If you find the glossary in the front of the book overwhelming, ignore it and just read the book - chances are you will not need the glossary. The book keeps a mostly clear narrative through Pom/Camilla/Kamala's life as she changes identities to survive and ultimately overcomes the caste system, revolutionary pressure, and British prejudice to become a respectable, good, woman. While there is an element of a love triangle, the author refrains from overly focusing on it - in no way is this a romance novel, but rather a book about love (and the false creation of a loving feeling) between Kamala and the women and men in her life as well as with her country and its ruler. Until finding this listed on goodreads, I had no idea it was part of a series. I would be interested in her daughter's story as well as those of the other women in the brothel that Kamala unwittingly enters as Camilla. Setting: 1925-1947 IndiaAs the only survivor of a tidal wave that destroys her village, Pom is taken away by her rescuers to a school where she is then renamed Sarah and given a job as a servant. Pom/Sarah is smart and learns first by listening and then by reading. However,when her dearest friend dies, she is once more on her own. Sarah then moves to Kharagpur hoping to become a teacher, but is lured into a life of prostitution and is now known as Pamela. She survives because of her involvement in the burgeoning movement for independence. Now in Calcutta, she becomes Kamala and finds a position as a librarian for Simon an English Civil servant. This is her chance now to network with a band of freedom fighters. Kamala then begins spying on a besotted Simon and discovers he follows the movements of the revolutionaries.Will love finally give Kamala a home and a sense of self? Or will the coming War sweep her hopes away once more? Don't let that cover fool you into thinking this is a book of a mistress who teaches her master the customs and language of the country. What an amazing Heroine as well as a survivor!The story of Pom/Sarah/Kamala slowly but sometimes painstakingly relates her journey through childhood then to a revolutionary and at last a lover. A well told story with a historical/political background that dosen't overtake the story and leave you confused or bored. There is sadness, tragedy, joy, and finally love and triumph. There is everything in this saga to keep you turning the pages and to root for this Heroine who never gives up. Highly recommend for fans of historical settings in India.
What do You think about L'amante Di Calcutta (2014)?
MUST SAY THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE READ IN QUITE AWHILE…….DIDN't WANT IT TO END...
—chantelle
great read! a little too nice an ending, but interesting and good nonetheless.
—bunthoeun
