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The Pavilion in the Clouds

A stand-alone novel
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( 3,082 ratings, 295 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Pavilion in the Clouds is set in the 1930s in the lush, picturesque landscapes of Ceylon. It centres on the McCosh family, who live on a tea plantation, and their experiences with cultural change. The story follows their daughter, Bella, as she navigates a world full of curiosity and secrets, evoking themes of belonging and heritage against a backdrop of colonial life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy this captivating historical fiction set against the lush backdrop of colonial Ceylon in the 1930s. It offers a compelling exploration of family dynamics, mystery, and the cultural tensions of the time. If you appreciate stories that blend rich atmosphere with character-driven narratives, this book may appeal to you.

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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.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! 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.

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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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