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The Pavilion in the Clouds
A stand-alone novel
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The Pavilion in the Clouds
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
A brand new stand-alone novel from Alexander McCall Smith, The Pavilion in the Cloudsis a beautifully evocative story, set mostly in 1930s Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka). This atmospheric novel, set in the pre- and post-war years in both Ceylon and Scotland poses the question of what it is to be home.
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Description
It is 1938 and the final days of the British Empire. In a bungalow high up in the green hills above the plains of Ceylon, under a vast blue sky, live the Ferguson family: Bella, a precocious eight-year-old; her father Henry, owner of Pitlochry, a tea plantation; and her mother Virginia. The story centres around the Pavilion in the Clouds, set in the idyllic grounds carved out of the wilderness. But all is not as serene as it seems.
Bella is suspicious of her governess, Miss White's intentions. Her suspicion sparks off her mother's imagination, and after an unfortunate series of events, a confrontation is had with Miss White, and a gunshot rings off around the hills.
Years later, Bella, now living back in Scotland at university in St Andrews, is faced once again with her past. Will she at last find out what happened between her father and Miss White? And will the guilt she has lived with all these years be reconciled by a long-overdue apology?
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Pavilion in the Clouds by Alexander McCall Smith has received praise for its engaging and atmospheric narrative, set during the decline of the British Empire. Critics appreciate the novel's humour and the author's skill in capturing the nuances of female interactions. The story is noted for its strong characters, vivid settings, and the blending of intrigue, suspense, and romance, drawing comparisons to Harper Lee's classic. Readers have found McCall Smith's interpretation of the era insightful and poignant.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781846975868
Publisher: Birlinn General
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 07 April 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited
Edition: New in Paperback
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 20.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 223g
Pages: 240
About the Author
Alexander McCall Smithis the author of the highly successfulNo. 1 Ladies' Detective Agencyseries, which has sold over twenty-five million copies. Since then he has devoted his time to the writing of fiction and has seen his various series of books translated into over forty-six languages and become bestsellers throughout the world. These include the44 Scotland Streetnovels, first published as a serial novel in theScotsman, theIsabel Dalhousienovels, theVon Igelfeldseries and theCorduroy Mansionsnovels.
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