At the same time, there are chapters interspersed that are from Mair's grandmother's (Nerys's) point of view, in the 1940s in India. Rosie Thomas does such a great job unfolding the story gently and evenly across both timelines. I couldn't put down the book! I relished every lush description of scenery across India and reveled in the development of Nerys's friendships with other expats in India. With their men away at war, the women are left to entertain themselves as best they can in a country where their presence is becoming less and less welcome. Nerys and her friends Myrtle and Caroline could never have dreamed of the changes the war and the absence of husbands will make on their lives. Decades later, Mair attempts to find out both the public and private histories of this staunch group of friends, sitting out the war in a houseboat in Srinagar. It took me a little while to get into this book at first. Some of the descriptions were a bit dense and the swapping of time scales caused some initial confusion. However, once I had become familiar with the characters they started to feel like friends, particularly those from the 1940's time frame. Bhatnagar, Parul (2005). Decorative Design History In Indian Textiles and Costumes. Chandigarh: Abhishekh. pp.42–56, 185. ISBN 978-81-8247-087-3 . Retrieved September 19, 2011. Thomas writes about each country with stunning prose and precision. I kept wondering throughout the novel how she was going to tie all the characters and stories together, but just like a fine and delicate Kashmir shawl, she weaves her stories together expertly and with great tenderness.

The Kashmir Shawl: a sweeping, epic historical WW2 romance The Kashmir Shawl: a sweeping, epic historical WW2 romance

There are actually two stories told here, some of it we know but Mair never has all the answers. Mair's Grandmother Nerys and Grandfather Evan are missionaries to India, with WWII going on in 1941, we are about to experience life there. Nerys spends time with Myrtle, and Carolyn, you will enjoy the fun times they make out adversity. Finished this book last night. I'd really been looking forward to reading this for my book club's read this month as its been nominated before and I've heard a lot of praise for it, plus it's rating on Goodreads is quite high. Sadly though, I think I might have missed something!These shawls acquired near-mythical status following their patronage by Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Empress Joséphine of France, the latter of whom went on to own a collection of between three and four hundred Kashmir shawls. [16] [1] Article 10 of the Treaty of Amritsar (1846) which constituted the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, required the Maharaja of Kashmir Gulab Singh to send three pairs of Kashmiri shawls to the British government every year, to be given to Queen Victoria. [17] Even before becoming Empress of India, Queen Victoria adopted the Mughal practice of gifting shawls to visiting dignitaries. [11] In 19th century England [ edit ] We guarantee that you’ll find the flawless handcrafted designer Kashmir Shawl destined to infuse a whole new dimension of wear-ability to your already tasteful wardrobe. For fans of The Tea-Planter’s Wife and Victoria Hislop comes a gripping story of doomed love and secrets in 1940s Kashmir. There is a perfect designer Kashmir Shawl for every occasion you feel inspired to demonstrate your trendsetting nature. Our exclusive, one-of-a-kind lines of handmade, hand-embroidered Kashmir Shawls are created for the likes of royalty. However, now every woman with an elite taste for high-fashion can own and wear these enduring staples of the fashion world. The Seasons Shawl Collections are mirrored after the dramatic scenery of the Kashmir region. Each season at the foot of the breathtaking Himalayan mountain range is awe-inspiring in ways that are totally unique to this part of the world…

The Kashmir Shawl - Historical Novel Society

Wonderful descriptions and upper and middle class people we can engage with - if stereotyped - and you really get a feel for life on the lake in that time. Gripping and atmospheric and something to learn.There simply isn't another Valentine's Day Gift that will expose how much you truly understand and cherish the love of your life! In 19th century France [ edit ] In this French fashion plate, the woman on the right wears a gown made from Kashmir shawl fabric and an apple-green Kashmir shawl, with white gloves, and white sandals.