It is 1947, and Evie and Martin Mitchell have just arrived in the Indian village of Masoorla with their five-year-old son. But cracks soon appear in their marriage as Evie struggles to adapt to her new life, and Martin fails to bury unbearable wartime memories. When Evie finds a collection of letters, concealed deep in the brickwork of their rented bungalow, so begins an investigation that consumes her, allowing her to escape to another world, a hundred years earlier, and to the extraordinary friendship of two very different young women. And as Evie's fascination with her Victorian discoveries deepens, she unearths powerful secrets. But at what cost to her present, already fragile existence?
The Sandalwood Tree
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"Elle Newark beautifully captures the sights, smells and sounds of India on the cusp of change, all the while spinning a richly layered tale." --Cathy Buchanan, New York Times bestselling author of The Day the Falls Stood Still
“Newmark’s The Sandalwood Tree is a finely nuanced tale of the enchantment of India for three women—a century apart—caught in the midst of two struggles for independence from the British Raj. The research is meticulous, the details exquisite, the story one of love, betrayal…and love again. The Sandalwood Tree is a heart-warming, enlightening, and mesmerizing read.”
“Newmark’s The Sandalwood Tree is a finely nuanced tale of the enchantment of India for three women—a century apart—caught in the midst of two struggles for independence from the British Raj. The research is meticulous, the details exquisite, the story one of love, betrayal…and love again. The Sandalwood Tree is a heart-warming, enlightening, and mesmerizing read.”
--Indu Sundaresan, author of The Twentieth Wife and Shadow Princess
“If you are looking to be swept away and engulfed in a beautifully layered story that will hold your attention so intensely that you won’t want to put it down, then you should read The Sandalwood Tree!” – Planet Books Blog
“Newmark escalates tension subtly, weaving two intricate stories together and building a narrative that I could not put down. The characters linger long after the final page.” --Brunonia Barry, New York Times bestseeling author of The Lace Reader
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"Newmark escalates tension subtly, weaving two intricate stories together and building a narrative that I could not put down. The characters linger long after the final page." --Brunonia Barry, "New York Times "bestseeling author of "The Lace Reader"
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.
I am sucker for books about family secrets and mysteries wrapped up in books and letters. SANDALWOOD TREE promised to offer both. In 1947, right before the end of the British rule of India, Evie Mitchell and her young son join her husband in India as he pursues a Fulbright scholarship. Evie looks at this trip as both an adventure and an attempt to save her marriage to her tortured husband who came home from the war damaged. When Evie explores the bungalow they are renting, she discovers a packet of letters that chronicle a friendship between two women nearly ninety years before. Evie becomes desperate to know more about these women and attempts to find more information as she uses this mystery as a form of escape from the dissatisfaction she feels about her life and marriage. As Evie attempts to untangle her Victorian mystery, she must also confront the dangers of the India that is collapsing around her and the secrets that her own husband carries.
This book started off very slowly for me. For some reason, I just wasn't being drawn in by the characters. I loved the idea, however, so I pressed on. Initially, Newmark gives a voice to both Evie and to the Victorian friends named Felicity and Adela. About halfway through, however, we lose the perspective of Adela and Felicity and only learn of their stories through the clues that Evie finds. This is when the book became more enjoyable to me. I found the Victorian story much more compelling when it was revealed through the clues that Evie found. I also loved the many sides of India that Evie discovers in her search. It is such an interesting period of Indian history and I love how Newmark revealed the complexities of this time.
While the beginning wasn't promising, I ended up loving this book. I admit that I cried more than once. Evie, Felicity and Adela were all very different women and they each threw off the conventions of the times they lived in in their own way. I loved their independent spirits and the way they valued the relationships in their lives. Evie's relationship with her husband and young son were also very compelling. Overall, I loved the story and find myself underlining several passages.
BOTTOM LINE: Highly recommended. After a rough start, this ended up being a wonderful book. A compelling story about two very different periods in Indian history and a look at some independent women who defied convention in order to live their lives without reservation.
I am sucker for books about family secrets and mysteries wrapped up in books and letters. SANDALWOOD TREE promised to offer both. In 1947, right before the end of the British rule of India, Evie Mitchell and her young son join her husband in India as he pursues a Fulbright scholarship. Evie looks at this trip as both an adventure and an attempt to save her marriage to her tortured husband who came home from the war damaged. When Evie explores the bungalow they are renting, she discovers a packet of letters that chronicle a friendship between two women nearly ninety years before. Evie becomes desperate to know more about these women and attempts to find more information as she uses this mystery as a form of escape from the dissatisfaction she feels about her life and marriage. As Evie attempts to untangle her Victorian mystery, she must also confront the dangers of the India that is collapsing around her and the secrets that her own husband carries.
This book started off very slowly for me. For some reason, I just wasn't being drawn in by the characters. I loved the idea, however, so I pressed on. Initially, Newmark gives a voice to both Evie and to the Victorian friends named Felicity and Adela. About halfway through, however, we lose the perspective of Adela and Felicity and only learn of their stories through the clues that Evie finds. This is when the book became more enjoyable to me. I found the Victorian story much more compelling when it was revealed through the clues that Evie found. I also loved the many sides of India that Evie discovers in her search. It is such an interesting period of Indian history and I love how Newmark revealed the complexities of this time.
While the beginning wasn't promising, I ended up loving this book. I admit that I cried more than once. Evie, Felicity and Adela were all very different women and they each threw off the conventions of the times they lived in in their own way. I loved their independent spirits and the way they valued the relationships in their lives. Evie's relationship with her husband and young son were also very compelling. Overall, I loved the story and find myself underlining several passages.
BOTTOM LINE: Highly recommended. After a rough start, this ended up being a wonderful book. A compelling story about two very different periods in Indian history and a look at some independent women who defied convention in order to live their lives without reservation.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I really enjoyed Elle Newmark's previous novel, The Book of Unholy Mischief. The Sandalwood Tree was my most awaited book this year. I am glad to say that it more than lived up to my expectations. The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark is an excellent read, the best book I've read this year, till now. I adore books involving long-ago secrets, mysterious letters, strong female protagonists and tragic love stories; this book offered me all of these and more. Needless to say, I LOVED this book! Yes, LOVED!
In 1947, Americans Evie and Martin Mitchell, along with their young son, move to Simla, a hill station in India. Martin, a historian, wants to document the events surrounding the end of British rule in India after a period of more than two hundred years. For Evie, following her husband to India is a last resort to save her marriage. However, Martin is still battling his horrific memories and dreams of the World War II. The Mitchells are mesmerized and quite taken with India. But 1947 is a turbulent time. The date of partition is approaching. The future appears dangerous as India is to be divided into two - a separate country called "Pakistan" is about to be created. Chaos and violence ensues due to the inevitable clash between Hindus and Muslims. Evie doesn't believe that the violence can touch the peaceful Simla and doesn't want to leave the country.
Martin and Evie, once so much in love, are now falling apart. All of Evie's attempts to restore her marriage fail. Her life looks bleak and lonely. Things change, as Evie comes across some hidden letters, written almost hundred years ago. She's drawn towards these letters, written by two Englishwomen, Adela and Felicity. As her marriage falls apart further and violence reigns over India, she becomes more and more obsessed with the mystery. The letters become her own little secret, her solace.
There are two story-lines running simultaneously - Evie's journey towards uncovering the secrets of the letters as well as Adela and Felicity's story. Entwined in all of this are two love stories that will stir you deeply. While Adela and Felicity's story is beautiful and heartbreaking, it's Evie's voice that I was drawn to the most. She's dissatisfied and desperate, lonely and unhappy. My heart went out to her.
The most captivating thing about The Sandalwood Tree is the author's enchanting, stunning portrayal of India, especially Simla. At first, I was quite doubtful about how the author would depict the most important year in Indian history. But Elle Newmark seems to have done so much of research. I learned things that I didn't know despite having studied History for four years in school (the major part of which encompassed the freedom struggle). I was transported to 1947 India and I could see everything through Evie's eyes. It's always interesting to read another perspective on the Partition and the freedom movement. I loved how objective the author was. Through Evie's voice, she has presented both sides of the argument- both the British and the Indian perspective. The description of Simla is especially enthralling - the way the author has described the Himalayas, the people, the bazaars and so on. I've been to Simla twice; somehow my interest in the place is rekindled and I can't wait to visit again. Of course, much has changed since 1947.
I've heard some horror stories of the Partition from my grandfather, as well as read about it; so I could relate to the events described in the book. We all know about the tensions between India and Pakistan, all going back to the Partition. I wonder - what if the division had not happened? I feel we gained as well as lost something in 1947. I'd prefer to have peace and friendship rather than the bitterness and prejudices that still prevail.
Evie, Felicity and Adela are such fascinating women, each different and yet connected. Their stories will mesmerize you and even make you teary-eyed. One of the most powerful aspects of the book, for me, is Evie's relationship with her son, Billy. Some of their scenes together really tugged at my heartstrings.
There were some minor problems I had with the book. There's a storyline that stops midway, which I wished the author had pursued further. Moreover, though I love Evie, some things she did really bothered me. Despite these, the good points outdo the few bad ones.
The Sandalwood Tree gives out some relevant messages about forgiveness, acceptance, love and happiness. Lush Imagery combined with characters that remain with you, make The Sandalwood Tree a memorable read. Beautiful and evocative writing brought to life the characters and the setting, creating a lingering effect in my mind.
Overall:
Beautiful, compelling and heartrending story of three women during British India.
Recommended?
Highly recommended! If you love vivid imagery and "exotic" settings, this one's for you.
In 1947, Americans Evie and Martin Mitchell, along with their young son, move to Simla, a hill station in India. Martin, a historian, wants to document the events surrounding the end of British rule in India after a period of more than two hundred years. For Evie, following her husband to India is a last resort to save her marriage. However, Martin is still battling his horrific memories and dreams of the World War II. The Mitchells are mesmerized and quite taken with India. But 1947 is a turbulent time. The date of partition is approaching. The future appears dangerous as India is to be divided into two - a separate country called "Pakistan" is about to be created. Chaos and violence ensues due to the inevitable clash between Hindus and Muslims. Evie doesn't believe that the violence can touch the peaceful Simla and doesn't want to leave the country.
Martin and Evie, once so much in love, are now falling apart. All of Evie's attempts to restore her marriage fail. Her life looks bleak and lonely. Things change, as Evie comes across some hidden letters, written almost hundred years ago. She's drawn towards these letters, written by two Englishwomen, Adela and Felicity. As her marriage falls apart further and violence reigns over India, she becomes more and more obsessed with the mystery. The letters become her own little secret, her solace.
There are two story-lines running simultaneously - Evie's journey towards uncovering the secrets of the letters as well as Adela and Felicity's story. Entwined in all of this are two love stories that will stir you deeply. While Adela and Felicity's story is beautiful and heartbreaking, it's Evie's voice that I was drawn to the most. She's dissatisfied and desperate, lonely and unhappy. My heart went out to her.
The most captivating thing about The Sandalwood Tree is the author's enchanting, stunning portrayal of India, especially Simla. At first, I was quite doubtful about how the author would depict the most important year in Indian history. But Elle Newmark seems to have done so much of research. I learned things that I didn't know despite having studied History for four years in school (the major part of which encompassed the freedom struggle). I was transported to 1947 India and I could see everything through Evie's eyes. It's always interesting to read another perspective on the Partition and the freedom movement. I loved how objective the author was. Through Evie's voice, she has presented both sides of the argument- both the British and the Indian perspective. The description of Simla is especially enthralling - the way the author has described the Himalayas, the people, the bazaars and so on. I've been to Simla twice; somehow my interest in the place is rekindled and I can't wait to visit again. Of course, much has changed since 1947.
I've heard some horror stories of the Partition from my grandfather, as well as read about it; so I could relate to the events described in the book. We all know about the tensions between India and Pakistan, all going back to the Partition. I wonder - what if the division had not happened? I feel we gained as well as lost something in 1947. I'd prefer to have peace and friendship rather than the bitterness and prejudices that still prevail.
Evie, Felicity and Adela are such fascinating women, each different and yet connected. Their stories will mesmerize you and even make you teary-eyed. One of the most powerful aspects of the book, for me, is Evie's relationship with her son, Billy. Some of their scenes together really tugged at my heartstrings.
There were some minor problems I had with the book. There's a storyline that stops midway, which I wished the author had pursued further. Moreover, though I love Evie, some things she did really bothered me. Despite these, the good points outdo the few bad ones.
The Sandalwood Tree gives out some relevant messages about forgiveness, acceptance, love and happiness. Lush Imagery combined with characters that remain with you, make The Sandalwood Tree a memorable read. Beautiful and evocative writing brought to life the characters and the setting, creating a lingering effect in my mind.
Overall:
Beautiful, compelling and heartrending story of three women during British India.
Recommended?
Highly recommended! If you love vivid imagery and "exotic" settings, this one's for you.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I devoured with great realish The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark and so very much looked forward to reading her newest book, The Sandalwood Tree. As she brought to life Venice in The Book of Unholy Mischief, Newmark gives us a colorful and dramatic India as the setting of The Sandalwood Tree. Setting again is key; India almost feels like a major character in The Sandalwood Tree.
Here, two storylines almost one hundred years apart pivot around key events in Indian history. In 1947, Evie accompanies her husband, Martin, with her son, Billy, to Simla. Their enchantment with India is soon tested, however, when Partition, the official date of the creation of Pakistan and the uprooting and separation of Hindus and Muslims comes sooner than expected. While they wait out the instability and upheaval, Evie finds a packet of letters hidden behind a brick in their house. It is a tantalizing, but incomplete, record of correspondence from the mid-1800s between two Englishwomen, Adela Winfield and Felicity Chadwick.
With the chaos of Partition swirling around her and her relationship with Martin disintegrating day by day, Evie becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to Adela and Felicity.
The Sandalwood Tree alternates between Evie's time and the time of Adela and Felicity, the eve of the Sepoy Rebellion of the British Raj. Newmark plunges us deep in the heart of British-occupied India in both storylines with vivid descriptions and a glimpse into the political, religious, and cultural clashes between the British and the Indians.
I was mesmerized by the setting and historical aspects of The Sandalwood Tree and fascinated by Adela and Felicity's stories, but I had a hard time connecting with Evie's character. She was so enamored with Adela and Felicity that she repeatedly made questionable choices. For example, in one scene she is walking around town when she witnesses a mob burning a car and beating a man. Does she go back to the safety of her house? No, she keeps going because she is in a quest for truth about something that happened almost a hundred years ago.
Also, the various sources she gathers to piece together what happened to Adela and Felicity - letters in a wall in one house, in a ceiling in another house, journals secreted in unlikely places - seem unnecessarily complicated. I think the dual plots had enough tension and surprises that the book didn't need Evie chasing all over town. It was almost silly, considering that her marriage was falling apart and that the chaos of Partition was at the door.
However, The Sandalwood Tree has plenty of other elements to make an intriguing novel - the allure of India, forbidden loves, exciting historical events, and writing that stimulates the senses. I really wanted to go to India after reading this book; but I couldn't so I just had some naan and spicy curry.
Here, two storylines almost one hundred years apart pivot around key events in Indian history. In 1947, Evie accompanies her husband, Martin, with her son, Billy, to Simla. Their enchantment with India is soon tested, however, when Partition, the official date of the creation of Pakistan and the uprooting and separation of Hindus and Muslims comes sooner than expected. While they wait out the instability and upheaval, Evie finds a packet of letters hidden behind a brick in their house. It is a tantalizing, but incomplete, record of correspondence from the mid-1800s between two Englishwomen, Adela Winfield and Felicity Chadwick.
With the chaos of Partition swirling around her and her relationship with Martin disintegrating day by day, Evie becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to Adela and Felicity.
The Sandalwood Tree alternates between Evie's time and the time of Adela and Felicity, the eve of the Sepoy Rebellion of the British Raj. Newmark plunges us deep in the heart of British-occupied India in both storylines with vivid descriptions and a glimpse into the political, religious, and cultural clashes between the British and the Indians.
I was mesmerized by the setting and historical aspects of The Sandalwood Tree and fascinated by Adela and Felicity's stories, but I had a hard time connecting with Evie's character. She was so enamored with Adela and Felicity that she repeatedly made questionable choices. For example, in one scene she is walking around town when she witnesses a mob burning a car and beating a man. Does she go back to the safety of her house? No, she keeps going because she is in a quest for truth about something that happened almost a hundred years ago.
Also, the various sources she gathers to piece together what happened to Adela and Felicity - letters in a wall in one house, in a ceiling in another house, journals secreted in unlikely places - seem unnecessarily complicated. I think the dual plots had enough tension and surprises that the book didn't need Evie chasing all over town. It was almost silly, considering that her marriage was falling apart and that the chaos of Partition was at the door.
However, The Sandalwood Tree has plenty of other elements to make an intriguing novel - the allure of India, forbidden loves, exciting historical events, and writing that stimulates the senses. I really wanted to go to India after reading this book; but I couldn't so I just had some naan and spicy curry.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Charming and sensory
I liked the writing style and the way the words blended with a wonderful rhythm through India in this book. Also interesting was the concept of the book within a book. Read more
Published 16 days ago by Suzanne Smith
Excellent
I couldn't put the book down and was disappointed when it finished.
V. Interesting to learn about a different culture and how it relates to us. Read more
V. Interesting to learn about a different culture and how it relates to us. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Ncd
great story
Great book and easy to read. Plus you learn a lot about the history of India during the time the story is set
Published 2 months ago by JoeyMac
A Family Tree in India
The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark is historical fiction which intertwines two very human stories set in two periods of history a hundred years apart. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Carol A. Sym
Intelligent and Colorful Period Novel
Two love stories that take place 100 years apart are woven together in this novel that paints life in India through the eyes of the women it features. Read more
Published 3 months ago by The geacher
Lack of research
This story could have been anywhere imaginary and it certainly was not in Simla. I know because I have lived close by and the author has not been careful with her research. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Nomad
Lovely historical novel
The Sandelwood Tree is a lovely en historical dual time frame novel. Though a small part of the story in 1947 is set in the Victorian period in England, both settings are in India... Read more
Published 6 months ago by antoinette
Engaging and Evocative
I am delighted to say that it is thanks to the Transworld Book Challenge that I got to read this engaging and evocative novel. Read more
Published 8 months ago by LindyLouMac
The descriptions of India are very vivid
We first meet Evie and Martin as they are travelling to their new home in India where an old Sandalwood Tree with long oval leaves and pregnant red pods presided over the front of... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mrs. C. Colbert
Transports the reader to the last days of the British Raj
This excellent novel transports the reader back in time to two moments in time during the British Raj: its height in the 1850s and its final days in 1947. Read more
Published 9 months ago by L. Sell
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