The Saffron Gate

I always look forward to a Linda Holeman book as I know she will take me away from everyday life to an exotic setting in a far away land. In The Saffron Gate I was carried away to Morocco in the 1930’s. This author is very good at placing the reader in the story, I experienced the sights and sounds of the crowded souks, and tasted the strange flavours of kefta and mint tea. Rich and varied descriptions of clothing, furnishings and dwellings painted a strong picture.

The story revolves around Sidonie, an American woman who comes to Morocco in search of her lover who, although she is positive wanted to marry her, disappeared shortly after she announced she was pregnant. She followed him to the city of Marrakesh and while unravelling the show more mystery of his disappearance she comes fully under the spell of this country and it’s people. In particular, one man, a Turag, who aids her in her search and helps her adjust to this foreign world. Sidonie had led a very sheltered life in America, an only child, she suffered an attack of polio which left her slightly lame and self-conscious of her disability.

I enjoyed this book although it took me awhile to warm up to Sidonie. I understood her innocence was due to her sheltered upbringing but I found her to be less observant that I would have expected a painter to be. She was a little too trusting, taking things at face value even though again and again she found out she was being lied to. As the story progressed however, she was developing into an interesting and independent young women with a core of inner strength.

The Saffron Gate is a story of love, loss and redemption set in an amazing location that while I found a little far-fetched, was a overall satisfying historical romance. show less

This was nice light read - unique enough not to be entirely predictable, but easy enough to be light and refreshing. The descriptions of the Moroccan town had me feeling like I was really there.

And yet again I really enjoyed Linda Holeman's book. She has a great knack of making you feel you are there. I felt like I was in Morocco and the way she described it it was scary and beautiful. I had figured out what would happen in the end alas, but all in all another great book. 4.5 stars.

It's 1930 - a young woman treks across continents following a man a bit drawn out in places, but a good different story. Full of colourful imagery.

An enthralling adventure of passion danger and self-discovery set against the spellbinding backdrop of 1930's Marrakesh....