The Pagoda Tree Hardcover – June 1, 2017

Claire has written a compelling story about an era that has been mostly forgotten. The temple dancers were revered and honoured in their heyday but the influence of the Victorian era has diminished their achievements. It follows the rise and fall from grace of one of these dancers and shows us the strength of a mothers love. The story is inter woven with a period of British history that is callous and cruel by modern standards. I found the ending to be a little anti climatic but overall it is a very satisfying read.

A sensitive yet terrible entree into the life and times of Hindu women and the ugliness of British colonialism of 18th century India. The passion, beauty and spirituality of the little temple dancer as she develops into a strong, resourceful and determined woman is beautifully recounted in this gripping and emotionally engaging novel. The social/sexual politics of the novel stir the feminist hackles to question the progress of women's rights to an equal place in the world. The style evokes vivid images of the culture, religion and climate of India during those times and the consequences of the individual daring to be contrary.

Im afraid I could only rate this book as a three star rating book as it has a good plot and the charater development is clear but as a narrative novel it missed a seriously clamatic point and ended so suddenly without letting the reader be satisfied that the story had completed. Books that do this frustrate me. It paints reasonable pictures of relationships between characters and the time in India during the 18 Century but could have expanded more on some of the facts about the world trade industry at that time as the characters were steeped in this industry.

Admire the exhaustive research done to intertwine history with the story. Historical facts and human stories of India and of Indians from Indians who lived in these tumultuous times is unheard of as families maintain secrets, because of shame, and mainly because of their illiteracy, especially among women. Thanks for the reality and truth exposed.

I really wanted to like this book. I could see so much potential in the subject, but found that I couldn't connect with it ,or bring myself to care much about any of the characters.Some of the scenes, centred around quite devastating and confronting events, failed to have any effect on me and I just found the whole thing bland.I considered giving up on it several times but persevered, and really don't feel that I gained anything in doing so. Probably the dullest book I've read in the past couple of years.

The first half was a little slow. Loved the development of the characters as the book continued. Would recommend this to anyone who loves history and the truth of life.

It started off well. Very descriptive and we are transported back to the 1700's in India and the British occupation. However the priestesses are concubines and the soldiers are often corrupted, dark and even evil creatures.It was a struggle to finish this novel as i had very much enjoyed the beginning.The ending felt rushed and some characters felt as if they served no purpose. A disappointing end to a promising beginning.

Liked the story, liked the writing, but was annoyed that the story had no ending, it left the reader hanging. Don't like this type of writing.

The story draws the reader in to world which seems so different, yet it is in the differences that the power of the story is felt. Different cultures and different people who have different reasons for being where they are. Maya, the dancer and courtesan, tries to cross the chasm between her way and those of the English in Madras to make money, and while she introduces her world to them it is she who finally has to enter theirs. A great story, with a lot of research.

Book arrived in good condition. Enjoyed story with historical content.

Quite happy with the quality of the book.