Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion

This is the thread for the April 2022 buddy read of The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye

I so envy you who are going to be reading this one for the first time!! It has such a wonderful feel to it. I read it 42 years ago (!!!) and even though I don't remember details of the story, I still remember how the setting and the wonderful writing made me feel. I have it here on the shelf beside me -- I may have to jump in to refresh my memory ;)
Enjoy, all!

42 years sounds like time for a re-read, Terris. Join us!

Haha! I’m looking into it! Maybe, if my reading schedule allows :)

Terris, was this a thousand pages that read fast? I hesitate to take this on because of other commitments. But if it is an experience that goes quickly by,I would like to read this book.

It was a fast read for me.

I'm joining this read, even if I may stop if the book proves to be disastrous for me. I don't think I can enjoy most classics over 600 pages, but I hope to find a real gem here.

Else I will desist. Either I will stop early or enjoy it thoroughly. No middle ground.

I have heard nothing but good things about this book. The buddy read can go on past April, no cut off for posting...so if I cannot get it done in one month, I will just spill it over into two.

Terry wrote: "Terris, was this a thousand pages that read fast? I hesitate to take this on because of other commitments. But if it is an experience that goes quickly by,I would like to read this book."

Terry, I can't say that it was a fast read, but it made me want to keep reading. I can't tell exactly how long it took me -- it looks like about 3 weeks. I only read one book at a time back then, but I didn't spend a lot of time reading since I worked full-time (& now I'm retired!). I'd go with what Sara says -- start it, see how much it interests you, then if you like it "let it spill over" into next month. It might be one you want to savor and not rush through. Give it a try. I hope you love it as much as I did :)

I am interested in this book, I think I can squeeze it in my schedule.

I have started this book . The writing style is nice .

One of the best books I´ve read that´s why I have read it so many times...

What lovely , encouraging remarks about this book !

A very primitive India is being described where horrible customs like sati ( burning the wife at her dead husband's pyre ) and child marriages were practiced . Raja Ram Mohan Roy opposed both these practices , and sati was declared illegal in 1829 . It was really a heinous custom !

It will be an interesting read Savita, I have never read anything about India of that age, not even in Hindi.

Nidhi wrote: "It will be an interesting read Savita, I have never read anything about India of that age, not even in Hindi."

Yes , Nidhi , I agree with you . The author has handled the sentiments of those disturbed times with great sensitivity and insight . I have reached chapter 10 .

I will begin in April, right now I am trying to finish some books for March.

You're a fast reader , Nidhi , you will soon catch up .
I wonder whether our other members are also going to begin in
April ?

I cannot begin before April either. When I read A Fine Balance and The Jewel in the Crown series, it stirred a desire in me to know more about India. Really excited to get to this one.

Sara wrote: "I cannot begin before April either. When I read A Fine Balance and The Jewel in the Crown series, it stirred a desire in me to know more about India. Really excited to get..."

Looking forward to April when you , Nidhi and our other members will join in , Sara . The book is nicely written and sensitively handled . I think you'll like it.

This was a wonderful book. I also read it close to 40 years ago. I have a memory of reading it at a certain job which I had when I was pregnant with my son, and he will be 40 later this year!

I loved it, I also thought the miniseries was quite good, even though they had to condense a lot. M.M. Kaye grew up in India, though of course she was English, and I don't know if any of her views are now considered inappropriate, but it is certainly a great story. I recently got the audiobook on sale for a few dollars, I couldn't resist so many hours for the price. It might be fun to go through the audiobook while you all are reading it. I also loved Shadow of the Moon, My Early Years in India and and her autobiography, The Sun in the Morning: My Early Years in India and England, was quite interesting.

It's possible the series is available on Netflix or another service, or even at your library.

It would be lovely if you are able to follow with the audio and comment, Robin. Thanks for the heads up about there being a series. I will look for it when I have finished the book.

Robin P wrote: "This was a wonderful book. I also read it close to 40 years ago. I have a memory of reading it at a certain job which I had when I was pregnant with my son, and he will be 40 later this year!

I lo..."

Robin, we must have read The Far Pavilions at about the same time! I loved it too. I enjoyed The Shadow of the Moon but not as much, so I didn't continue with her books -- until I found her "Death in...." mystery series and read a few of those. They were good but not anything like The Far Pavilions!
I never thought of looking for an audio copy. I think I will start looking around for that. That would be a new way for me to enjoy that book again! :)

I have begun and hope the entire book moves as well as the first two chapters:

Chapters 1-2: (view spoiler)[I felt like we were just getting a feel for the father and Akbar and they were gone, but we have a great feel for where Ash comes from. I love Sita's willingness to care for him as if he were here own. I felt the tension of the situation as they were encountering the bodies along the road and I was already worrying for Sita's safety. Dying Ash's skin was a smart move. I doubt anyone will notice his eyes, as he is traveling with an obviously Indian woman.

Already I am thinking about the horror of the situation, with women and children being hacked to death and parents having to watch as their children are slaughtered first. How shocking to go from thinking of yourself as superior and in charge to being hunted down like animals. (hide spoiler)]

Sara wrote: "I have begun and hope the entire book moves as well as the first two chapters:

Chapters 1and 2 ☆☆ Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ There were so many sad deaths in chapter 1 - Isobel , Hilary , Akbar Khan , Daya Ram ..,. Only Sita and Ash remain. I was looking forward to their reaching the safety of Delhi cantonment .... but instead they find silence, darkness , death and destruction ! A horribly disturbed country ! (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Just found this thread :0)
Should start soonish. As always, I have way too many books planned for this month. I am however really looking forward to finally reading this one. It’s been on my shelf for too long.

Glad you are here, Veronique. I'm starting slow, but not the fault of the book, it is reading very well.

I have finished chapter 19 . The story is unfolding interestingly . I liked the ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ secret meeting between Ash and Juli . It was sweet . But I wish Juli wouldn't keep calling Ash her bracelet brother . Of course , there's Anjuli's impending marriage with the Maharaja (king ) . I wonder how things will turn out . I am batting for Ash and Juli . They make a sweet couple . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Chapters 1-4: (view spoiler)[ Quite a lot packed into 4 chapters...the deaths of Ash's family, his escape with Sita, his introduction into the Rajah's stronghold. I'm sure his relationship to Lalji and Kairi are going to be significant going forward, and he is learning skills from Koda Dad Khan that will prove invaluable. Also, at some point he will be in possession of the papers from his father and he will know who he truly is again.

I was delighted to find the meaning of the title revealed in Chapter Four. The Far Pavilions being the range of mountains he views from the Queen's Balcony, and serving as his self-selected holy place is very symbolic. (hide spoiler)]

I may start later this week. Depends on how quickly my other reading goes.

I think this will be a more satisfactory read than our last one, Terry. :o)

Finally started last night and read 2 chapters. Liking it so far.

I have begun Part Two. The novel has covered a lot of territory in a short time. (view spoiler)[I am anxious to see how things fare with Ash coming back to India with a completely different context now...as a Brit instead of a native...and how he copes with his change in status. Part of him is sure to always be that Hindi boy and that is going to set up conflicts that might mirror the identity conflicts the country is also facing. (hide spoiler)]

I started this morning but I am not very far into the story.

Completed Part Two: Belinda. (view spoiler)[I really hate this woman and the simpering family she represents. I was shocked it took Ash so long to get the truth of her. I felt very bad for George, but this really accentuates what it was to be "tainted" with native blood in the eyes of the English. His goes all the way back to a grandmother and still condemns him in the eyes of this society that found him so enchanting before.

I hope the escapade into the wilds to retrieve the carbines has served to mature Ash. He is only twenty-two at this point, but he needs to be much more in tune with his environment, think faster and say less. (hide spoiler)]

Terry - How is it coming for you?

Savita - I still haven't caught up with your last spoiler, but I will. Just made Chapter 13.

Not quite up to Chapter 4.

Sorry , Sara , I haven't been commenting much . I've started Chapter 25 and am amazed by the customs of those times - sati , child marriages , the magnitude of marriage processions ! The story is interesting , the era is amazing ! Some of the things mentioned about sati sent shivers down my spine ! Thank God this brutal custom got forced out .
I agree with you about Belinda and George . ☆☆ Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ I hated Belinda and felt very sorry for George. I felt sorry for Ash too - the miserable way in which Belinda and her family treat him ! And Belinda ditches Ash for a fat , middle aged man ! 🙄
(hide spoiler)] ☆☆

No problem, Savita. I agree this era is so intriguing and almost impossible to comprehend.

As for Belinda: (view spoiler)[She will get what she bargained for with the fat old man. Ash is lucky to have escaped her. If they had married, she would definitely have driven him to be someone he is not. I felt very sad that two of the good men who went after the carbine thief ended up dead. This is a dangerous world they live in. (hide spoiler)]

The story is certainly very captivating. So much has happened in so few pages — not even ten percent in.

I wish I had a better edition of this novel. The one I have is a small but thick mass market paperback with very small print. It is hard to hold and makes me appreciate more large print books.

I suggest to readers that they Google some images of the amazing architecture of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, as well as the the villages and countryside of the Punjab and of Kashmir.

Here is one picture of the palace: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&u...

Sara wrote: "No problem, Savita. I agree this era is so intriguing and almost impossible to comprehend.

As for Belinda: [spoilers removed]"

Yes , Ash ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ escaped a bad marriage, I agree . Actually, if I remember right , Belinda married for wealth and status , things poor Ash didn't have . I wonder if Belinda will be mentioned again later on in the novel . 🤔. She's like a Jane Austen character . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Terry wrote: "I suggest to readers that they Google some images of the amazing architecture of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, as well as the the villages and countryside of the Punjab and of Kashmir.

Here is one pic..."

Thanks for posting this interesting link , Terry ! Lovely pictures of the Hawa Mahal .
Punjab is one of India 's greenest state , and Kashmir is her beauty - both the people and the mountainous land of Kashmir are beautiful .
I was sorry to read that you have a small print paperback. Must be difficult to read the book.

We’ve been moving home for the last week. Finally in the new home, unpacking, but I’ve been too exhausted to read. Hopefully, next week I can start getting back to a more normal routine. The couple of chapters I read were great and I do want to carry on :0)

Veronique wrote: "We’ve been moving home for the last week. Finally in the new home, unpacking, but I’ve been too exhausted to read. Hopefully, next week I can start getting back to a more normal routine. The couple..."

Hope you settle down nicely in your new home soon , Veronique .
Looking forward to your comments on the book when start reading again .

I finished chapter 25 . I loved the way Anjuli ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ sent a message to Ash in the oranges . The message was simply lovely ! Beautiful manner of expression ! Ash vows he'll never marry anyone except Anjuli . But their relationship, at present , seems doomed . I wonder about their future . 🤔

Royal life seems to be full of dangers . So many murderous plots are hatched in the minds of some evil inmates of the royal palace . Lust for power and wealth can make a devil out of a human being - man or woman ! How do the royalties manage to live and survive amidst the web of hateful conspiracies ? Now even Ash is being targeted because he saved Jhoti . I hate to think of Ash and Anjuli in the midst of this blood thirsty atmosphere. I wish they could just get away - the two of them . 😕 (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

I am up to Chapter 8 and enjoying the book very much — the prose, the plot and the characters.

Whenever I have no desire to do anything other than read my book, you can tell I am into a good one. The Far Pavilions is tempting me away from all other pastimes!

That’s a great compliment to a book Terry. I am the latest of the group, just started reading. I have committed to 5 more lengthy books with other groups , one of them is Ulysses. But as we have no fixed schedule, I hope to finish this book also ....a bit late maybe.

Terry wrote: "Whenever I have no desire to do anything other than read my book, you can tell I am into a good one. The Far Pavilions is tempting me away from all other pastimes!"

What a lovely compliment to the book , Terry !

Welcome , Nidhi ! 😊