Good til the end (21. August 2008)

It took me a long time to read this book (due to work stuff), and despite it being very different to the type of book I normally read, I found it quite absorbing. Until the end that is....maybe I should have given more thought to what I expected from the end, as I felt a little disappointed. The story offers a wonderful, generous insight into the lifes of these three women and the language is excellent in parts - particularly when describingthe complex relationships of the characters.

Viva Holloway starts off as a brilliant heroine, but I just feel she ends up massively compromising all she believes in a slightly grand fashion...

east of the sun (19. August 2008)

This book i happen to pick as a holiday read, it was so captivating that i finshed it in 2 days i couldnt put in down! Being half indian i felt that i was there a times,beautifully written i enjoyed it very much didnt want it to end.I am going to read more of Julia's books.

End of Empire (18. August 2008)

An enthralling read, fulfilling all the promise of its rear cover. The story follows the experiences of its three young ladies, maybe giving slight preference to Viva who has more soul searching to do than the others. Julia Gregson writes with a nice angle on the psychology of her characters, uncovering their joys and insecurities.

The book is all the more interesting for being set in a period of India's history not usually favoured by writers, the late 1920s. This gives the story an edge which is exploited in the Guy Glover episodes, where attitudes to mental illness and cultural tensions provide thematic issues propelling Viva's story along.

Life in colonial India in the dying days of British Rule is looked at from various angles. This intrigues the reader and stirs a deeper consideration of the life the girls have been plunged as well as the attitudes of the entrenched Brits, those who wanted to do charitable work, and some of the Indians.

Themes do not overwhelm story, and the end is satisfying without too much sentiment. It's one of those where you feel you've got to know three new friends and have enjoyed the experience. A good read.

Lois (18. August 2008)

A truly delightful read. I didnt want the story to end. The author really caught your imagination of the trials that these three young ladies experienced.

an enjoyable read (17. August 2008)

I have to say initially this seemed to be a Mills & Boon type book but stick with it and you will be pleasantly surprised. It gets to the stage when you can't wait to read some more. I bought another copy for a friend and she felt just the same. Julia Gregson certainly isn't Einstein but then who wants to read his books at bedtime! I won't spoil it by enlarging on the plot - buy it & spoil yourself. You won't be disappointed.