La Perle de Penang

Penang #1

by Clare Flynn, Marie Bigard (Translator)

Lauréat du prix BookBrunch Selfies 2020 dans la catégorie fiction adulte

« Suite au décès de ma femme, j’ai besoin de soutien et de compagnie. Je suis prêt à vous faire une offre de mariage. »

Evie Fraser, dame de compagnie d’une vieille fille grincheuse, semble destinée à une vie solitaire. Soudain arrive une demande en mariage par courrier. Elle n’a rencontré le séduisant Douglas Barrington qu’une seule fois, lors de ses noces, mais ne l’a jamais oublié. Désormais veuf et propriétaire de plantation, Douglas lui propose une nouvelle vie sur l’île exotique et luxuriante de Penang. Comment Evie peut-elle résister ?

Mais quelles sont les motivations de Barrington pour épouser Evie alors qu’il la connaît à peine, et pourquoi est-il si hostile et lunatique ?

Très vite, Evie se retrouve confrontée à Douglas, ainsi qu’au monde superficiel et souvent rancunier des Britanniques expatriés. A-t-elle fait la plus grosse erreur de sa vie ?

Ce roman primé de Flynn est le premier tome d’une série de quatre livres. Il explore l’amour, le mariage, l’impact de la guerre et les défis de l’expatriation, le tout sous fond de paradis tropical alors que la menace de l’empire japonais se profile.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Romance, War, Audiobook, Asia

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2019

About the author

Clare Flynn is the author of twety historical novels and a collection of short stories. She is the 2020 winner of the UK Selfies Adult Fiction prize for her best-selling novel The Pearl of Penang, was shortlisted for the RNA Industry Awards Indie Champion of the Year for 2021 and won the award in 2022.

Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.

Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Historical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie Fraser is a paid a companion for Mrs. Shipley-Thomas and after 9 years it’s so boring. When a unexpected marriage proposal arrives by post from Douglas Barrington she throws caution to the wind, this could be her only chance of getting married and she accepts. She met the handsome Douglas just once; years ago at his first wedding and she’s never forgotten him. Douglas is now a widower, he has a young daughter Jasmine and she’s keen to leave England, live in a new country and marry him.

Evie is excited to be sailing to Malaya and when her ship docks her husband to be isn’t waiting for her, it's not a good sign and she wonders if she’s been stood up? Eventually Douglas arrives at his townhouse, they marry, after the wedding he’s very grumpy, he doesn’t want to talk and Evie wonders if she's made a big mistake?

For Jasmine’s sake she decided to stay, she’s a sweet girl; Evie hopes to get to know her husband better and work on their relationship. Evie meets Jasmine’s teacher Mary Helston, they become good friends and she’s one of the few English ladies who’s friendly and nice to her. But will her peaceful life in Penang change with the talk of another world war, Douglas thinks it’s a lot of fuss over nothing, he believes it’s too hard for the Japanese army to enter Malay by having to hack through the jungle and also Singapore is well defended by the British?

I enjoyed reading The Pearl of Penang, I gave it four stars and I can’t wait to start reading the next book in the series. I have shared my review on Goodreads, Australian Amazon, Kobo, Twitter and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Liza Perrat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed being swept back to the heat, the tropical landscape, the culture and people of Malaya prior to, and during, WWII, in Clare Flynn’s The Pearl of Penang.

I especially loved how the author wove together an engaging story with well-researched details about Malaya and its rubber plantations.

I found myself fighting for our heroine, Evie every step of the way of her journey, from the beginning when we meet her as a quiet young girl working as rich woman’s companion, through her acceptance of a marriage proposal from a Malay rubber plantation-owner she’d only met once, years ago.

I was by Evie’s side as she lived through the tragedies and triumphs of her marriage to the cold and unloving, Douglas Barrington, as she endures the often spiteful and cruel British expatriates, and the shallow ex-pat life. I feared for her as the threat of Japanese occupation of Malay became a reality.

With its gripping storyline, very real characters, and easy-to-read prose, I would highly recommend The Pearl of Penang as a novel to lose yourself in.

[Emiliya Bozhilova · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 10%
Има една порода моми-англичанки, които и като “писателки”, и като героини на роман, стават само за тясно вътрешноанглийско потребление.

Типажът е англичанка от 19-20-ти век: относително млада, от относително добро семейство, с добри обноски и умееща да налива чай и да играе бридж, сираче, съвършено неграмотна за всичко извън обитаваната от нея стая (като зависима компаньонка на богата и завистлива стара дама) и нежелаеща да научи каквото и да е, мрънкаща от безсмисления си живот и приела предложение за брак по пощата - в случая за колониална Малая. Естествено, с течение на времето ще се окаже истинско съкровище, поне си говори със слугите без крясъци, вайка се от жегата и чака “възлюбения”. Който още не се е появил, и си има загатнато тъмно минало с починала съпруга и май и любовница. Декорът на тропиците е точно декор - където изисканите англичанки да ходят по събирания и клубове, да се фукат с нови рокли и вкупом да се жалват от жегата. Иначе е екзотично - как само им се кланят тия китайци и малайци с непроизносимите имена, дето са ги понгличанчили, за да могат да ги наричат някак....

Това е пълно губене на време дори и за плажа. Трудно ми е да си представя, че такива задръстени и невежи същества са се считали за хм, изискани дами... Нямам нерви да ми възклицават над всяка бучка захар, или да се изумяват, че май и война има, докато идея си нямат къде са попаднали.

[Allie Cresswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very engaging story told with descriptive flair. I loved the depiction of Malaya, the weather, plants and people and Evie’s struggle to establish herself there. I am afraid many of the British ex pats don’t come out of it very well but what a delight to hear their glass shards of shrill, cutting conversation as they gossip about each other and denigrate their hosts.
Add that the story took place as dark forces of war gather; the drama notched up to another level. The minute research which has clearly gone into this book really shone through. I found it hard to establish right at the very beginning exactly what time frame I was in but that would be my only criticism, and in time I was able to orientate myself without difficulty.
The author’s portrayal of Douglas was very well done. He is conflicted, shy, brusque. Sometimes he is cruel, at other times touchingly fragile. I understood why Evie tried to love him. Evie’s own emotional conflict was also well explored.
I felt that the outcome of the plot was a little rushed. Time started to pass too quickly as the story rolled to its resolution. Perhaps I just wanted it to go on longer!

[Jane Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I've only ever spent a couple of weeks in Penang, I feel it's a place I know well as my husband was raised not far from there and his family lived in the area from well before World War II and they would have experienced the lifestyle of the pre-war period and the horrors of the war years. So the sense of place and history fascinated me as much as the story itself.
I got the impression the story was subtly influenced by Daphne DuMaurier's "Rebecca" even down to the "Love Rebecca? I HATED Rebecca!" moment, but expertly translated to a completely different time and place.
A really good read with lots of memorable characters.

[ClaireMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn to this as a pre/wartime novel but set in an area that I knew next to nothing about. The concept of a young English woman, who felt so let down by life that she would move to the other side of the world to marry a man who she had met just once, had me hooked from the word go.

Evie moves to Malaya with dreams about life as a married woman with a family and friends. She quickly finds herself immersed in an ex-pat community with an absent, emotionally distant husband and a young step child who has never received love or attention from a parent. Evie must carve out a life for herself and new daughter, whilst learning the customs of her new home and surviving in the stifling heat. The outbreak of war is a distant tale and has little impact on the ex-pats, but just as she seems to be finding her feet with a new friend and a baby on the way, life changes again for Evie. Will she be able to cope with her husband's betrayal or will this force into the arms of the man who she has fallen in love with? The arrival of war in Singapore and Malaya will alter the course of all their lives.

I haven't read Clare Flynn's work before, but I was really enjoyed this historic novel and will be back for more. The story is well written and (from my little bit of googling after reading) appears to be well researched for the historical events of the region. Initially I wasn't sure if I liked the main character Evie and wondered if she would annoy me with her hopes and dreams - even though I knew this was of the time. However I was delighted that her character went from strength to strength as she learnt about life and just how well she could survive it through her own determination and strength. She would not be moulded into the expectation of others, but stood firm for what she believed in and her love for her children.

There are several other complex secondary female characters - Evie's nemesis Veronica and also her friend Helen. Both women have strong yet dysfunctional back stories which both add significantly to the overall tale. The descriptions of the region are vibrant and detailed, allowing the reader to picture clearly the temples, the jungle and the beautiful flowers - and later the devastation of war.

This was a book that I couldn't put down once I started - a really enjoyable read. Thanks to TBC on facebook for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Pnina Savery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this, as brilliant as all Clare Flynn's books are! An exotic and beautiful setting, colourful and lively characters, an intriguing plot line and a lesser known part of the history of WW2 made this a fascinating and exciting read. Highly recommend to all lovers of historical fiction.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Storytelling at its best.
One of the best stories I’ve read this year. "

#DDRevs - Historical Fiction Reviews
(Founder, Helen Hollick )

[Brenda Rollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Pearl of Penang”, examines love, marriage and displacement with a war materializing in the not so distant future. As World War II looms closer, Evelyn “Evie” a spinster and companion to an older lady surprisingly receives a marriage proposal in the mail from a distant cousin and widower Douglas Barrington who lives in the tropical paradise of Penang, Malaya. Evie had only met him once, but she remembers he was a very dashing and handsome man and just maybe a change of pace will be a good and positive change from her isolation and loneliness in boring old London. She accepts his proposal and in 1939, she sets sail on a ship, bound not to be an older spinster like Shirley. Is she making a colossal mistake? How can Evie resist the offer to marry a man who owns a plantation and lives on an exotic island. What could go wrong?

Clare Flynn does an amazing job to bring to life the lives of British expatriates in the Colonies, this time in Malaya just before and during WWII. I haven’t read much about the impact of war in that geographical area, so that aspect was interesting. Malaya would be invaded by the Japanese. The detailed descriptions of Penang itself coupled with the rubber plantations prove her extensive research and I felt like I was there with all of the oppressive heat and humidity. Evie finds herself anxious, feeling out of place in her own home and Douglas with his mood swings and secretiveness adds fuel to the fire, and adds spark to the plot making it more intriguing. Nonetheless, Evie strives to make her marriage work with her husband who is often distant and disconnected, and abrasive at best causing further confusion and stress.

It’s an emotionally charged relationship that stems from deep rooted secrets and turmoil. Evie is utterly devastated as Douglas’ secrets are slowly revealed, but it does shed some light on his behaviour and Veronica’s as well. Arthur is Douglas’ best friend and Veronica is his wife. Mental anguish when not confronted spills over and then takes over the body, mind and spirit. Actions speak louder than words at times.

It’s a beautifully written book, but it dragged in the middle, however, it educated me on the effects of war in that particular area and I was surprised to learn that only “white” people were evacuated when a Japanese attack was imminent. It was a good read about courageous women as they combat love, loss and war. It provides an in-depth understanding of the terrifying experience the Penang population endured during World War II when the retreating British elite left them totally defenceless against the brutal Japanese forces. Despite this ingrained sense of trauma and sadness, the novel is also about friendship, family, duty, and survival, all set against the backdrop of the exotic island of Penang.

[Linda Gillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know you’re on to a winner when you look forward to finishing the chores so you can get back to your book. As a slow reader, it’s not often I find myself wishing a book had been longer, but Clare Flynn’s THE PEARL OF PENANG is just such a gem. I’d never heard of the island of Penang and knew nothing about Malaya, but the Rebecca-like premise intrigued me and once I’d started reading, I found the book hard to put down.

Flynn has a knack for drawing you in to a story. She evokes the sights and scents of a tropical island so vividly, you almost feel as if you’re there. The characters are complex, some not very likeable, but they’re always believable. As the Japanese invaded, I found myself caring about the fate of even minor characters.

If I have one quibble, it’s that the last few action-packed chapters left me feeling bereft, wanting to know more about the fate that had befallen some characters in the chaos of invasion. I wondered if a sequel was in the works. I’ve since discovered there will be a sequel novella, THE PRISONER OF PENANG, available in a multi-author collection, “The Road to Liberation”, to be published in May.

I’ve pre-ordered.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were to say that I lived and breathed this book it wouldn't be an exaggeration. The story set before and during world war 2 in Malaya was about a young English girl who was totally alone and impoverished working as a companion and housekeeper when she accepted a proposal of marriage from an acquaintance that she had only met once when she was little more than a child. She realised that once she accepted, it would be no more than a marriage of convenience unless she could forge a loving relationship which she was determined to do. She had a long and tiring journey by sea to Penang only made bearable by the company of her future husbands best friend. When she arrived her prospective husband wasn't even there to meet her. This is a story of love, hope, betrayal and friendship, I have read the authors other historical fiction books and in my opinion this is the best.

[Julie Cordiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing premise, of a woman who is so bored with her life that she decides to travel to a strange country to accept an offer of marriage from a widower of whom she only has vague memories. When she arrives, things don’t quite match up with her hopes and expectations.

The heroine, Evie, not only has to cope with a new husband she doesn’t really know, and gain an understanding of the customs in Malaysia, but also has to work out who her friends are. The character of Veronica Leighton is particularly complex and poignant, and Evie’s struggles and her efforts to make sense of her new life are captivating.

Clare Flynn has succeeded in creating another absorbing story, with beautiful descriptive writing.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those reads where I wanted the story to go one way but it went another! I absolutely loved the first part of the book, which had satisfying echoes of the marriage of convenience trope but was way deeper, a real experience of time and especially place. I definitely did not want the original plotline to stop.

Then the story took a turn, and the pacing seemed to speed up quite a bit. I often feel that Clare's novels contain more than one book, and I would have wanted her to just keep going at the slower pace. So this is probably a 4.5-star read for me, but still a book that held my attention more than most.

[Sharon Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely breathtaking! I felt like I needed a fan to relieve the heat even though it is winter now, the description of Malay was so vivid. I could see the vibrant colors of the flowers and smell the heady aroma. I could hear the cacophony of sound. I loved all of the cast of characters and the terrific love story told. I always love a good Clare Flynn book and grab it as soon as published since I read my first novel of hers. There are just some authors you have to follow and she is one of mine.

[Ellie Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read dark books but I thought I would try a different genre and I am so glad I did. I absolutely thoroughly enjoyed this, from the very first page to the last. I haven't read any books by Claire before and it certainly won't be the last. The emotions I went through were numerous from anger, frustration, admiration and heartbreak. This book hit me in the gut. It was magical to read and will stay with me for some time. Wonderful.

[Robert Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of clares books

I love this story because it kept my inter test and it was so interesting to see how they meat and married..Also how the expats lived such and grand and beautiful life. then ww2 came and things changed. People who were put in Japanese prison would or could not talk about it. The best part is when the two lovers get back together after the water .i loved it so much I bought it

[Greta Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story which takes you on a compassionate journey from England to the Island of Penang and tells of love, hope, despair and joy. This book was a pleasure to read, Clare Flynn at her best. Thanks to TBC for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing 5* book.

[Jean Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman’s courage whatever comes her way
Irresistible premise! I think that, in her shoes, we would all make the same choice as Yvie, so finding out what happens is addictive! A young single woman doomed to penury in England takes up the written offer of marriage from an older widower she danced with once as a teenager – and remembers as ‘handsome’. As he owns a rubber plantation in Malaysia, Evie’s adventure into foreign territory is both literal and marital.

Clare Flynn brings wartime colonial Malaysia to life in such rich detail that you feel you are there, discovering its food, lush landscapes and unbearable humidity. Her feel for the period in dialogue and attitudes is totally convincing. If the tropical colours weren’t so vivid, I’d have experienced every scene in black and white film, with Clark Gable, Ava Gardener and Grace Kelly.

I warmed to Evie straight away. She shows the kind of courage displayed by so many women in times where the rights I take for granted now did not exist. Kindness, loyalty and making the best of whatever comes her way are ‘ordinary’ virtues that keep her true to herself. And what comes her way is sometimes heartbreaking.

The relationship with her stepdaughter is a joy and there are many compensations for the hardships she suffers. I usually choose books with rebel heroines who flaunt their difference and defy the world but thoroughly enjoyed this reminder of how so many women found their own way to live fully, within constraints that make me angry.
If you start reading, you won’t stop – guaranteed! I've just finished 'The Painter of Penang' and enjoyed it just as much.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of Clare Flynn's books that I have read and this was no exception.
Set in the tropical island of Penang in Malaya, the descriptions of the rubber plantations, humidity,heat, street scenes and plants paints a vivid picture of the region and adds to the story of Evie.
Evie is despairing of ever being anything more than the companion of an elderly lady when she receives a proposal of marriage from Douglas Barrington from literally the other side of the world in Malaya.
Despite her apprehensions about her would be husband, not the least of them that they have just met once years ago and he is much older to her, she accepts, sure that this is the adventure she needs.
Once there however, she finds things more difficult than she anticipated, with a moody, distant, frequently absent husband, his scared, vulnerable daughter and a gossipy group of British expats who don't think her marriage will last and cruelly put her down every chance they get.
Torn between wanting to return home and wanting to make the most of her new situation, she makes new friends and adapts to her new home as the second world war looms in the very very distant horizon.
Just as things seem to get better, war reaches the shores of Penang amidst a disastrous time for Evie and she is forced to adapt again.
An evocative story with a heroine who is earnest and likeable.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several of this author's books and enjoyed each and every one - this one was no exception.

Evie's father has committed suicide and her distant mother has left the country so Evie must try to make the best of things. She ends up being a companion to a cranky old lady, a life she had not envisioned for herself at all. She then receives an unexpected offer of marriage to a widowed older man who lives in Malaya. To her surprise, she accepts.

Life in Malaya just before WWII is very different to England in every way imaginable, an experience not helped by her new husband who is very moody and closed off.

Whilst reading this story, I realised just how lucky I am, living in this time in history. Women who didn't have money didn't have a lot of options in those days.

Despite everything, Evie finds herself enjoying many aspects of her life in the tropics and she makes some wonderful friends. However, she has to contend with some nasty ex-pat women as well, who try hard to make her life a misery.

I enjoyed this saga, not having known much about Malaysia, especially not at that time in history.

4.5 stars from me!

[Cindy Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by Clare Flynn

This pre-WWII story of a woman who accepts a marriage proposal by a man she 's met only once several years previous starts in England where she sets out to meet her betrothed who lives in a rubber plantation in Malaya. She is escorted on the sailing to her new home by friends of her husband-to-be and has no idea what to expect upon her arrival.

I love the descriptions of Evie's observations aboard ship and her eventual arrival. Her nervous anticipation and questioning her future given her impulsive decision to travel so far away after one letter from a man she hardly remembers is very well written as are her feelings of inadequacy.

The events that transpire are hard to understand and given the circumstances a modern day woman would have had the ability to return home if she chose to. Things are not what she expects at all upon her arrival.

This was another good book by Clare Flynn, but felt like the ending was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see more plot development there.

All in all, it was well worth the read. I would recommend to other readers.

[Liza Perrat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed being swept back to the heat, the tropical landscape, the culture and people of Malaya prior to, and during, WWII, in Clare Flynn’s The Pearl of Penang.

I especially loved how the author wove together an engaging story with well-researched details about Malaya and its rubber plantations.

I found myself fighting for our heroine, Evie every step of the way of her journey, from the beginning when we meet her as a quiet young girl working as rich woman’s companion, through her acceptance of a marriage proposal from a Malay rubber plantation-owner she’d only met once, years ago.

I was by Evie’s side as she lived through the tragedies and triumphs of her marriage to the cold and unloving, Douglas Barrington, as she endures the often spiteful and cruel British expatriates, and the shallow ex-pat life. I feared for her as the threat of Japanese occupation of Malay became a reality.

With its gripping storyline, very real characters, and easy-to-read prose, I would highly recommend The Pearl of Penang as a novel to lose yourself in.

[Margarida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow--where to begin... I am still thinking about this book! What an amazing story! I just returned from my first trip to Asia, and I was blown away. I want to just explore each culture there, and this book allowed me a glimpse. I felt like I was physically there for as detailed a picture the author painted. I enjoyed meeting Evie and reading her story. I was not sure where it was going, and I enjoyed that aspect. I felt both happy and sad for her strange marriage, but respected her even more for how she handled the ups and downs. What a testament to being true to your vows, yourself, and really working to have a happy marriage! I was so proud of the character and thrilled she got her HEA. Wonderfully written story!!!

[Sally Stackhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written, engaging novel set just before the approach of WWII.

Evie’s life as a companion to a crotchety spinster is rather boring and demeaning.

Out of the blue a marriage proposal arrives from someone she has only met once which she accepts, surprising herself and her companion.

She travels to Malaya. Sustaining a rather harsh cultural shock, marrying a troubled, moody man who only wants a son to inherit his rubber estate. Evie’s life is no longer straightforward, trying to understand her husband, trying to make friends, some who may not always have her best interests at heart.

Then the second world war tears everything apart again.

It did feel slightly rushed at the end to bring the book to its conclusion.

A good read.

[JT CAREY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Clare has outdone herself. This book sweeps you back to a time when Britain was an imperialistic presence throughout the world with colonies like Singapore in the far east. My family lived in this area prior and during WWII, so I was curious as to how Clare would capture the locale, the people and the customs in her storytelling.....she didn't disappoint me. I found her writing easy-reading with characters who are beautifully fleshed out with realistic dialogue and behavior. The twists and turns of the storyline kept me intrigued, turning pages till I came (too soon) to the end. If you have several 'me' hours and want to pamper yourself by immersing yourself into a great book, may I recommend The Pearl of Penang. You won't regret it.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's midnight and I've just finished your book. It was amazing. Thank you for another great read.
To go to the other side of the world to marry a man she didnt know. To raise his child with him being so distant and unpredictable. To finally fulfil his dream only to find out something devastating. All the while denying her feelings. To forgive him and finally start living a proper life together only to face another tragedy. To leave everything behind to go yet again to the unknown to raise 2 children on her own. And then to finally find love again and to follow him yet again to the unknown. 
What a journey. 

[Trick Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of a two series book which you fall in love with the believable characters who live in Penang, before the War,when the Japanese take over the island during the war. You can tell so much research went into theses islands,and the destruction that the Japanese did before they took over and after. You have love,war,tragedy and some happiness and a way to survive! Hold on to the tissues because this author has a way with her words to move you to want so much more! On to the second book and I'm so excited to see what happens next to these people who you come to know so well! Never met a book Clare has written that I didn't love!!

[Charlotte Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first attracted to The Pearl of Penang by the gorgeous cover and the lush setting but then was quickly drawn into the story. Evie arrives in Penang to marry a man she hardly knows. The fierce tropical heat is a shock for her but that pales into insignificance as she struggles to understand her new husband’s unpredictable moods. But Evie’s troubles have only just begun. She is undermined at every turn by one of the ex-pat wives and World War II draws inexorably closer. The Pearl of Penang is the first book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare Flynn never disappoints her readers.

A magnificent story set mainly in Penang, and beginning prior to the advent of World War II.
Evie is working in Hampshire as a companion to an elderly lady when she receives a written proposal which will change her life.
Although I have never been to Malaysia, the writers descriptions of this country are so vivid.
A thoroughly well written and researched story that had me hooked from beginning to end, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
A beautiful novel that was exceptionally well written and researched, the effort that Clare has out into the historical context is astounding!
Clare’s use of descriptive language really brings the characters to life (especially Evie)
A truly touching novel with a beautiful voice- thank you