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Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion

The Far Pavilions
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Buddy Reads > The Far Pavilions

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message 1: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
This is the thread for the April 2022 buddy read of The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye


message 2: by Terris (last edited Mar 18, 2022 08:13PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Terris | 4268 comments I so envy you who are going to be reading this one for the first time!! It has such a wonderful feel to it. I read it 42 years ago (!!!) and even though I don't remember details of the story, I still remember how the setting and the wonderful writing made me feel. I have it here on the shelf beside me -- I may have to jump in to refresh my memory ;)
Enjoy, all!


message 3: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
42 years sounds like time for a re-read, Terris. Join us!


Terris | 4268 comments Haha! I’m looking into it! Maybe, if my reading schedule allows :)


Terry | 2287 comments Terris, was this a thousand pages that read fast? I hesitate to take this on because of other commitments. But if it is an experience that goes quickly by,I would like to read this book.


message 6: by Katy, Quarterly Long Reads (new) - rated it 5 stars

Katy (kathy_h) | 9493 comments Mod
It was a fast read for me.


message 7: by Luffy Sempai (new)

Luffy Sempai (luffy79) | 701 comments I'm joining this read, even if I may stop if the book proves to be disastrous for me. I don't think I can enjoy most classics over 600 pages, but I hope to find a real gem here.

Else I will desist. Either I will stop early or enjoy it thoroughly. No middle ground.


message 8: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
I have heard nothing but good things about this book. The buddy read can go on past April, no cut off for posting...so if I cannot get it done in one month, I will just spill it over into two.


Terris | 4268 comments Terry wrote: "Terris, was this a thousand pages that read fast? I hesitate to take this on because of other commitments. But if it is an experience that goes quickly by,I would like to read this book."

Terry, I can't say that it was a fast read, but it made me want to keep reading. I can't tell exactly how long it took me -- it looks like about 3 weeks. I only read one book at a time back then, but I didn't spend a lot of time reading since I worked full-time (& now I'm retired!). I'd go with what Sara says -- start it, see how much it interests you, then if you like it "let it spill over" into next month. It might be one you want to savor and not rush through. Give it a try. I hope you love it as much as I did :)


message 10: by Nidhi (new)

Nidhi Kumari | 246 comments I am interested in this book, I think I can squeeze it in my schedule.


Savita Singh | 897 comments I have started this book . The writing style is nice .


Laura | 4 comments One of the best books I´ve read that´s why I have read it so many times...


Savita Singh | 897 comments What lovely , encouraging remarks about this book !


Savita Singh | 897 comments A very primitive India is being described where horrible customs like sati ( burning the wife at her dead husband's pyre ) and child marriages were practiced . Raja Ram Mohan Roy opposed both these practices , and sati was declared illegal in 1829 . It was really a heinous custom !


message 15: by Nidhi (new)

Nidhi Kumari | 246 comments It will be an interesting read Savita, I have never read anything about India of that age, not even in Hindi.


Savita Singh | 897 comments Nidhi wrote: "It will be an interesting read Savita, I have never read anything about India of that age, not even in Hindi."

Yes , Nidhi , I agree with you . The author has handled the sentiments of those disturbed times with great sensitivity and insight . I have reached chapter 10 .


message 17: by Nidhi (new)

Nidhi Kumari | 246 comments I will begin in April, right now I am trying to finish some books for March.


Savita Singh | 897 comments You're a fast reader , Nidhi , you will soon catch up .
I wonder whether our other members are also going to begin in
April ?


message 19: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
I cannot begin before April either. When I read A Fine Balance and The Jewel in the Crown series, it stirred a desire in me to know more about India. Really excited to get to this one.


Savita Singh | 897 comments Sara wrote: "I cannot begin before April either. When I read A Fine Balance and The Jewel in the Crown series, it stirred a desire in me to know more about India. Really excited to get..."

Looking forward to April when you , Nidhi and our other members will join in , Sara . The book is nicely written and sensitively handled . I think you'll like it.


message 21: by Robin P (last edited Mar 27, 2022 07:17AM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Robin P This was a wonderful book. I also read it close to 40 years ago. I have a memory of reading it at a certain job which I had when I was pregnant with my son, and he will be 40 later this year!

I loved it, I also thought the miniseries was quite good, even though they had to condense a lot. M.M. Kaye grew up in India, though of course she was English, and I don't know if any of her views are now considered inappropriate, but it is certainly a great story. I recently got the audiobook on sale for a few dollars, I couldn't resist so many hours for the price. It might be fun to go through the audiobook while you all are reading it. I also loved Shadow of the Moon, My Early Years in India and and her autobiography, The Sun in the Morning: My Early Years in India and England, was quite interesting.

It's possible the series is available on Netflix or another service, or even at your library.


message 22: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
It would be lovely if you are able to follow with the audio and comment, Robin. Thanks for the heads up about there being a series. I will look for it when I have finished the book.


message 23: by Terris (last edited Mar 27, 2022 09:48AM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Terris | 4268 comments Robin P wrote: "This was a wonderful book. I also read it close to 40 years ago. I have a memory of reading it at a certain job which I had when I was pregnant with my son, and he will be 40 later this year!

I lo..."


Robin, we must have read The Far Pavilions at about the same time! I loved it too. I enjoyed The Shadow of the Moon but not as much, so I didn't continue with her books -- until I found her "Death in...." mystery series and read a few of those. They were good but not anything like The Far Pavilions!
I never thought of looking for an audio copy. I think I will start looking around for that. That would be a new way for me to enjoy that book again! :)


message 24: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
I have begun and hope the entire book moves as well as the first two chapters:

Chapters 1-2: (view spoiler)


Savita Singh | 897 comments Sara wrote: "I have begun and hope the entire book moves as well as the first two chapters:

Chapters 1and 2 ☆☆ Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆



message 26: by Veronique (new) - added it

Veronique | 1154 comments Just found this thread :0)
Should start soonish. As always, I have way too many books planned for this month. I am however really looking forward to finally reading this one. It’s been on my shelf for too long.


message 27: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
Glad you are here, Veronique. I'm starting slow, but not the fault of the book, it is reading very well.


Savita Singh | 897 comments I have finished chapter 19 . The story is unfolding interestingly . I liked the ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆


message 29: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
Chapters 1-4: (view spoiler)


Terry | 2287 comments I may start later this week. Depends on how quickly my other reading goes.


message 31: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
I think this will be a more satisfactory read than our last one, Terry. :o)


message 32: by Veronique (new) - added it

Veronique | 1154 comments Finally started last night and read 2 chapters. Liking it so far.


message 33: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
I have begun Part Two. The novel has covered a lot of territory in a short time. (view spoiler)


Terry | 2287 comments I started this morning but I am not very far into the story.


message 35: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
Completed Part Two: Belinda. (view spoiler)

Terry - How is it coming for you?

Savita - I still haven't caught up with your last spoiler, but I will. Just made Chapter 13.


Terry | 2287 comments Not quite up to Chapter 4.


Savita Singh | 897 comments Sorry , Sara , I haven't been commenting much . I've started Chapter 25 and am amazed by the customs of those times - sati , child marriages , the magnitude of marriage processions ! The story is interesting , the era is amazing ! Some of the things mentioned about sati sent shivers down my spine ! Thank God this brutal custom got forced out .
I agree with you about Belinda and George . ☆☆ Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆


message 38: by Sara, Old School Classics (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sara (phantomswife) | 9143 comments Mod
No problem, Savita. I agree this era is so intriguing and almost impossible to comprehend.

As for Belinda: (view spoiler)


Terry | 2287 comments The story is certainly very captivating. So much has happened in so few pages � not even ten percent in.

I wish I had a better edition of this novel. The one I have is a small but thick mass market paperback with very small print. It is hard to hold and makes me appreciate more large print books.


Terry | 2287 comments I suggest to readers that they Google some images of the amazing architecture of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, as well as the the villages and countryside of the Punjab and of Kashmir.

Here is one picture of the palace:


Savita Singh | 897 comments Sara wrote: "No problem, Savita. I agree this era is so intriguing and almost impossible to comprehend.

As for Belinda: [spoilers removed]"


Yes , Ash ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆


Savita Singh | 897 comments Terry wrote: "I suggest to readers that they Google some images of the amazing architecture of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, as well as the the villages and countryside of the Punjab and of Kashmir.

Here is one pic..."


Thanks for posting this interesting link , Terry ! Lovely pictures of the Hawa Mahal .
Punjab is one of India 's greenest state , and Kashmir is her beauty - both the people and the mountainous land of Kashmir are beautiful .
I was sorry to read that you have a small print paperback. Must be difficult to read the book.


message 43: by Veronique (new) - added it

Veronique | 1154 comments We’ve been moving home for the last week. Finally in the new home, unpacking, but I’ve been too exhausted to read. Hopefully, next week I can start getting back to a more normal routine. The couple of chapters I read were great and I do want to carry on :0)


Savita Singh | 897 comments Veronique wrote: "We’ve been moving home for the last week. Finally in the new home, unpacking, but I’ve been too exhausted to read. Hopefully, next week I can start getting back to a more normal routine. The couple..."

Hope you settle down nicely in your new home soon , Veronique .
Looking forward to your comments on the book when start reading again .


Savita Singh | 897 comments I finished chapter 25 . I loved the way Anjuli ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆


Terry | 2287 comments I am up to Chapter 8 and enjoying the book very much � the prose, the plot and the characters.


Terry | 2287 comments Whenever I have no desire to do anything other than read my book, you can tell I am into a good one. The Far Pavilions is tempting me away from all other pastimes!


message 48: by Nidhi (new)

Nidhi Kumari | 246 comments That’s a great compliment to a book Terry. I am the latest of the group, just started reading. I have committed to 5 more lengthy books with other groups , one of them is Ulysses. But as we have no fixed schedule, I hope to finish this book also ....a bit late maybe.


Savita Singh | 897 comments Terry wrote: "Whenever I have no desire to do anything other than read my book, you can tell I am into a good one. The Far Pavilions is tempting me away from all other pastimes!"

What a lovely compliment to the book , Terry !


Savita Singh | 897 comments Welcome , Nidhi ! 😊


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