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Before the Rains

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Before the Rains

By: Dinah Jefferies
Narrated by: Naomi Frederick
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About this listen

Penguin presents the unabridged downloadable audiobook edition of Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies, read by Naomi Frederick.

A gripping, heart-wrenching tale of love against the odds from number one Sunday Times best-selling author Dinah Jefferies.

Rajputana, India, 1930. Since her husband's death, 28-year-old photojournalist Eliza's only companion has been her camera. When the British government sends her to an Indian princely state to photograph the royal family, she's determined to make a name for herself. But when Eliza arrives at the palace, she meets Jay, the Prince's handsome, brooding younger brother. Brought together by their desire to improve conditions for local people, Jay and Eliza find they have more in common than they think. But their families - and society - think otherwise. Eventually they will have to make a choice between doing what's expected and following their hearts.

©2017 Dinah Jefferies (P)2017 Penguin Audio 20th Century Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance Royalty Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

''Beautifully written and heart-rending, Dinah Jefferies has a remarkable gift for conjuring up another time and place with lush descriptions, full of power and intensity.'' (Kate Furnivall on The Silk Merchant's Daughter)
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What did you like most about Before the Rains?

The cultral easten tradition that your elders know "Whats best for you" and how that often goes against what you feel in your heart , which is right ? your hearts voice or your elders voice.

What other book might you compare Before the Rains to, and why?

of marriagable age

Which scene did you most enjoy?

All the scences where the tradtions of india came into play, both good and bad !!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The moments where women had no rights,had no voice.

reflects interesting indian cultral traditions

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If you like Mills & Boon style books then you will love this. Easy reading romantic novel. Nothing surprising, just pleasant escapism and all a bit obvious from the start. Well narrated by Naomi Frederick, I would listen to her again, but wouldn't read another Dinah Jefferies - not my cup of tea.

Romantic novel

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Well written, well researched and well narrated. A wonderful way to spend listening hours. Recommended for all romantics everywhere
.

Absolutely terrific story

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Despite being a predictable love story the author wove in interesting insights into life in India from both the Indian and English perspective. Dinah Jefferies brings the country and characters to life, and the narration was excellent.

excellent read

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I was so looking forward to this book but was disappointed when reading it. Perhaps I expected too much, but not her usual can't put down read.

Dinah Jefferies

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This book feels like being in a constant state of reverie: The scenery, the colours, scents... All beautifully described. Add to this a love story and a plot to kill and overthrow the maharaja with British colonialism as a background.

Although each characters came to life on their own, I felt there was a missed opportunity with India. She could have been the long lost sister from another mother plotting to kill her sister in order to appropriate her lover and become wife of a maharaja 😈

Felt transported to another world

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I enjoyed this beautifully written book and the lovely description India towards the end of the Raj. This is the second book by this author I have listened to and the narrator has a good range of believable voices.

Cochrane, Glasgow

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Loved the story with twists and turns. I have really enjoyed all these audio books

evocative stroy

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Kept me enchanted and wanting to learn more of India. Well written and read. Superb.

Pleasant surprises

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A little long in detail in places which was distracting I found my attention wandering

Wonderfully evocative memories of my trip to India especially the Lake palace at Udaipur. Excellent narration

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