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The Lake Villa
From Ann Bennett, bestselling author of The Orphan House, comes The Lake Villa, a spellbinding story of one woman’s journey to uncover long-buried secrets in French Indochina.
Perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.
Indochina 1939, Colette, a young French woman, falls in love with Henri Bossière the Chief Curator of the mysterious temple, Angkor Wat, in Cambodia. She starts a new life with him in an idyllic villa perched on the edge the great lake of Tonlé Sap. But the second world war intervenes, sweeping away her world and leaving tragedy in its wake.
After the war, Colette attempts to rebuild her life, finding a friend in Luc Gilbert, Henri’s former deputy - a man with dark secrets. When Luc is made to leave Cambodia under a cloud, Colette is left to pick up the pieces and discovers his shocking truths.
In 1975 when the Khmer Rouge sweep through Cambodia, Colette is forced to return to France and leave everything behind. Two decades later, as the country is opening up, she returns to find answers to long-buried secrets and to track down two women from her past – Achariya, her Cambodian friend and housekeeper, and Sophia, a young woman with beautiful, restless eyes.
However, is Colette prepared for the unsettling truths she uncovers along the way…
Perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.
Indochina 1939, Colette, a young French woman, falls in love with Henri Bossière the Chief Curator of the mysterious temple, Angkor Wat, in Cambodia. She starts a new life with him in an idyllic villa perched on the edge the great lake of Tonlé Sap. But the second world war intervenes, sweeping away her world and leaving tragedy in its wake.
After the war, Colette attempts to rebuild her life, finding a friend in Luc Gilbert, Henri’s former deputy - a man with dark secrets. When Luc is made to leave Cambodia under a cloud, Colette is left to pick up the pieces and discovers his shocking truths.
In 1975 when the Khmer Rouge sweep through Cambodia, Colette is forced to return to France and leave everything behind. Two decades later, as the country is opening up, she returns to find answers to long-buried secrets and to track down two women from her past – Achariya, her Cambodian friend and housekeeper, and Sophia, a young woman with beautiful, restless eyes.
However, is Colette prepared for the unsettling truths she uncovers along the way…
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
256 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 13, 2024
More like 3.5
The Lake Villa was an enjoyable read overall, offering a compelling story that, while slow to start, picked up momentum as it progressed. The plot eventually became more engaging, and I found myself invested in the characters and their journeys. However, as a Cambodian and someone highly familiar with Cambodian history, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat distracted by a few factual inaccuracies and misspellings of key Cambodian figures. These errors, unfortunately, affected my enjoyment of the book.
One of the most glaring issues for me was the misspelling of King Norodom Sihanouk’s name as “Siaohouk.” The incorrect spelling stood out every time his name was mentioned, which was a bit jarring.
Another factual error that bothered me was the description of the main character, Collette, arriving in Cambodia via the Port of Kampong Som in 1934. This was problematic because the Port of Kampong Som (also known as Sihanoukville) wasn’t actually opened until 1955. In the 1930s, if Collette had been traveling to Cambodia by ship, she would have had to pass through the Port of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) and then continue by a smaller boat to Phnom Penh. This discrepancy felt like a missed opportunity for the author to better research the historical context and make the setting feel more authentic.
Additionally, the author’s portrayal of Phnom Penh in 1995 didn’t quite capture the atmosphere of that time. The way she described the city felt more like Phnom Penh in the past decade. This mismatch between the historical context and the setting made it harder for me to fully immerse myself in the world the author was trying to create.
Despite these issues, The Lake Villa was still an enjoyable and worthwhile read. The characters were well-developed, and the emotional depth of the story shone through as it progressed. Although the historical inaccuracies and the portrayal of Cambodia didn’t always align with my expectations, the book still managed to captivate me with its charm and heartfelt narrative. For those not as familiar with the history of Cambodia, these issues may not be as noticeable, and they may still find the story to be quite compelling. While it wasn’t a perfect experience for me, The Lake Villa still offers a pleasant and engaging read that’s worth exploring.
The Lake Villa was an enjoyable read overall, offering a compelling story that, while slow to start, picked up momentum as it progressed. The plot eventually became more engaging, and I found myself invested in the characters and their journeys. However, as a Cambodian and someone highly familiar with Cambodian history, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat distracted by a few factual inaccuracies and misspellings of key Cambodian figures. These errors, unfortunately, affected my enjoyment of the book.
One of the most glaring issues for me was the misspelling of King Norodom Sihanouk’s name as “Siaohouk.” The incorrect spelling stood out every time his name was mentioned, which was a bit jarring.
Another factual error that bothered me was the description of the main character, Collette, arriving in Cambodia via the Port of Kampong Som in 1934. This was problematic because the Port of Kampong Som (also known as Sihanoukville) wasn’t actually opened until 1955. In the 1930s, if Collette had been traveling to Cambodia by ship, she would have had to pass through the Port of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) and then continue by a smaller boat to Phnom Penh. This discrepancy felt like a missed opportunity for the author to better research the historical context and make the setting feel more authentic.
Additionally, the author’s portrayal of Phnom Penh in 1995 didn’t quite capture the atmosphere of that time. The way she described the city felt more like Phnom Penh in the past decade. This mismatch between the historical context and the setting made it harder for me to fully immerse myself in the world the author was trying to create.
Despite these issues, The Lake Villa was still an enjoyable and worthwhile read. The characters were well-developed, and the emotional depth of the story shone through as it progressed. Although the historical inaccuracies and the portrayal of Cambodia didn’t always align with my expectations, the book still managed to captivate me with its charm and heartfelt narrative. For those not as familiar with the history of Cambodia, these issues may not be as noticeable, and they may still find the story to be quite compelling. While it wasn’t a perfect experience for me, The Lake Villa still offers a pleasant and engaging read that’s worth exploring.
February 28, 2023
What a marvelous book! I learned so much about Cambodia, about Angkor Wat, the wars and conflicts the citizens suffered over the years, about some of the towns and villages, injustices and more. The story, despite being fictional, kept fairly close to history, which the reader will experience mostly through the eyes of Colette, a French expat woman who fell in love with the country and its peoples. Reading this book makes me wish I could visit Cambodia.
The story began in the later years of Colette's life and doubles back and forth from the earlier years of her arrival and marriage to Henri during the French occupation. Colette had lived mostly in Siam Reap. The two time frames stitch the story together from both ends threading an overall experience for the reader from the 1930's to 1995. There is some romance and some illicit bedrooms 'scenes' which a cautious reader may wish to be aware of. Other than that I feel this has been good exposure to seeing 'another' world other than from a 'pampered' one, one may have been brought up in. It's a good multi-cultural encounter.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
February 2023
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
The story began in the later years of Colette's life and doubles back and forth from the earlier years of her arrival and marriage to Henri during the French occupation. Colette had lived mostly in Siam Reap. The two time frames stitch the story together from both ends threading an overall experience for the reader from the 1930's to 1995. There is some romance and some illicit bedrooms 'scenes' which a cautious reader may wish to be aware of. Other than that I feel this has been good exposure to seeing 'another' world other than from a 'pampered' one, one may have been brought up in. It's a good multi-cultural encounter.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
February 2023
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
May 8, 2023
When Colette falls in love with Henri Bossière, the Chief Curator of the mysterious temple Angkor Wat in Cambodia, she moves from France in 1939 to be with him. They start a new life in an idyllic villa at the edge of Lake Tonlé Sap. But WW2 progresses and threatens their happiness, peace and work. After the war, Colette attempts to rebuild her life with Luc Gilbert, Henri’s former deputy and a man with dark secrets. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge sweep through Cambodia, forcing Colette to leave the people and country she loves behind. Two decades later, she returns in search of her close friend Achariya and a mysterious young woman Sophia, whom she had to leave behind. Will she find the women who have haunted her for years or will she once again suffer in Indochina?
This novel is well written. For the most part, it flows nicely. The author lets readers know when she's skipping years of narrative.
I appreciated insights into the life of various folks living in Cambodia. We learn how the rich rulers, poor workers and expatriots live. I could almost taste the jasmine tea.
And the novel prompted me to research life in Cambodia during and after WW2. It expanded my understanding and compassion for the people of this country.
The ending felt far-fetched and abrupt to me. That's the only reason for three rather than four stars.
This novel is well written. For the most part, it flows nicely. The author lets readers know when she's skipping years of narrative.
I appreciated insights into the life of various folks living in Cambodia. We learn how the rich rulers, poor workers and expatriots live. I could almost taste the jasmine tea.
And the novel prompted me to research life in Cambodia during and after WW2. It expanded my understanding and compassion for the people of this country.
The ending felt far-fetched and abrupt to me. That's the only reason for three rather than four stars.
March 3, 2023
Difficult times, beautiful story.
(This synopsis listed for the book is incorrect, not even close!)
As with the first two books I read in this series, I was totally immersed in the setting. When Ann Bennett describes the vibrancy of the foliage and that unique quality of sunlight surrounding Angkor Wat, I was there. This book is part historical fiction, part travelogue, and part mystery, addressing the harsh reality of colonialism followed by the barbaric Khmer Rouge. The author perfectly describes the angst of all ex-pats, no matter where they live. I've been waiting for this book release and it was worth the wait...pure escapism for me.
(This synopsis listed for the book is incorrect, not even close!)
As with the first two books I read in this series, I was totally immersed in the setting. When Ann Bennett describes the vibrancy of the foliage and that unique quality of sunlight surrounding Angkor Wat, I was there. This book is part historical fiction, part travelogue, and part mystery, addressing the harsh reality of colonialism followed by the barbaric Khmer Rouge. The author perfectly describes the angst of all ex-pats, no matter where they live. I've been waiting for this book release and it was worth the wait...pure escapism for me.
December 19, 2024
I don't understand the high ratings for this book. Reading about French-occupied Cambodia and learning some history and culture was fascinating, but this book has the most predictable plot and cliche twists. I really disliked Collette as the protagonist - she is awfully naive and self-centered - and I wish the rest of the characters were more developed. I found the writing about big events - war invasions, deaths, arrests, etc. to be written about in an odd, matter-of-fact tone and the ending felt rushed and overly-Disneyesque.
In short, I enjoyed the topic and hated the characters and story, there have got to be better stories set in Indochina out there.
In short, I enjoyed the topic and hated the characters and story, there have got to be better stories set in Indochina out there.
March 14, 2023
ake Villa by Ann Bennett
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.
3/5 stars
I really, really enjoyed this book! I had never read about the French occupation of Cambodia and subsequent WWII and how it affected this area. It was a very interesting perspective.
I loved learning about Angkor Wat and reading about it from Collette’s perspective. I do think, however, that this book could have been expanded. There was SOMUCH detail that this book could have been double the length. This is why it lost 2 stars for me. I wanted more.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.
3/5 stars
I really, really enjoyed this book! I had never read about the French occupation of Cambodia and subsequent WWII and how it affected this area. It was a very interesting perspective.
I loved learning about Angkor Wat and reading about it from Collette’s perspective. I do think, however, that this book could have been expanded. There was SOMUCH detail that this book could have been double the length. This is why it lost 2 stars for me. I wanted more.
May 15, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, the pubishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.
Although this book had a good storyline and lots of interesting people, I found it hard to get into it. It was slow for at least the first half of the book, but I stuck with it and am happy I did. I enjoyed how the story played out and how the book ended. I had never really known much about the french occupation of Indochina, it was really eye opening and interesting to learn about.
Although this book had a good storyline and lots of interesting people, I found it hard to get into it. It was slow for at least the first half of the book, but I stuck with it and am happy I did. I enjoyed how the story played out and how the book ended. I had never really known much about the french occupation of Indochina, it was really eye opening and interesting to learn about.
March 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book until the ending(I will get to that) The history of Cambodia is featured in this story about a French woman who marries an archeologist and moves there to be with him. Told during different time periods, the book draws you in with its wonderful description of places and people. However, the ending seemed rushed to me and unsatisfactory. However, I did enjoy it and will be requesting her previous books to read from my local library.
May 6, 2023
Good read
Was very very interesting to see how the war affected the people of Cambodia. Really enjoyed the strong bond Collette had with her house maid and how foolish she was when it came to a certain man. Felt the book doesn't really start getting going until about 75%. After that though all great!
Was very very interesting to see how the war affected the people of Cambodia. Really enjoyed the strong bond Collette had with her house maid and how foolish she was when it came to a certain man. Felt the book doesn't really start getting going until about 75%. After that though all great!
August 19, 2023
Another wonderful hard to put down book
How I love Ann Bennetts books this one is just as good as all the others.
It tells of Collete who marries an archaeologist and comes to live in Cambodia a very volatile place to live.
The book is well written as always and was a joy to read.
How I love Ann Bennetts books this one is just as good as all the others.
It tells of Collete who marries an archaeologist and comes to live in Cambodia a very volatile place to live.
The book is well written as always and was a joy to read.
January 2, 2024
awesome reading
I loved the ending even though I still am wondering about the characters future’s. So much was explained about what happened in the history of the area. I’m more informed about what happened then.
I loved the ending even though I still am wondering about the characters future’s. So much was explained about what happened in the history of the area. I’m more informed about what happened then.
February 6, 2024
Sensitively written about a period of great turmoil.
The book brought a period of history alive. I know more about the communists in Malaysia because my late husband served there during the post war years, but the situation was fairly similar.
The book brought a period of history alive. I know more about the communists in Malaysia because my late husband served there during the post war years, but the situation was fairly similar.
February 6, 2024
Loved this book
Having spent time in Cambodia and shared (cried) with some of the survivors that could have been in this book, I was taken back to that beautiful country and the gentle people there and the horrific history. Well written and loved the ending👏
Having spent time in Cambodia and shared (cried) with some of the survivors that could have been in this book, I was taken back to that beautiful country and the gentle people there and the horrific history. Well written and loved the ending👏
June 29, 2024
So I see all positive reviews here, and I am not as enthusiastic as most others. Although the storyline wasn't that bad, it was all too superficial and clinical for me. Heavy topics are presented in a mild manner and the ending was too Disney-esque in my opinion.
It just wasn't my type of book.
It just wasn't my type of book.
April 30, 2023
The Lake Villa
The book was one of the best I have read in a long time. It was hard to put down , a must read if you like history.
The book was one of the best I have read in a long time. It was hard to put down , a must read if you like history.
July 7, 2023
The Lake Villa
A remarkable story of fiction and history cleverly intertwined to present a compelling story. I found it hard to put this book down.
A remarkable story of fiction and history cleverly intertwined to present a compelling story. I found it hard to put this book down.
July 9, 2023
Loved this book and all the ones in the oriental series
August 7, 2025
brilliant book brilliant author xx
on-hold
May 25, 2023I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
January 31, 2025
This historical novel is set in two timelines. One starts in the 1930s when newlywed Colette moves to Siem Reap, Cambodia until her departure i 1975. Her husband, Henri was the chief curator of Angkor Wat. The second timeline is set in 1995 when Colette returns to Cambodia after the fall of the Khmer Rouge.
I lived in the Far East for many years and visited Siem Reap twice. The description of the settings made me feel as if I was back in Cambodia. I could even identify a few of the temples by their descriptions. There were glimpses into the daily lives of both the Cambodians and the French expats.
Colette lived in Siem Reap until 1975 when the Khmer Rouge took over. The plot covered some of the history such as WW2 and Independence, The Kremer Rouge was briefly covered by a character she reunites with in 1995. I couldn’t understand why the author didn’t include the American bombing of Cambodia (including Siem Reap) during the Vietnam war.
The novel had an interesting cast of characters, including expats and natives. I found Colette incredibly naive. She had been hoodwinked by the same character a few times, which I found frustrating. When she returned to Cambodia in 1995, it seemed she hadn’t a clue about what happened in her 20-year absence. Surely she would have read the news about the country she lived in for 30+ years? At a minimum, she would have seen the award-winning Killing Fields movie.
The plot was interesting with a few little twists along the way. However, the last few twists were obvious to all except Collette!
This novel is excellent in terms of evoking a sense of place and describing some (but not all) of the historical events during this period. The plot was interesting but I did roll my eyes at some of Colette’s naivety.
I lived in the Far East for many years and visited Siem Reap twice. The description of the settings made me feel as if I was back in Cambodia. I could even identify a few of the temples by their descriptions. There were glimpses into the daily lives of both the Cambodians and the French expats.
Colette lived in Siem Reap until 1975 when the Khmer Rouge took over. The plot covered some of the history such as WW2 and Independence, The Kremer Rouge was briefly covered by a character she reunites with in 1995. I couldn’t understand why the author didn’t include the American bombing of Cambodia (including Siem Reap) during the Vietnam war.
The novel had an interesting cast of characters, including expats and natives. I found Colette incredibly naive. She had been hoodwinked by the same character a few times, which I found frustrating. When she returned to Cambodia in 1995, it seemed she hadn’t a clue about what happened in her 20-year absence. Surely she would have read the news about the country she lived in for 30+ years? At a minimum, she would have seen the award-winning Killing Fields movie.
The plot was interesting with a few little twists along the way. However, the last few twists were obvious to all except Collette!
This novel is excellent in terms of evoking a sense of place and describing some (but not all) of the historical events during this period. The plot was interesting but I did roll my eyes at some of Colette’s naivety.
December 19, 2023
Thank you Net Galley and BooksGoSocial for this eCopy to review
I loved this book, the story was very moving following Collette's journey into her past and putting long held ghosts to rest. The descriptions were amazing, I felt like I was there and would love to visit Cambodia one day. Bennett's characters are well developed and I felt very connected to Collette. I loved the dual time aspect and felt just the right amount of information was given at each point.
I felt very sorry for Collette, I don't want to give too much away but luckily she finds her old friend Achariya who is able to help and support her.
The ending was wonderful, I'm just sorry the story came to an end
I loved this book, the story was very moving following Collette's journey into her past and putting long held ghosts to rest. The descriptions were amazing, I felt like I was there and would love to visit Cambodia one day. Bennett's characters are well developed and I felt very connected to Collette. I loved the dual time aspect and felt just the right amount of information was given at each point.
I felt very sorry for Collette, I don't want to give too much away but luckily she finds her old friend Achariya who is able to help and support her.
The ending was wonderful, I'm just sorry the story came to an end
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews