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Before the Rains

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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 the Number One Sunday Times bestselling author Dinah Jefferies

1930, Rajputana, India. Since her husband's death, 28-year-old photojournalist Eliza's only companion has been her camera. When the British Government send 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 heart. . .

 20th Century Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance Royalty Heartfelt

Critic reviews

Beautifully written and heart-rending (Katie Fforde on 'The Tea Planter's Wife')
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')
All stars
Most relevant
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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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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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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Loved the story with twists and turns. I have really enjoyed all these audio books

evocative stroy

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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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