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Shadow of the Taj
Leslie Matthews travels to India with her husband on a business trip, never expecting it will turn her life upside-down. During a trip to the zoo, she meets Raveena, an orphan desperate for someone to save her from a harrowing fate. Leslie tries to rescue Raveena from a sordid, exploitative underworld, but powerful and brutal men hold the girl and don’t intend to let anyone take her. Leslie tumbles into a terrifying underworld of systemic abuse she knows nothing about. But she won't stop until Raveena is safe, regardless of the cost.
In a battle against impossible odds, Leslie wagers everything she has—including her life—to free Raveena.
Shadow of the Taj is a deeply moving, inspirational novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. A must read!
In a battle against impossible odds, Leslie wagers everything she has—including her life—to free Raveena.
Shadow of the Taj is a deeply moving, inspirational novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. A must read!
- GenresFiction
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2021
13 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 6, 2019
In the shadow of beauty and kindness, the darkest evil hides.
Author Lara Bernhardt takes hold of her readers by the heart and propels them through one foreign woman's battle against wall after wall of hopelessness in the pursuit of one little girl's freedom from callous evil. No matter how many people tell her she's fighting a losing battle, a married teacher from America refuses to give up hope. But the consequences of her persistence places new friends in mortal danger and threatens to destroy her marriage. The tension builds steadily to a frightening and unexpected climax, which will touch every reader on a multitude of levels. We experience everything in this immersive saga--as we too fall under the Shadow of the Taj.
Author Lara Bernhardt takes hold of her readers by the heart and propels them through one foreign woman's battle against wall after wall of hopelessness in the pursuit of one little girl's freedom from callous evil. No matter how many people tell her she's fighting a losing battle, a married teacher from America refuses to give up hope. But the consequences of her persistence places new friends in mortal danger and threatens to destroy her marriage. The tension builds steadily to a frightening and unexpected climax, which will touch every reader on a multitude of levels. We experience everything in this immersive saga--as we too fall under the Shadow of the Taj.
May 3, 2022
“She’d always known life could change in a moment. Bad things happened to good people for no reason whatsoever, and in the blink of an eye, one future is scrubbed away, erased forever, replaced by something completely different, whether you want it or not.” -Shadow of the Taj
Leslie and her husband Tom travel to India for Tom’s work, hoping to rekindle their marriage. After meeting a little girl in the zoo, and seeing how this little girl, called Raveena, lives, Leslie is determined to rescue Raveena from her ill-fated future. Risking it all, including her marriage, Leslie is thrown into the horrifying dark world that lives in the shadows of India, controlled by the need to save Raveena.
Lara Bernhardt does an exceptional job taking you through the lives of Leslie and Tom. Bernhardt writes in a way that transports you into the story, turning page after page, wanting more, while touching on social issues evident in today’s world.
The author says it best when recommending this read, “For everyone who has ever intervened to improve the life of a child, whether through teaching, adoption, fostering, mentoring, volunteering-or any other way.”
It is a rarity for me to rate a book 5 stars, however, Shadow of the Taj deserves the rating of five stars. I cannot rave about this book enough. This is the type of book that leaves an everlasting impression on the reader.
Trigger/Content Warnings: human trafficking, women and children exploitation, physical and sexual abuse, mental abuse, prostitution, rape, and miscarriage
Leslie and her husband Tom travel to India for Tom’s work, hoping to rekindle their marriage. After meeting a little girl in the zoo, and seeing how this little girl, called Raveena, lives, Leslie is determined to rescue Raveena from her ill-fated future. Risking it all, including her marriage, Leslie is thrown into the horrifying dark world that lives in the shadows of India, controlled by the need to save Raveena.
Lara Bernhardt does an exceptional job taking you through the lives of Leslie and Tom. Bernhardt writes in a way that transports you into the story, turning page after page, wanting more, while touching on social issues evident in today’s world.
The author says it best when recommending this read, “For everyone who has ever intervened to improve the life of a child, whether through teaching, adoption, fostering, mentoring, volunteering-or any other way.”
It is a rarity for me to rate a book 5 stars, however, Shadow of the Taj deserves the rating of five stars. I cannot rave about this book enough. This is the type of book that leaves an everlasting impression on the reader.
Trigger/Content Warnings: human trafficking, women and children exploitation, physical and sexual abuse, mental abuse, prostitution, rape, and miscarriage
March 29, 2022
Shadow of the Taj by Lara Bernhardt shines a stark light on life in India's slums and the trafficking of young girls. This is a story of an American couple's attempts to rescue a young girl who was born in a brothel and is the slave of the cruel brothel owner. Leslie and Tom each have their own background of abuse and flaws that they have to work through. The characters develop and grow significantly as the story progresses. Lara Bernhardt's writing is intense and brutally honest with a strong undercurrent of tenderness and hope. I highly recommend Shadow of the Taj by Lara Bernhardt
May 11, 2022
Story of intrigue and suspense and love and a couple who will do anything to save a child from evil and from slavery and it will amaze you
August 28, 2022
Tom and his wife Leslie are visiting India for a few months while Tom pursues research for his doctorate thesis. While they're both hoping for a kind of delayed honeymoon, an opportunity to mend what's been going wrong in their relationship and re-ignite the flames of love for each other, things don't exactly go as planned. On a sightseeing trip to the zoo, Leslie meets a beggar girl and is immediately compelled to rescue her from a life of poverty and abuse. The ensuing events will either bind them closer together or shatter their marriage forever...
I'm always on the lookout for good books set in Asia, so Shadow of the Taj caught my eye. While the unfortunate cover gave me second thoughts, it was a free ARC, so why not take a chance on it? I was not disappointed.
The author has either visited India or done her research well. Descriptions of sights, sounds and smells felt vivid and authentic. My personal favorite was the description of the teenage girls trying to catch the drops of ice cream as they dripped down onto their bangles.
However, the descriptions of men engaging in extremely lewd behavior in public seemed farfetched to me, (at least based on my own experiences elsewhere in Asia—I have never been to India.)
Certain characters' ability to speak flawless English seemed a little too convenient at times, and there was the occasional scene when two Indians would speak to each other in English, for no other apparent reason than it allowed the author to provide the main character (Leslie) with information she wouldn't otherwise have had.
Also, I found it odd that after six months in India, Leslie seemed unable to speak a word of Hindi, or to be able to determine whether the people around her were speaking Hindi or some other language. Can you tell I'm picky about these things?
But these were very small flies in the ointment of an excellent story. It's not Poor Brown Girl is Rescued by Rich White Mama, or Soulful, Compassionate and Misunderstood Wife is Squelched by Boorish Husband Until She Finds Her Higher Purpose. It easily could have been either, or both, but it's not. Leslie is so real—selfish and selfless in equal measure. Brave and stupid. Hopeful and bitter. Childish and childlike. I'm infuriated by her, but can't help want all the best for her.
Tom is excellently portrayed as well, a blend of kindness, stubbornness, and male practicality. Giving him at least a few POV chapters would have been an amazing move, but as the story progresses and we realize that Leslie is not who we first think she is, it becomes clear Tom isn't either. They're not caricatures of anything—they're themselves, and that's what makes this a great book.
Rhea was a lovely side character. However, she must know that women should exchange their glass bangles for metal ones when they marry, or accidents will almost certainly occur.
Shardul, the bad guy, was just bad. Bad, bad bad, and thus, the weakest character in a book of otherwise strong characters.
I'd love a book about Leslie's mother—or rather, about Leslie and her mother. The way her faith in God simultaneously weakened and strengthened her daughter was fascinating.
I should note that some of the descriptions of sexual activity are fairly graphic—though one scene is absolutely necessary to the plot and, in its own way beautiful—the way Leslie is treated by the Bad Guy seems overdone, and I think the story would have been just as strong if that had been "toned down" considerably.
Except for the very end, which felt a little "clunky," Shadow of the Taj is a beautifully smooth romantic suspense story...and hey, best of all, it's about a married couple! Nice to know I'm not the only one who likes writing/reading those.
So—five stars for the characters, four for the suspense plot, four for the romance plot, four for the writing/editing—all in all, Shadow of the Taj gets a fair four-start rating.
I'm always on the lookout for good books set in Asia, so Shadow of the Taj caught my eye. While the unfortunate cover gave me second thoughts, it was a free ARC, so why not take a chance on it? I was not disappointed.
The author has either visited India or done her research well. Descriptions of sights, sounds and smells felt vivid and authentic. My personal favorite was the description of the teenage girls trying to catch the drops of ice cream as they dripped down onto their bangles.
However, the descriptions of men engaging in extremely lewd behavior in public seemed farfetched to me, (at least based on my own experiences elsewhere in Asia—I have never been to India.)
Certain characters' ability to speak flawless English seemed a little too convenient at times, and there was the occasional scene when two Indians would speak to each other in English, for no other apparent reason than it allowed the author to provide the main character (Leslie) with information she wouldn't otherwise have had.
Also, I found it odd that after six months in India, Leslie seemed unable to speak a word of Hindi, or to be able to determine whether the people around her were speaking Hindi or some other language. Can you tell I'm picky about these things?
But these were very small flies in the ointment of an excellent story. It's not Poor Brown Girl is Rescued by Rich White Mama, or Soulful, Compassionate and Misunderstood Wife is Squelched by Boorish Husband Until She Finds Her Higher Purpose. It easily could have been either, or both, but it's not. Leslie is so real—selfish and selfless in equal measure. Brave and stupid. Hopeful and bitter. Childish and childlike. I'm infuriated by her, but can't help want all the best for her.
Tom is excellently portrayed as well, a blend of kindness, stubbornness, and male practicality. Giving him at least a few POV chapters would have been an amazing move, but as the story progresses and we realize that Leslie is not who we first think she is, it becomes clear Tom isn't either. They're not caricatures of anything—they're themselves, and that's what makes this a great book.
Rhea was a lovely side character. However, she must know that women should exchange their glass bangles for metal ones when they marry, or accidents will almost certainly occur.
Shardul, the bad guy, was just bad. Bad, bad bad, and thus, the weakest character in a book of otherwise strong characters.
I'd love a book about Leslie's mother—or rather, about Leslie and her mother. The way her faith in God simultaneously weakened and strengthened her daughter was fascinating.
I should note that some of the descriptions of sexual activity are fairly graphic—though one scene is absolutely necessary to the plot and, in its own way beautiful—the way Leslie is treated by the Bad Guy seems overdone, and I think the story would have been just as strong if that had been "toned down" considerably.
Except for the very end, which felt a little "clunky," Shadow of the Taj is a beautifully smooth romantic suspense story...and hey, best of all, it's about a married couple! Nice to know I'm not the only one who likes writing/reading those.
So—five stars for the characters, four for the suspense plot, four for the romance plot, four for the writing/editing—all in all, Shadow of the Taj gets a fair four-start rating.
August 29, 2022
A dramatic and moving account of Leslie, a woman visiting India with her husband, who comes across a child under the control of a man who plans to use her in his brothel. The question she asks is What can be done to change this child's fate? Anything? According to everyone she goes to for help, it seems not, but Leslie is determined to make a difference to the life of at least one child caught in the sex slave trade in India. The odds are against it, and Leslie's determination gets her into some life threatening situations.
Leslie's personal history and the secret she hasn't told her husband effect how she reacts to the various events and adds another layer to the story that enriches and extends the theme of women's treatment at the hands of abusive men.
Lara Bernhardt is a masterful story teller. Her prose is rich, her insights deep, her characters complex and relatable, and her stories shine light into darkness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Leslie's personal history and the secret she hasn't told her husband effect how she reacts to the various events and adds another layer to the story that enriches and extends the theme of women's treatment at the hands of abusive men.
Lara Bernhardt is a masterful story teller. Her prose is rich, her insights deep, her characters complex and relatable, and her stories shine light into darkness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2023
This is an engrossing tale of how an American couple rescued a young Indian girl from the clutches of maltreatment and abuse. Leslie thought she was making reparations for her past mistakes in life (keeping the secret of her unwanted pregnancy from Tom, her husband and non-intervention on her part in the kidnapping of her sister) when she stumbled upon Raveena's involvement with a ring of child traffickers and attempted to save her. The writer did an admirable job of capturing into words the shadowy world of child abductors and offered us a rare glimpse of how family poverty can induce exploitation. Her thorough research into Indian culture was evident. The narrative conveyed a powerful message of triumph over adversity, a "never give-up vibe" as Leslie overcame several challenges including the threat of marital strife and nearly sacrificing her own life in achieving her goal to adopt Raveena.
This was an absorbing and enjoyable read. The book was also an eye-opener for social problems in developing countries like India and reveals to us how economic inequality can breed other systemic issues such as prostitution and illegal human trafficking.
This was an absorbing and enjoyable read. The book was also an eye-opener for social problems in developing countries like India and reveals to us how economic inequality can breed other systemic issues such as prostitution and illegal human trafficking.
October 31, 2021
Audiobook. Book: 5 stars; narration 3.5 stars.
Thank you to the author Lara Bernhardt for this Audible giveaway.
I listened to most of the book yesterday and finished the final 40 minutes this morning.
The story was so gripping that within the first third of the book I was raving to my roommate that I wanted to go to India and adopt an orphan girl. This is a book with a lot of feeling, many highs and lows.
Normally I'm not one for a lot of God or Christian spirituality in my reading, however, I think the subject is handled deftly here. This is the private journey of this woman.
I wasn't overly impressed with the narrator, so 3 stars; but I added a .5 for the accents.
Thank you to the author Lara Bernhardt for this Audible giveaway.
I listened to most of the book yesterday and finished the final 40 minutes this morning.
The story was so gripping that within the first third of the book I was raving to my roommate that I wanted to go to India and adopt an orphan girl. This is a book with a lot of feeling, many highs and lows.
Normally I'm not one for a lot of God or Christian spirituality in my reading, however, I think the subject is handled deftly here. This is the private journey of this woman.
I wasn't overly impressed with the narrator, so 3 stars; but I added a .5 for the accents.
July 3, 2022
Excellent read! This book was fast paced and full of rich imagery and well developed characters. The conflicts were written with believable passion and the backstory of the characters added to the richness of the overall story.
This book was provided by Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
This book was provided by Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2024
This book keeps you turning the pages wanting more. It is emotional and the story draws you into it.
I never wanted it to end
I never wanted it to end
February 6, 2023
When Leslie Matthews went to New Delhi, India, with her husband, she came across a sad reality. It was shocking to her watching youngsters being explored for adults in the zoo. She witnessed boys giving the money they got to a man and beautiful girl being harassed after their performance.
Angry at such injustice, Leslie had her hands tied, unable to do anything. Unfortunately, she had to swallow her anger at that moment.
At the same time, Raveena wished for someone to save her. Leslie might have been this person, but it didn't happen. As a result, she had to leave with the man who escorted her.
Conversely, Leslie wanted to save Raveena at any cost, even though she deserved a different life. In response to a persistent thought, she took a stand that would change her life dramatically and significantly.
Captivating, brillant and true-to-life, this book is a must-read. It's absurd that children are still subjected to that, not to mention how cruel it is to abuse them in multiple ways. Thus, I believe that many Leslies support it for the purpose of improving and saving many lives.
Definitely worth it.
Angry at such injustice, Leslie had her hands tied, unable to do anything. Unfortunately, she had to swallow her anger at that moment.
At the same time, Raveena wished for someone to save her. Leslie might have been this person, but it didn't happen. As a result, she had to leave with the man who escorted her.
Conversely, Leslie wanted to save Raveena at any cost, even though she deserved a different life. In response to a persistent thought, she took a stand that would change her life dramatically and significantly.
Captivating, brillant and true-to-life, this book is a must-read. It's absurd that children are still subjected to that, not to mention how cruel it is to abuse them in multiple ways. Thus, I believe that many Leslies support it for the purpose of improving and saving many lives.
Definitely worth it.
August 2, 2023
Lara writes about India behind the facade of the Taj Mahal. The story is rich in characters, plot, and side plots. Lara provides details of the human trafficking of young girls who are kidnapped, abused, violated and malnourished and work in unforgiving brothels.
Leslie & her husband, Tom, are in India for six months. Leslie comes across Raveena, who is under the control of a brutal brothel owner. Leslie is determined to remove Raveena from her horrific life. She implements every tool available to her to remove Raveena, only to have her life threatened.
Leslie & her husband, Tom, are in India for six months. Leslie comes across Raveena, who is under the control of a brutal brothel owner. Leslie is determined to remove Raveena from her horrific life. She implements every tool available to her to remove Raveena, only to have her life threatened.
November 20, 2022
I received a free copy of the e-book from the author through Voracious Readers Only and I enjoyed it. The book was very thought provoking - dealing both with the personal difficulty of seeing terrible things and feeling helpless, and with the main character's crisis of faith. The development of the characters individually and within their relationship as husband and wife was interesting and the reasons for their feelings and actions were revealed well throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 24, 2022
Wow... this was the heaviest book I've read in a while. It was almost too much for me at times but I am so glad I stuck with it. This is a heartbreaking story that is so tragically based on the global human trafficking crisis. Leslie's instant love, concern, and willingness to do whatever it takes to save Raveena's life is admirable. I wanted to hop on a plane to India and save a child myself.
Another thing I really enjoyed was Leslie's struggle with her faith. I wasn't sure what direction this plotline was going at first with so many negative comments about her parents' faith (particularly her mother's), but it ended up being a journey. The question posed is one I think most Christians struggle with at one point or another. While the answer doesn't come in this life, we get to watch Leslie go through these tests and find her own relationship with God. This isn't something I see often in fiction, especially with such real and horrific situations surrounding it.
This story was rich in characters, plot, and side-plots. 'One more chapter' before bed continuously became five more chapters. This might be wishful thinking, but I hope someday there will be a follow-up book.
Thanks to BookSirens for providing a free review copy. I have since purchased a physical copy of the book for myself.
Another thing I really enjoyed was Leslie's struggle with her faith. I wasn't sure what direction this plotline was going at first with so many negative comments about her parents' faith (particularly her mother's), but it ended up being a journey. The question posed is one I think most Christians struggle with at one point or another. While the answer doesn't come in this life, we get to watch Leslie go through these tests and find her own relationship with God. This isn't something I see often in fiction, especially with such real and horrific situations surrounding it.
This story was rich in characters, plot, and side-plots. 'One more chapter' before bed continuously became five more chapters. This might be wishful thinking, but I hope someday there will be a follow-up book.
Thanks to BookSirens for providing a free review copy. I have since purchased a physical copy of the book for myself.
October 9, 2022
This is a book that lives long in the memory after reading it.
Devastatingly evocative in bringing the sights and sounds of India alive on the page, the author transports the reader into the heart of the action, making you feel truly invested in the outcome.
It is far from an easy read, with descriptions of kidnapping, forced prostitution, violence towards women and widespread corruption prominent but while uncomfortable in places, it never feels gratuitous or exaggerated, merely an attempt to convey the horrors endured by the characters.
Leslie’s determination to save and protect Raveena, despite misgivings from those around her shows her strength of character and as a reader and teacher, I immediately empathised with her and willed her to succeed. Her added reason for her tenacity based on events from her past added an interesting twist to the narrative.
It’s rare that I award a 5 star rating for a book, but this one is truly deserving of the accolade. Utterly compelling!
With thanks to the author and BookSirens for the review copy in exchange for my voluntary review.
Devastatingly evocative in bringing the sights and sounds of India alive on the page, the author transports the reader into the heart of the action, making you feel truly invested in the outcome.
It is far from an easy read, with descriptions of kidnapping, forced prostitution, violence towards women and widespread corruption prominent but while uncomfortable in places, it never feels gratuitous or exaggerated, merely an attempt to convey the horrors endured by the characters.
Leslie’s determination to save and protect Raveena, despite misgivings from those around her shows her strength of character and as a reader and teacher, I immediately empathised with her and willed her to succeed. Her added reason for her tenacity based on events from her past added an interesting twist to the narrative.
It’s rare that I award a 5 star rating for a book, but this one is truly deserving of the accolade. Utterly compelling!
With thanks to the author and BookSirens for the review copy in exchange for my voluntary review.
December 4, 2022
I obtained a copy of this book through 'voracious readers only' in exchange for my honest review. It is hard to believe that this story is a work of fiction, it is a sad, quite distressing story of how women and children are kidnapped, stolen or sold and forced into a life of prostitution. They live in squalor are abused, violated and malnourished, whilst the men who 'own' them become rich and powerful. The author has done an incredibly believable job of portraying the city of New Delhi, she portrays the poverty and abuse and how the people survive day to day whilst authorities are paid to turn a blind eye. I was really shocked by the violence and sexual abuse directed at the women and especially the Raveena, the child in this story. Eventually there was a happy ending for Raveena but i was left holding my breath nearly all the way through. I award this story a very worthy 5 stars.
September 6, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect from the title of this book, but it was an incredibly interesting and enjoyable read.
Leslie is accompanying her husband on a business trip and is literally bored because he never wants to sight see. Finally, she gets him to take her to the zoo, where under less-than-ideal circumstances she meets a pre-teen named Naveena
Leslie feels drawn to Naveena and wants to get her out from under the conditions she is living in.
We learn a lot about conditions for women and children in India, some of which really were shocking. We also get a glimpse into corruption and bribery.
The story moves quickly, and the descriptive passages really give you a picture of parts of India that the visitor usually doesn't encounter.
There is a mixture of excitement and sadness in this book, and I would definitely like to explore more from this author.
Leslie is accompanying her husband on a business trip and is literally bored because he never wants to sight see. Finally, she gets him to take her to the zoo, where under less-than-ideal circumstances she meets a pre-teen named Naveena
Leslie feels drawn to Naveena and wants to get her out from under the conditions she is living in.
We learn a lot about conditions for women and children in India, some of which really were shocking. We also get a glimpse into corruption and bribery.
The story moves quickly, and the descriptive passages really give you a picture of parts of India that the visitor usually doesn't encounter.
There is a mixture of excitement and sadness in this book, and I would definitely like to explore more from this author.
September 6, 2022
I received this book via Voracious Readers. I suspect that I would never have found this book or author without that link.
I struggled to put this book down. I just wanted to know what happened.
There are coincidences that enable the story to complete, but that is fine and just about believable.
The book is not long so I was able to read it in a couple of sittings.
Despite it not being a long book, the characters were believable and complex. Initially the husband appeared to be a bit of a lost cause, but he was not that straight-forward.
This book is about resolution across a number of threads. It tackles difficult subjects sensitively and authentically.
I shall look out for other books by this author.
I struggled to put this book down. I just wanted to know what happened.
There are coincidences that enable the story to complete, but that is fine and just about believable.
The book is not long so I was able to read it in a couple of sittings.
Despite it not being a long book, the characters were believable and complex. Initially the husband appeared to be a bit of a lost cause, but he was not that straight-forward.
This book is about resolution across a number of threads. It tackles difficult subjects sensitively and authentically.
I shall look out for other books by this author.
March 9, 2023
Shadow of the Taj is a beautifully written novel by Lara Bernhardt.
Leslie and her husband Tom go to India for his work, Leslie hopes that the trip will help rekindle their marriage.
After a trip to the zoo, she meets a little girl called 'Ravenna'. After that meeting she is determined to help the little girl have a better future. Whilst trying to save Ravenna, she discovers the dark side of India.
Shadow of the Taj is a well written, beautiful novel and handles sensitive subjects well. I truly recommend shadow of the Taj and Lara's other books as she is a brilliant author. Im excited to read what Lara does next.
❤️Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of shadow of the Taj in exchange for a honest review.
Leslie and her husband Tom go to India for his work, Leslie hopes that the trip will help rekindle their marriage.
After a trip to the zoo, she meets a little girl called 'Ravenna'. After that meeting she is determined to help the little girl have a better future. Whilst trying to save Ravenna, she discovers the dark side of India.
Shadow of the Taj is a well written, beautiful novel and handles sensitive subjects well. I truly recommend shadow of the Taj and Lara's other books as she is a brilliant author. Im excited to read what Lara does next.
❤️Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of shadow of the Taj in exchange for a honest review.
January 25, 2020
Fascinating
This excellent novel brought the horrifying truth about human trafficking and in this case sex slavery to the forefront In India with her husband , Tom, Leslie meets a young child who begs for help to escape her captor. Against odds Leslie works to help the child and also mend her marriage.
This excellent novel brought the horrifying truth about human trafficking and in this case sex slavery to the forefront In India with her husband , Tom, Leslie meets a young child who begs for help to escape her captor. Against odds Leslie works to help the child and also mend her marriage.
March 6, 2022
A well written real tear jerker that I couldn’t put down. All emotions experienced- love, happiness, fear, sadness, disgust, frustration, relief, gratitude, joy.
I strongly recommend this book.
I strongly recommend this book.
October 15, 2022
**Summary**:
What would you do to save a little girl from a life of being sold and slavery? Would you risk your marriage? Your life?
While during a trip to the zoo, Leslie finds a girl named Raveena. The girl she wasnt suppose to meet. The girl who she felt a connection for day one. The girl she wants to save. Regardless of what it will cost. Even if it meant choosing between her husband and the girl she feels likes she has to save.
During this trip to India with her husband, they find out that they might not want the same things. They agreed not to have a family but then Raveena happened. When they tell they tell things that they have been keeping from each other come to light, they have to figure out what it is they wanted. Weather its to fight and stay together along with maybe have a family… or get a divorce and go their separate ways.
Things happen and they were willing to not only help one family but is able to help the little girl from the brothel. To help make sure that she never has to live there again and to make sure that she can have a normal childhood. Or what is left of it.
**Thoughts**:
I did have to take a few breaks while listening to this just because it was becoming too much to read. Because it goes IN on what some of these characters go threw on an every day basis. And what is it like to be the slaves who are sold for sex. It does become a bit overwhelming. Especially if you are listening to the audio.
My heart broke for characters like Leslie due to what she has been through. Like her rape that lead to her first pregnancy. To the humiliation that she felt when she prepared dinner for her and her husband for their 10th wedding anniversary when he didnt show up for something romantic that she had planned.
I really enjoyed this story and was rooting for Leslie to actually rescue Raveena. All I wanted throughout this book is for this young girl to be safe and to be rescued. I think that this is a great read and loved that this was my first Lara Bernhardt. This book was fantastic written and cant wait to read another Lara Bernhardt book.
**Rating**:
4.25 stars
What would you do to save a little girl from a life of being sold and slavery? Would you risk your marriage? Your life?
While during a trip to the zoo, Leslie finds a girl named Raveena. The girl she wasnt suppose to meet. The girl who she felt a connection for day one. The girl she wants to save. Regardless of what it will cost. Even if it meant choosing between her husband and the girl she feels likes she has to save.
During this trip to India with her husband, they find out that they might not want the same things. They agreed not to have a family but then Raveena happened. When they tell they tell things that they have been keeping from each other come to light, they have to figure out what it is they wanted. Weather its to fight and stay together along with maybe have a family… or get a divorce and go their separate ways.
Things happen and they were willing to not only help one family but is able to help the little girl from the brothel. To help make sure that she never has to live there again and to make sure that she can have a normal childhood. Or what is left of it.
**Thoughts**:
I did have to take a few breaks while listening to this just because it was becoming too much to read. Because it goes IN on what some of these characters go threw on an every day basis. And what is it like to be the slaves who are sold for sex. It does become a bit overwhelming. Especially if you are listening to the audio.
My heart broke for characters like Leslie due to what she has been through. Like her rape that lead to her first pregnancy. To the humiliation that she felt when she prepared dinner for her and her husband for their 10th wedding anniversary when he didnt show up for something romantic that she had planned.
I really enjoyed this story and was rooting for Leslie to actually rescue Raveena. All I wanted throughout this book is for this young girl to be safe and to be rescued. I think that this is a great read and loved that this was my first Lara Bernhardt. This book was fantastic written and cant wait to read another Lara Bernhardt book.
**Rating**:
4.25 stars
June 8, 2024
The Taj? What Taj? Well, the Taj Mahal. That gorgeous tomb in India, built to honor a beloved. Tourists flock to it. But behind the Taj is the Yamauna River, one of the most polluted rivers in the whole world. Tourists are warned to avoid this area as it is dirty and dangerous, just like the river.
Leslie and Tom are in the final days of a 6-month stay in India. Tom is doing research for his post-doc, and Leslie is bored. She is sternly advised by the hotel staff not to venture out alone. There are beggars everywhere; rupees demanded; trinkets for sale. This light-skinned couple is easily identifiable as Foreign. Their lives are upended on a trip to the zoo one afternoon.
A child is dancing provocatively; the young girl is periodically watched by a lanky man. Men gather around the girl, touching, caressing, groping. As Leslie and Tom turn from this sight and resume walking, Leslie sees the girl from time to time, always the man is watching. Tom gives her a handful of rupees; her veil shifts and Leslie sees purple bruises. The girl whispers “Auntie, please help me”. Her name is Raveena and she is 12 years old and Leslie says, “We will help you”. She and Tom are involved.
This is the story of their journey through violence, corruption, sex slavery, brothels, filth. Through dreams, anguish, joy, fear, disappointment, remorse, relief, fatigue, suffering, forgiveness.
Leslie had always known that life could change in a moment. Bad things happened to good people for no reason whatsoever, and in the blink of an eye, one future is scrubbed away, erased forever, replaced by something completely different, whether you want it or not.
A thoughtful read, alarming and frightening.
I read this novel courtesy of Voracious Readers and Admission Press. Published 2019
Leslie and Tom are in the final days of a 6-month stay in India. Tom is doing research for his post-doc, and Leslie is bored. She is sternly advised by the hotel staff not to venture out alone. There are beggars everywhere; rupees demanded; trinkets for sale. This light-skinned couple is easily identifiable as Foreign. Their lives are upended on a trip to the zoo one afternoon.
A child is dancing provocatively; the young girl is periodically watched by a lanky man. Men gather around the girl, touching, caressing, groping. As Leslie and Tom turn from this sight and resume walking, Leslie sees the girl from time to time, always the man is watching. Tom gives her a handful of rupees; her veil shifts and Leslie sees purple bruises. The girl whispers “Auntie, please help me”. Her name is Raveena and she is 12 years old and Leslie says, “We will help you”. She and Tom are involved.
This is the story of their journey through violence, corruption, sex slavery, brothels, filth. Through dreams, anguish, joy, fear, disappointment, remorse, relief, fatigue, suffering, forgiveness.
Leslie had always known that life could change in a moment. Bad things happened to good people for no reason whatsoever, and in the blink of an eye, one future is scrubbed away, erased forever, replaced by something completely different, whether you want it or not.
A thoughtful read, alarming and frightening.
I read this novel courtesy of Voracious Readers and Admission Press. Published 2019
September 20, 2024
Review : Shadow of the Taj by Lara Bernhardt
I was really excited to read this complimentary copy of the book Shadow if the Taj' from the author via Voracious Readers. The story is set in India and I do so love those kinds of books that reflect the richness of Indian culture but doesn't shy from refracting the different layers of society.
I was enthralled as the writing was so rich and engaging, putting you in each scene, making you experience each emotion the character was feeling. Before you've realised you're just drawn into the plot and wanting what the main character did, with equal fervor. At times it was almost like when you shout at the TV hoping they could hear you.
I was moved by the way the author described the nuances of relationships, done with such sensitivity and compassion.
The main theme showed the author's deep knowledge of the most uncomfortable subject, and the reflection of reality really made you feel uncomfortable.
You were the shadow of the character at each point as though everything was happening live with you there and made you be present from the first page.
I loved this book and the characters, except the bad guys, who were so horribly bad they gave you the shivers.
This is one book that I can't wait to own but it wouldn't be taking it pride of place on my bookcase as it will be passed around for my peeps to read or else I'll be sat snuggled up reading it again.
In summary, not only was this such a delicious read it really did exceed expectations.
I would definitely purchase the next book in the series and have put Red Rain top of my Christmas list.
I was really excited to read this complimentary copy of the book Shadow if the Taj' from the author via Voracious Readers. The story is set in India and I do so love those kinds of books that reflect the richness of Indian culture but doesn't shy from refracting the different layers of society.
I was enthralled as the writing was so rich and engaging, putting you in each scene, making you experience each emotion the character was feeling. Before you've realised you're just drawn into the plot and wanting what the main character did, with equal fervor. At times it was almost like when you shout at the TV hoping they could hear you.
I was moved by the way the author described the nuances of relationships, done with such sensitivity and compassion.
The main theme showed the author's deep knowledge of the most uncomfortable subject, and the reflection of reality really made you feel uncomfortable.
You were the shadow of the character at each point as though everything was happening live with you there and made you be present from the first page.
I loved this book and the characters, except the bad guys, who were so horribly bad they gave you the shivers.
This is one book that I can't wait to own but it wouldn't be taking it pride of place on my bookcase as it will be passed around for my peeps to read or else I'll be sat snuggled up reading it again.
In summary, not only was this such a delicious read it really did exceed expectations.
I would definitely purchase the next book in the series and have put Red Rain top of my Christmas list.
November 28, 2021
I tried to read this in increments. The subject matter is highly volatile. I made it through about half of the book and my anxiety level spiked and I found myself unable to breathe. It's the same reason I don't play timed video games or do anything competitive.
This is a well-written, realistic, heartbreaking story about a 12-year-old Indian girl and the white woman who tried to save her from her handlers. How did it end? I don't know. I couldn't finish it. Not because it was bad but because it was so good, so realistic, I found myself shaking, unable to catch my breath.
Lara Bernhardt has a way with words. Her world-building/character building is so spot on, you can see it all in your mind. All of it. And it broke my heart.
So I stick to light-hearted cozy mysteries, urban fantasies, and genres that can't be real. Even ghosts and haunted house stories don't affect me the way Shadow of the Taj did. All that being said, everyone should read this thought-provoking novel or at least try to.
This is a well-written, realistic, heartbreaking story about a 12-year-old Indian girl and the white woman who tried to save her from her handlers. How did it end? I don't know. I couldn't finish it. Not because it was bad but because it was so good, so realistic, I found myself shaking, unable to catch my breath.
Lara Bernhardt has a way with words. Her world-building/character building is so spot on, you can see it all in your mind. All of it. And it broke my heart.
So I stick to light-hearted cozy mysteries, urban fantasies, and genres that can't be real. Even ghosts and haunted house stories don't affect me the way Shadow of the Taj did. All that being said, everyone should read this thought-provoking novel or at least try to.
August 8, 2022
Author Lara Bernhardt shows us on this book that even with all the beauty you can find in India there is a lot of ugliness underneath that beauty, namely the trafficking of young girls for prostitution.
In this book we find a young American teacher and her husband staying in India for six months while he's working on her postdoc degree, she is truly disappointed and unhappy with the state of her marriage and with the whole trip in India. With this background we read about a chance encounter with a young Indian girl being abused and exploited to get money for her "masters".
This encounter stirs a feeling and a desire to fight for this girl and rescue her from this world she was unfortunate to be born into.
Even after many dangerous situations and setbacks we see the couple winning this war.
This book is beautifully written and grabs you from the beginning until the end. You cry with it and keeps ruling for the little girl and the woman who only wants to give this girl the beautiful life that she deserves.
In this book we find a young American teacher and her husband staying in India for six months while he's working on her postdoc degree, she is truly disappointed and unhappy with the state of her marriage and with the whole trip in India. With this background we read about a chance encounter with a young Indian girl being abused and exploited to get money for her "masters".
This encounter stirs a feeling and a desire to fight for this girl and rescue her from this world she was unfortunate to be born into.
Even after many dangerous situations and setbacks we see the couple winning this war.
This book is beautifully written and grabs you from the beginning until the end. You cry with it and keeps ruling for the little girl and the woman who only wants to give this girl the beautiful life that she deserves.
June 23, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
First off, there should be trigger warnings so folks know about the: drugging and rape of a college student; child kidnapping; physical and sexual abuse of a child; and forced prostitution.
The relationship and communication between the main characters was not realistic. How could either of them expect a second honeymoon when the husband is away every day for months on end working while his wife is trapped at the guest house and then hotel with nowhere to go. I didn't feel their interactions were realistic. There is a lot of repetition of past traumas, lots of internal monologuing, and unbelievable actions of a thug. While there were parts of this book that were too preachy for me (and I wanted to quit reading several times), I stuck through to the end where things were tied up neatly. India is a very large country with many issues to solve. Some of these issues are very well described. However, as a woman having read this book, I would be leary of traveling there without a constant male escort.
First off, there should be trigger warnings so folks know about the: drugging and rape of a college student; child kidnapping; physical and sexual abuse of a child; and forced prostitution.
The relationship and communication between the main characters was not realistic. How could either of them expect a second honeymoon when the husband is away every day for months on end working while his wife is trapped at the guest house and then hotel with nowhere to go. I didn't feel their interactions were realistic. There is a lot of repetition of past traumas, lots of internal monologuing, and unbelievable actions of a thug. While there were parts of this book that were too preachy for me (and I wanted to quit reading several times), I stuck through to the end where things were tied up neatly. India is a very large country with many issues to solve. Some of these issues are very well described. However, as a woman having read this book, I would be leary of traveling there without a constant male escort.
August 23, 2023
This novel really did not capture my interest, mainly because it seemed hastily written with little understanding of reality. India is a complex place, and its peoples even more complex. I get that this story is sad as it reflects one of the country's most atrocious practices: allowing brothels containing young girls to operate mainly because of corruption and bribery.
But Bernhardt mixed up the strife of one of these young girls with her own marriage strife, but not able to effectively pull it off. Scenes lacked realism.
One example is the ending: after the protagonist has almost been kidnapped (after the young girl has been severely beaten), she magically ducks as a police officer shoots the kidnapper. Protagonist and girl take a taxi to the hospital. The husband does not appear at the hospital for effectively a whole day, even though his wife was obviously in emotional peril. But alas, all is well because the missing husband has been shopping for jewelry and teddy bears for the victims.
Just not real.
But Bernhardt mixed up the strife of one of these young girls with her own marriage strife, but not able to effectively pull it off. Scenes lacked realism.
One example is the ending: after the protagonist has almost been kidnapped (after the young girl has been severely beaten), she magically ducks as a police officer shoots the kidnapper. Protagonist and girl take a taxi to the hospital. The husband does not appear at the hospital for effectively a whole day, even though his wife was obviously in emotional peril. But alas, all is well because the missing husband has been shopping for jewelry and teddy bears for the victims.
Just not real.
March 20, 2022
I enjoyed this book, the story of a couple's relationship and experiences in India. He was working, she was bored and lonely. Aspects of India's culture and traditions as well as the widespread abject poverty shocked them to the core. Their relationship wasn't what either of them had wanted it to be.
The narrative flowed well and kept me engaged, but it wasn't a read-in-one-sitting-and stay-up-all-night kind of book.
Many authors have one word or phrase that is used repeatedly throughout their writing and in this case the word was 'wobbled'. He/she 'wobbled their head', he/she 'wobbled their head in a figure of eight', 'she wobbled on her knees'. I do find this irritating.
The book was provided free of charge for a review. Overall, a good read, and I do recommend it.
The narrative flowed well and kept me engaged, but it wasn't a read-in-one-sitting-and stay-up-all-night kind of book.
Many authors have one word or phrase that is used repeatedly throughout their writing and in this case the word was 'wobbled'. He/she 'wobbled their head', he/she 'wobbled their head in a figure of eight', 'she wobbled on her knees'. I do find this irritating.
The book was provided free of charge for a review. Overall, a good read, and I do recommend it.
January 13, 2023
Shadow of the Taj by Lara Bernhardt was an interesting dip into some of the poverty and cruel sex trafficking in India. The story, about an American couple who were having a few marital differences, evolves around the wife befriending a young girl, born in a brothel and wanting to free her from her cruel brothel owner. Everyone’s characters develop as the story progresses together with emotions of anger, despair, tenderness, love amidst the brutality and sordidness of the environment.
I recommend reading this, as the author’s writing conveys and brilliantly captures the thoughts and feelings of the wife as she explores various avenues to rescue this young girl.
I received an advance copy from Voracious Readers and leave this review without coercion.
I recommend reading this, as the author’s writing conveys and brilliantly captures the thoughts and feelings of the wife as she explores various avenues to rescue this young girl.
I received an advance copy from Voracious Readers and leave this review without coercion.
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