George’s novel is a stimulating journey to mid-19th-century India, where the tumultuous times surrounding the great mutiny against the British are tempered by grace and chivalry. Nineteen-year-old Edwina Hardingham and her two sisters are members of a wealthy British family, but they love the country where they were raised and are not inclined to treat the local Indian population with scorn. They embrace the country’s customs and its people, which often surprises the Hardinghams’ contemporaries, many of whom view Indians with contempt. Edwina is nevertheless vocal about her empathy, which is sometimes off-putting for her suitors. She believes her sisters are more desirable but nevertheless catches the attention of James Davenport, a rakish, gallant, gentleman trader who is her uncle’s friend. Before their love can fully blossom, however, the rebellion of 1857 breaks out. As the disarray roils the country, Davenport travels from Edwina’s home in Simla to Calcutta to ensure his sister and Edwina’s two sisters are not in danger from the uprising, fighting beside his Indian friends along the way. Meanwhile, Edwina quietly waits in Simla, struggling with uncertainties about romance and the threat of mutineers harming her loved ones. The convincing setting and rich descriptions bolster the vibrant cast of characters, resulting in a memorable novel. (BookLife)