Publication
Penguin (2017), Edition: 01, 398 pages
Description
A romantic, heart-wrenching tale of love against the odds from the Number One Sunday Times bestselling author 1930, Rajputana, India. Since her husband's death, 28-year-old photojournalist Eliza's only companion has been her camera. When the British Government send her to an Indian princely state to photograph the royal family, she's determined to make a name for herself. But when Eliza arrives at the palace she meets Jay, the Prince's handsome, brooding brother. While Eliza awakens Jay to the poverty of his people, he awakens her to the injustices of British rule. Soon Jay and Eliza find they have more in common than they think. But their families - and society - think otherwise. Eventually they will have to make a choice between doing what's expected, or following their hearts. . .… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member hollyearly
Before the Rains is another enjoyable historical fiction novel from Jefferies. I greatly enjoyed The Tea Planter's wife, so I was excited to pick up this newest title from her.
The novel is set in 1930s India and focuses on Eliza, a young British widow with a troubled past who is trying to find
As usual, Jefferies' description of the setting is incredible and the reader feels as if they are experiencing India firsthand. The cast of characters is also enjoyable, though the character building in Before the Rains isn't quite as strong as in The Tea Planter's Wife. I particularly liked Laxmi's steel will combined with a loving demeanor, and Chatur is a character you love to hate. Jefferies' handling of the relationship build between Eliza and Jay was very well done.
My only critique for this novel is that the story got a slow start, then became a little bit predictable as it neared the conclusion. An observant reader will quickly be able to guess information about Indira's background and Clifford's true nature, as well as how the book will conclude. However, as predictable as it was, it is a highly enjoyable romance perfect for a summer read.
The novel is set in 1930s India and focuses on Eliza, a young British widow with a troubled past who is trying to find
Show More
herself through a photography project. While completing her assignment, she finds a new understanding of India under British rule, experiences the twists and turns of intrigue, and finds passionate love along the way.As usual, Jefferies' description of the setting is incredible and the reader feels as if they are experiencing India firsthand. The cast of characters is also enjoyable, though the character building in Before the Rains isn't quite as strong as in The Tea Planter's Wife. I particularly liked Laxmi's steel will combined with a loving demeanor, and Chatur is a character you love to hate. Jefferies' handling of the relationship build between Eliza and Jay was very well done.
My only critique for this novel is that the story got a slow start, then became a little bit predictable as it neared the conclusion. An observant reader will quickly be able to guess information about Indira's background and Clifford's true nature, as well as how the book will conclude. However, as predictable as it was, it is a highly enjoyable romance perfect for a summer read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Briars_Reviews
Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies is a lovely romance set in the 1930s.
I love historical romance novels, but I just have a hard time finding ones I enjoy. Lucky for me, Dinah Jefferie's book swept me off my feet after prancing into my life.
Eliza, a newly minted widow, is sent to India by the
This little book holds so much emotion in it. My heart went on a roller coaster as I tried to figure out how this book was going to end. I was connected to this book by the hip - I needed to know how it ended and I was totally obsessed with it. It's a medium-paced book but it's packed full of tears, heart ache, romance, and drama.
The plot does get predictable half way through the novel, but it's not a major con for me.
If I had a negative for this book, it would be the historical accuracy. I'm not a historian, but I feel like this love affair would have been a much bigger deal in the grand scheme of things. It was definitely a cause of strife in the book, but it seemed to go over pretty well at other times. It was... strange? Either way, the book was still a great romance/dramatic read. I would highly recommend it if you love historical romances, romances set in other geographic locations (not just the good ol' US of A), or soap opera-esque books. This book felt VERY soap opera-y (in a good way, of course).
On top of the amazing-ness of this book, the cover is absolutely stunning. If you were going to judge a book by it's cover, pick this one! All of Dinah's books have truly marvelous covers.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I love historical romance novels, but I just have a hard time finding ones I enjoy. Lucky for me, Dinah Jefferie's book swept me off my feet after prancing into my life.
Eliza, a newly minted widow, is sent to India by the
Show More
British government to take many lovely pictures of the Indian royal family. She's a photographer, so it is only fitting that she be one of the few to see inside the royal family's lives. She meets Jay, an Indian prince who takes her eye, and they begin a dramatic love affair. Along the way, there's an old (creepy) friend named Clifford who also sees Eliza as the apple of his eyes. Chaos then ensues. And to top it all off, somehow, because fate is cruel and interesting, she seems to know more people than she realizes. This little book holds so much emotion in it. My heart went on a roller coaster as I tried to figure out how this book was going to end. I was connected to this book by the hip - I needed to know how it ended and I was totally obsessed with it. It's a medium-paced book but it's packed full of tears, heart ache, romance, and drama.
The plot does get predictable half way through the novel, but it's not a major con for me.
If I had a negative for this book, it would be the historical accuracy. I'm not a historian, but I feel like this love affair would have been a much bigger deal in the grand scheme of things. It was definitely a cause of strife in the book, but it seemed to go over pretty well at other times. It was... strange? Either way, the book was still a great romance/dramatic read. I would highly recommend it if you love historical romances, romances set in other geographic locations (not just the good ol' US of A), or soap opera-esque books. This book felt VERY soap opera-y (in a good way, of course).
On top of the amazing-ness of this book, the cover is absolutely stunning. If you were going to judge a book by it's cover, pick this one! All of Dinah's books have truly marvelous covers.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Briars_Reviews
Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies is a lovely romance set in the 1930s.
I love historical romance novels, but I just have a hard time finding ones I enjoy. Lucky for me, Dinah Jefferie's book swept me off my feet after prancing into my life.
Eliza, a newly minted widow, is sent to India by the
This little book holds so much emotion in it. My heart went on a roller coaster as I tried to figure out how this book was going to end. I was connected to this book by the hip - I needed to know how it ended and I was totally obsessed with it. It's a medium-paced book but it's packed full of tears, heart ache, romance, and drama.
The plot does get predictable half way through the novel, but it's not a major con for me.
If I had a negative for this book, it would be the historical accuracy. I'm not a historian, but I feel like this love affair would have been a much bigger deal in the grand scheme of things. It was definitely a cause of strife in the book, but it seemed to go over pretty well at other times. It was... strange? Either way, the book was still a great romance/dramatic read. I would highly recommend it if you love historical romances, romances set in other geographic locations (not just the good ol' US of A), or soap opera-esque books. This book felt VERY soap opera-y (in a good way, of course).
On top of the amazing-ness of this book, the cover is absolutely stunning. If you were going to judge a book by it's cover, pick this one! All of Dinah's books have truly marvelous covers.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I love historical romance novels, but I just have a hard time finding ones I enjoy. Lucky for me, Dinah Jefferie's book swept me off my feet after prancing into my life.
Eliza, a newly minted widow, is sent to India by the
Show More
British government to take many lovely pictures of the Indian royal family. She's a photographer, so it is only fitting that she be one of the few to see inside the royal family's lives. She meets Jay, an Indian prince who takes her eye, and they begin a dramatic love affair. Along the way, there's an old (creepy) friend named Clifford who also sees Eliza as the apple of his eyes. Chaos then ensues. And to top it all off, somehow, because fate is cruel and interesting, she seems to know more people than she realizes.This little book holds so much emotion in it. My heart went on a roller coaster as I tried to figure out how this book was going to end. I was connected to this book by the hip - I needed to know how it ended and I was totally obsessed with it. It's a medium-paced book but it's packed full of tears, heart ache, romance, and drama.
The plot does get predictable half way through the novel, but it's not a major con for me.
If I had a negative for this book, it would be the historical accuracy. I'm not a historian, but I feel like this love affair would have been a much bigger deal in the grand scheme of things. It was definitely a cause of strife in the book, but it seemed to go over pretty well at other times. It was... strange? Either way, the book was still a great romance/dramatic read. I would highly recommend it if you love historical romances, romances set in other geographic locations (not just the good ol' US of A), or soap opera-esque books. This book felt VERY soap opera-y (in a good way, of course).
On top of the amazing-ness of this book, the cover is absolutely stunning. If you were going to judge a book by it's cover, pick this one! All of Dinah's books have truly marvelous covers.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Show Less
LibraryThing member MarthaJeanne
I should enjoy Before the rains. It's the type of book I usually like, it's about India, and I have enjoyed other books by Dinah Jefferies, but I guess I just don't like the main character. I've read over 100 pages and don't want to read more.
Language
Other editions
Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies (Paperback)
Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies (Ebook)