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There are currently 37 member reviews
for The Tea Planter's Wife
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Vivian H. (Winchester, VA)
Ceylon as the Sun Began to Set on the British Empire
The Tea Planter's Wife is a lush tale of 19 year old blushing bride Gwen, who leaves the familiarity of England to join her considerably older husband Lawrence in Ceylon, where he runs the family tea plantation. There are mysteries about the death of Lawrence's first wife Caroline; the beginnings of rebellion by workers; references to Gandhi; caste dissension between the Sinhalese and Tamils; jealousies; family secrets; and the last vestiges of the Raj society. This novel, though flawed, gave me insights into the bravery of women embarking on journeys to new worlds at a time before commercial flight. I felt empathy for Gwen.
While I truly enjoyed the book and could not out it down, a part of me felt this was a novel written in the 20th rather than the 21st century. A few instances of overt racism, while appropriate to the time and place, felt so what manipulative to me and caused me to feel the author took the easy way out in to avoid the characters facing a social and moral dilemma. Overall; however, this was a good read.
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Julia E. (Atlanta, GA)
Engaging Chick-lit Beach Book
The central character in Dinah Jefferies' The Tea Planter's Wife says of a novel she is reading: "It's so vivid, and exciting, you really think you're there." Another character replies: "A little unrealistic though." To which our heroine replies: "True, but I like to lose myself in a story." This passage sums up Jefferies novel: it draws one in with its atmospheric setting on a wealthy tea planation in 1930s Ceylon, and its far-fetched, intricate plot keeps the reader turning pages. Ultimately, however, the author's superficial knowledge of Colonial era Ceylon (she praises the internet and YouTube for their help) and stock characters (handsome heroes, plucky heroines, scheming Other Women) leaves one hungry for more in-depth fare.
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Marcia S. (Ackley, IA)
There are mysteries to sort out in this book
I liked The Tea Planter's Wife. The unanswered questions of Savi's intentions toward the various women in the story, Gwendolyn's interpretations of what was happening and had happened in the past, Laurence's not revealing the family history, Verity's treachery and manipulations, the story of twins raised apart— all compose an interesting story. I liked the history of Ceylon that the book revealed. I was glad the book delved into, to some extent, the mistreatment of the workers. There certainly were "haves' and "have nots" in this system. I did lose my patience concerning the poor communication between Gwendolyn and Laurence, but perhaps that was how it was at that time. The book seemed a bit long, but not a bad read.
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Sheryl M. (Marietta, GA)
A Question of Trust
The setting is early 20th Century Ceylon, now Sri Lanka and represents the waning days of the British Empire before transition of colonies to independent states; nevertheless, change is in the air. Our characters, wealthy English tea plantation owners encounter changing expectations by their line workers.
Nineteen-years-old and newly wedded, Gwen is just arriving in Colombo, Ceylon, to join her husband Laurence. Their story and that of associated characters is told in a straightforward manner with references to past events—a first wife and young child who both died at an early age—which provide the unknown elements that impact Gwen's life and trigger the reader's curiosity and anticipations.
Jeffries writes in a straightforward, clearly understandable manner. Similarly, her characters are straightforward (except for their secrets) though not especially complex. Descriptions paint the picture, though are not particularly lyrical.
The author's great strength is her ability to ensure ongoing interest through the ever-increasing pace of the tale. This book is a page-turner and even if you are able to solve the conundrum early on, clever red herrings and roadblocks will keep you second-guessing yourself to the last page. The Tea Planter's Wife is a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read.
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Sue (rural PA)
Good summer read!
Set in the early 1900s, this book provides a bit of everything needed for a "summer read." There are complex relationships between men and women, lush settings, mysteries and an interesting historical backdrop. The main character - Gwen - is brought to a tea plantation in colonial Ceylon by her older husband. Young and newly married, this English woman must learn how to manage her husband and her native house staff as well as how to navigate the "local society." Compassionate and naïve, she makes mistakes that result in unforeseen consequences. Everyone seems to be keeping secrets that are revealed as the story evolves. The writing keeps the story moving and provides vivid descriptions of the country and the people. The mysteries and "twists" keep it interesting. Would be interesting book group selection.
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Freya H. (Towanda, PA)
The Tea Planter's Wife
It was an okay book, predictable. The descriptions of the area were well done, however, I could not warm up to any of the characters. I wouldn't recommend it to a Book Club.
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Andrea K. (Lansdowne, PA)
The Tea Planter's Wife
Life on a Ceylon colonial plantation is vividly portrayed in Dinah Jefferies's historical novel about a young girl's marriage to a widowed tea planter. The Prologue cleverly draws the reader in with an intriguing story of a mother and child living in Ceylon thirteen years before Laurence and Gwen's marriage. I was anxious to read further to discover what happens to this mother and baby and how they impact the story. This is the first of many twists and turns the storyline takes, telling a tale of secrets, miscommunication, and heartache. At times I found it hard to relate to some of Gwen's choices but felt that the author did an excellent job of putting these actions in historical context. Laurence's character was very flat. A fuller development of his character would have provided some rationale for some puzzling behaviors. It was interesting to learn about the political and societal attitudes of the time and how they influenced individual characters. While at times the storyline stretched ones imagination that so many tragic events could collide, it did keep my attention. I recommend this book for those interested in reading books about marriage in a historical context.
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