other who lived in the UK, in the 1970's. Their lives forever linked by fate, blood ties, and circumstances beyond their control. I found it hard to put the book down once I started reading it, the story really drew me in and was captivating. The characters really got under my skin. I wish the book was twice the length.
This story is about the lives of two women, a great aunt and her great niece. It is a story of love and heartache, of fear and tremendous courage, and of a lifetime of regret. It maps out the lives of these two extraordinary women; one of whom who lived in India in the middle of the troubles that erupted there in the 1930's. The other who lived in the UK, in the 1970's. Their lives forever linked by fate, blood ties, and circumstances beyond their control. I found it hard to put the book down once I started reading it, the story really drew me in and was captivating. The characters really got under my skin. I wish the book was twice the length.
August 17, 2022
Quite good
I wished that the story had stayed in India .There is at least some dynamic in the story about Amelia and her marriage to Reginald Holding as law and order breaks down and British rule comes to an end although . it does veer into the melodramatic as she flew the country and her husband fearing for her life after discovering how his first wife died in order to return to UK . Amelia also turns into a skilful rally driver suddenly in order to escape
The parts of the novel about Kate and Joan and Prendergast and Amelia dragged on and on and were unconvincing . Will they won' t they reveal all about the past and mysterious betrayals ? Could they stay friends ? Who cares .
Severe editing would help
I wished that the story had stayed in India .There is at least some dynamic in the story about Amelia and her marriage to Reginald Holding as law and order breaks down and British rule comes to an end although . it does veer into the melodramatic as she flew the country and her husband fearing for her life after discovering how his first wife died in order to return to UK . Amelia also turns into a skilful rally driver suddenly in order to escape
The parts of the novel about Kate and Joan and Prendergast and Amelia dragged on and on and were unconvincing . Will they won' t they reveal all about the past and mysterious betrayals ? Could they stay friends ? Who cares .
Severe editing would help
September 28, 2021
Interesting book set in England and India
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and it was about a girls great aunt what happened to her during 1936-1940 In India. Also it was about her niece Kate had inherited her great aunts cottage and finding out what exactly happened during during those years before her aunt came back to England. As well as finding herself after thinking for many years exactly what happened the summer of 1940 in England. The story goes back-and-forth between 1930’s and 1970. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fiction books based on historical facts.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and it was about a girls great aunt what happened to her during 1936-1940 In India. Also it was about her niece Kate had inherited her great aunts cottage and finding out what exactly happened during during those years before her aunt came back to England. As well as finding herself after thinking for many years exactly what happened the summer of 1940 in England. The story goes back-and-forth between 1930’s and 1970. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fiction books based on historical facts.
May 8, 2022
This is the first book by Ann Bennett I have read and I will read more. The plot follows a popular theme at the moment where a young family member finds a photo of an older family member and they want to find out more about that person. However, Ann Bennett handles this better than several other authors I have read.
The story covers three different time periods, but it flies well. The mysteries in Amelia and Kate's lives are slowly revealed alongside some details of Indian life under British rule. The details of women giving birth to girls and the missionaries involvement was news to me and interesting.
I found this to be a well written book with a surprise at the end.
The story covers three different time periods, but it flies well. The mysteries in Amelia and Kate's lives are slowly revealed alongside some details of Indian life under British rule. The details of women giving birth to girls and the missionaries involvement was news to me and interesting.
I found this to be a well written book with a surprise at the end.
October 21, 2022
Once again this story is set in two time periods.
The characters are well-written and believable.
The historical period is in India in the 1930s and the later period ranges from 1944 to around maybe the sixties.
I found the story interesting but find it hard to believe that a child of missionaries would have been just cast aside in India at the time - surely the mission society would have taken care of her and found relatives she could go to in England.
I enjoy this sort of family saga and the settings were both brought to life well.
It is a follow u story to the Lake Palace but only marginally so and therefore the books can be read as stand-alone stories.
The characters are well-written and believable.
The historical period is in India in the 1930s and the later period ranges from 1944 to around maybe the sixties.
I found the story interesting but find it hard to believe that a child of missionaries would have been just cast aside in India at the time - surely the mission society would have taken care of her and found relatives she could go to in England.
I enjoy this sort of family saga and the settings were both brought to life well.
It is a follow u story to the Lake Palace but only marginally so and therefore the books can be read as stand-alone stories.
March 20, 2022
couldn’t put it down
Another wonderful book by Ann Bennett
A beautifully woven tale that takes the reader from 1936 India to England in 1941 then finally to the conclusion in 1970
Geographically it spans continents but through it all shows that abusive relationships are common to all countries and settings.
Amelia is a wonderful character whose character initially appears flawed until we learn more about her life and the courage she showed in finding a way out .
Just brilliant
Another wonderful book by Ann Bennett
A beautifully woven tale that takes the reader from 1936 India to England in 1941 then finally to the conclusion in 1970
Geographically it spans continents but through it all shows that abusive relationships are common to all countries and settings.
Amelia is a wonderful character whose character initially appears flawed until we learn more about her life and the courage she showed in finding a way out .
Just brilliant
July 1, 2025
A book I enjoyed from cover to cover
Ann,it’s not the first book that you wrote that I’ve read and enjoyed. You are a wonderful writer. Today, as I finished reading the Lake Pavilion I thought how much I would enjoy meeting you and talking if ever the occasion presents itself. I live in Israel, in Jerusalem, and am a 97 year old Holocaust Survivor, married with three children and nine grand children. God bless you and may you continue with your great talent giving joy a inspiration. Shalom Thein
Ann,it’s not the first book that you wrote that I’ve read and enjoyed. You are a wonderful writer. Today, as I finished reading the Lake Pavilion I thought how much I would enjoy meeting you and talking if ever the occasion presents itself. I live in Israel, in Jerusalem, and am a 97 year old Holocaust Survivor, married with three children and nine grand children. God bless you and may you continue with your great talent giving joy a inspiration. Shalom Thein
June 20, 2021
Loved it. Set between the uk and India in the 1930ies and the 1970ies. Amelia is the daughter of missionaries who die together in India. Amelia has to fend for herself but finds the white residents closing ranks on her because of her mixed blood. Up steps a man willing to marry her but he turns out to be tyrannical forcing Amelia to flee for her life. Kate, her grand niece solves the puzzle of the family and the secrets of shame and regret.
October 20, 2021
Amazing story!
As many other reviewers have said, I could not put this book down and finished it in two nights! I love historical fiction and the approach of telling two parallel stories in different times. I loved learning about Amelia’s life in India and Kate’s struggle with her guilty past. There were many surprising twists and turns in both stories that kept me in suspense until the end. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading other books by Ann Bennett!
As many other reviewers have said, I could not put this book down and finished it in two nights! I love historical fiction and the approach of telling two parallel stories in different times. I loved learning about Amelia’s life in India and Kate’s struggle with her guilty past. There were many surprising twists and turns in both stories that kept me in suspense until the end. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading other books by Ann Bennett!
June 7, 2022
In the 1970ties a female architect in her forties feel guilty about something she and her best friend did in 1944. When she inherits the house of her great aunt Amelia she returns to the village of her youth. In the paperwork of that aunt she discovers that aunt's hidden past. We are transported to India at the end of the 1930ties.
The worldbuilding is fascinating but the mystery was very predictable. The villain went a bit too fast from hero to horror.
The worldbuilding is fascinating but the mystery was very predictable. The villain went a bit too fast from hero to horror.
May 28, 2021
This was a fantastic book....one of those "you're still awake at 1am reading" type books. Why did I buy it? The cover...the cover caught my eye, so I bought it. I'm so glad I made that purchase. Thank you Ann Bennett for this great story. Everyone of the characters had my interest and attention. I highly recommend this fabulous book to everyone who reads.
July 18, 2021
Story line roped me right in, the writing was so precise I could feel the heat and humidity of India. Ghandi has always been one of my heroes and you can see the line between those entitled to those kept subservient.
And those poor mothers to be in the villages. This was a good novel to read about the missionaries in India and the work they do. The story line will pull you right in.
And those poor mothers to be in the villages. This was a good novel to read about the missionaries in India and the work they do. The story line will pull you right in.
August 24, 2021
A fantastic well written read, it takes you back to India you can imagine yourself savouring the food and taking in the sights. A novel about hidden bonds of friendship lots of exciting twists and turns, the character Kate Hamilton becomes courful and she is a hero in this novel a gem of a story with the hidden past with deep dark secrets becomes revealed.
September 13, 2021
Life and Love in India
This was a sweeping novel of friendship that lasts through trying times for the main characters as they go through different traumas in their lives. They come back together and are finally able to discuss their differences and what they still have in common. The different people are drawn out well. Colorado Jim’s wife, Glenna.
This was a sweeping novel of friendship that lasts through trying times for the main characters as they go through different traumas in their lives. They come back together and are finally able to discuss their differences and what they still have in common. The different people are drawn out well. Colorado Jim’s wife, Glenna.
August 18, 2022
I really enjoyed the story. The flashbacks to Amelia's life in India and Kate's life as a girl were well done, in my opinion. But I felt the ending was rushed. There were a few topics that I think could have been covered, even if briefly, that would have polished off the end of Amelia's story a bit.
November 2, 2023
Another excellent book
This tells the tale of Kate who inherits a big house from her Great Aunt Amelia. While sorting out the house Kate reveals lots of secrets and lies.
I didn't want this book to end. It is so well written and like all of AB books it drew me in. I loved all the characters in it.
5 star read.
This tells the tale of Kate who inherits a big house from her Great Aunt Amelia. While sorting out the house Kate reveals lots of secrets and lies.
I didn't want this book to end. It is so well written and like all of AB books it drew me in. I loved all the characters in it.
5 star read.
March 28, 2024
A well written book that kept me engrossed. The switch between times works well. The settings are well described and the characters are brought to life. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot lines work well and there is a good element of suspense before eventually finding out what had happened.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews