The Sandalwood Tree: A Novel Paperback – March 13, 2012

This is an incredible novel that has everything going for it. The Sandalwood Tree is one of those rare books that combines evocative writing, an incredible story -- or I should stay stories, because there are multiple layers-- and meticulous research. Elle Newmark's writing is so vivid, I feel like I've been to India in the 1940s and 1850s. She masterfully captures the colors, smells, sounds, and textures of this complicated country. I don't want to give away the plot, but I will say that this is a complex novel about love and war, and the healing power of forgiveness. I loved The Sandalwood Tree and highly recommend it.

This is a sweeping story that expertly blends fiction and history as the author weaves together two stories which take place in two tumultuous times in Indian history. One story recounts the events of India's First World War also known as the Sepoy Mutiny; the other takes place during the 1940's as British rule was coming to an end in India. The book moves easily between the two periods showing both the similarities and the unique aspects of each. In one story we follow Evie Mitchell and her family as Evie struggles to fix her ailing marriage. It is through her eyes that we see both the British and the Indian perspective on the events that unfold during Partition. The other story is that of Felicity and Adela who lived in the Victorian period, 90 years earlier. Their story is told mostly through letters; it's compelling with many interesting tid-bits of the era. In both stories, Newmark very nicely captures a country at unrest, drawing the reader in with rich historical details, beautiful relationships and warm believable characters.

Elle Newmark’s story, as she herself describes, is the convergence of two love stories through time, one in the eighteenth century and another in the nineteenth. This novel is a great read as well as an intriguing discussion.In 1947, Evie and Martin, a young couple with a young son from Chicago, travel to India for Martin’s historical research of the exit of the British Empire amidst the contentious partition of the nation of India. With many hours and days of isolation at home, Evie finds letters hidden in the family’s cottage and clandestinely explores the life of the young women who had once lived in her home. Her search is not without its own dangers.In India, in 1850, the Sepoy Revolution endangered the early English colonists, and it was during that time that two young and marriageable English women, rebellious of the strict English standards of conduct and expectation pressed upon them, found escape and solace in each other’s company in the Indian countryside, in Masoorla. Conflicts flourish between the characters, all struggling to find their own way through difficult times as they negotiate their way among teas and gossip and the abundance of Indian flavors and traditions. Surprises abound.

The story has many tender moments along with some difficult circumstances. It does end happily ever after but it was a close call. The author keeps your attention and engages your imagination throughout.

Imaginative and sweet, this is ultimately a moving love story set in India during the time of Independence from British rule (1947). The novel portrays India as it becomes self-governed and faces partition that separates Pakistan from India. Evie Mitchell gives voice and insight as the events unfold. She and her husband, Martin, and young son come to Shimla where Martin is studying the effects of partition as a Fulbright scholar. Through Evie's eyes we learn about escalating political, cultural and religious tensions in the country and how that plays out against increasing stress within their marriage.When she discovers hidden letters in their cottage, Evie determines to unravel the story and learn the fate of the women mentioned in these century-old letters. What she discovers deepens her understanding of love and how true love can be sustained even when faced with significant challenges.Having recently visited Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British occupation, I enjoyed the colorful descriptions of the town. I believe the author vividly captures the still-present scenes of Shimla: the English manors (now used as official buildings), the steep walkways and pedestrian Mall, and the fascinating mannerisms of the Indian people, such as indecipherable head wagging.

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. Evie Mitchell is the wife of an American historian who wins a Fulbright Fellowship and in 1947 goes to India to observe the end of British rule. His war secrets create a rift between husband and wife leaving her alone in this strange land to find solace exploring a mystery that presented itself when she discovered a packet of letters hidden in a recess of her home.Evie is bored by the day to day inanity that fills the hours of most of the woman in her social set. She and her son explore the colorful streets and bazaars always looking for hints as to what became of the two Victorian woman who had previously lived in her small cottage. She becomes stranded by the violence caused by the partition of the Hindus and Muslims but more so stranded by her husband's reluctance to share his inner demons caused by the war in Germany.As the story of the two Victorian era British women emerges it becomes apparent that they too suffered the pains of isolation and need for love in this strange and changing country. Forbidden love leads to dismal consequences. But love it is and can true love ever be considered wicked in and of itself? Can the lesson learned from these two women from another century be the channel for reconciliation in Evie's marriage?This is a very well written book that brings the life and times of the characters into the present. The sights and smells, the tastes and sounds of India leap from the pages and the reader enters the story in a way that few authors can accomplish. I highly recommend The Sandalwood Tree.

Beautiful beautiful book ...I read it with thought how someone can write so beautifully about two different times 100 years apart and still well balanced!!This book doesn't judge anyone evenif both the stories are from disturbing times in Indian independence..one from 1857 sepoy mutiny and another at 1947 partition....It goes on telling the heartwarming tale about two Love Stories keeping the Himalayas at the background.

The smell of lavender and sandalwood create a haunting aura around the whole story.

Couldn't put it down. Loved it!

I loved this book. Its atmospheric with wonderful portraiture of people and places. The storyline of the discovered letters takes the reader very convincingly back into a previous age. But the time the story is set in - 1947 - is just as interesting. Such brilliant observations and descriptions, I didn't want it to end.

I was born and brought up in India in the 1950's and still often visit. I grew to love the people, culture, food and everything else about Indian and the Indians. So whenever I find a book featuring India, I have to read it. I enjoyed the Sandalwood Tree tremendously, it brought back lots of happy memories