Clare Flynn

The Star of Ceylon is the first book in a trilogy by Clare Flynn. It's an atmospheric novel about forbidden love and is set in the last days of the British Raj.
What I loved most about it was the rich setting in Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka. As I was reading I could feel the oppressive heat and humidity of this island as well as the cultural traditions of the natives. I also loved the descriptions of the temples with their impressive architecture and colors. The names attached to the show more temples were funny such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The scent of incense and flowers in the air completed this dreamy setting.

Into this exotic place, Englishman Norton Baxter arrives. He is completely focused on his career as a civil servant but is always being pulled aside by the the government agent's spoiled and overbearing daughter, Cynthia Metcalfe, who wants to marry him from first look. Norton’s job included witnessing floggings, hangings and gathering witness statements for divorce hearings. He is horrified by the penal code and considers it barbaric while all of the other English men and women just take it in stride. They believe that they are superior people. One lady has a different viewpoint. Stella Polegate has accompanied her anthropologist father and brother Ronald to Ceylon as they research differences between the north and south Tamil people. Ronald is a bum and lives off of his father’s wealth. Stella wants to study anthropology on her own at Cambridge University. As a woman that is nearly impossible. Women were not lawfully allowed to be given degrees although in rare cases they could attend classes. When she meets Norton there is an easiness between them. However, Stella’s father wants her to marry his official research assistant Gordon Blackstone. He believes that the only way for her academic research to reach an audience is under her husband’s name. Additional characters include Norton’s new friend Paul Carberry. He is a happy go lucky tea planter. His roommate Bertie Frobischer completes the main characters.

There is a sexual assault in the story. If this will upset you please note that it isn’t described in much detail. The era normally forced women to marry their attacker which infuriated me. The thought at the time was that the woman was sullied and had to marry the first man who took her virginity. The idea was to protect women.

In this first book of the trilogy the author has set up her story for the future. There are well developed characters, an interesting setting and tension between the characters and the native populace. The story can only grow from this foundation. show less

Set at the beginning of the 20thC during the Arts & Crafts movement, this tells the story of suffrage supporter Alice Dalton and stained glass artist Edward Cutler, both from well-to-do families. They rebel against the restrictions of their lives, hoping to escape their pasts in search of their independence.

This is an enjoyable little tale with some well drawn, likeable characters. It’s well researched - I found the social history aspect fascinating and loved learning about the making of show more stained glass windows. It touches on the suffragette movement which I also found interesting. The story itself is eloquently written and flows along nicely. The only quibble I have is with the ending as I’m not sure people would’ve been so accepting during this period in time. I can’t say more due to spoilers but perhaps there will be a sequel.

An engaging, charming and easy read which should appeal to historical fiction fans. I look forward to reading more by Clare Flynn. show less

Heart-breaking, moving story of a woman who is exploited by a much older man starting when she was a child and lasting for years. Society turns against her and she is pressured to make a hasty decision. As she leaves England for a very different life in India, will she find love and happiness? Or will the damage to her self-image prevent her from recovery?

I’ve read many novels that took place during WWII; however, none of them were centered in India. Reading this book has spiked an show more interest in me to read more about that period of time and the war’s effect on India and its people. Fascinating background for this story.

This book is written beautifully, with vivid and stunning descriptions of the tea plantation area of South India. I do think that the book could use some editing as there were a few parts that dragged a bit for me, hence 4 stars instead of 5. But the plot will pull you in and keep you reading. Overall, this is a lovely book with wonderful characterization that will tug on your heart strings and some plot twists that will surprise you. The book in some ways reminded me of “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” and likewise would make a wonderful movie.

This book was given to me by the author in return for an honest review. show less

The Green Ribbons is a well written piece of historical fiction set in the early 1900s in a village in Berkshire. A tale of love, hatred, betrayal and revenge, it's quite fast paced with a few twists and turns. The plot, in my opinion, does become a little contrived and predictable towards the end, maybe even a tad bizarre, and not always particularly believable. Some things just did not add up for me which I cannot dwell on here as it would spoil it for other readers.

There are some show more interesting characters. I particularly liked Hephzibah and was eager for her story to have a favourable outcome. I was rewarded with a happy (if a little rushed) ending. Hurrah!

The Green Ribbons is an easy, enjoyable and and entertaining read which I would recommend to those who like a good romantic saga set in a bygone era. I would rate it 3.5*. show less