The Splendor of Silence
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
When Sam Hawthorne, a twenty-five-year-old U.S. Army captain, arrives at the princely state of Rudrakot in May of 1942, it is on a personal quest to find his missing brother. But Sam's mission is soon threatened by the unlikeliest of sources -- he falls hopelessly in love with Mila, daughter of the local political agent. And Mila, unexpectedly attracted to Sam, finds herself torn between loyalty to her family and the man she loves. A sweeping and poignant story of forbidden love, The Splendor of Silence opens twenty-one years later with Olivia, Sam's daughter, receiving a trunk of treasures from India, along with an anonymous letter that finally fills the silences of her childhood. She finally learns the heartrending story of her parents' passionate and enduring love affair -- throwing them in the path of racial prejudice, nationalist intrigue, and the explosive circumstances of a country on the brink of independence from British rule.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0743283686
ISBN13:9780743283687
Release Date:September 2007
Publisher:Atria Books
Length:416 Pages
Weight:0.10 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 5.9" x 8.9"
Related Subjects
Contemporary Family Saga Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Literature & Fiction War World LiteratureCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
A GREAT READ
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I highly recommend this book. It is a book that returns to the present occasionally, but not so quickly that you get lost. I TOTALLY loved this book and the characters were so alive. i can only add that I am an avid reader and I would never give a book high ratings, if it did not deserve them. This is a book I will probably read again, and any others that this author writes. Kudos to the author.
One of My All Time Favorite Novels
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This book is simply fantastic. I couldn't put it down. Sundaresan is a brilliant novelist, with an eye for observation. Her prose is lush, her analogies wonderful, the story and characters heartbreakingly endearing. It was very well executed, the plot moving seamlessly through different story lines. The reader is taken on a breath taking tour of India, the sights and sounds brought to you in vivid details thanks to Sundaresan's writing. The love story is beautiful, handly delicately yet with passion. I highly recommend this novel, especially for a vacation.
Vivid and captivating
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Being a big fan of her two previous books, I was looking forward to Sundaresan's new book. I wasn't disappointed. She is an amazing storyteller. This story takes you to a fictional region of Northwestern India, in May 1942. Sam Hawthorne is a US soldier on mission in Burma, who goes to Rudrakot to search for his missing brother. There he stays at the political agent's house, where he meets Mila. Mila is in love with Jai, the prince of Rudrakot, and is sure to marry him. Sam's presence in Rudrakot does not go unnoticed and causes a stir within the political and military circles, as well as within Mila's house and Mila herself, and it will have repercussions long after the 4 days are over. This whirlwind of a story tackles many topics, all relevant to understand the period and the conflicts within the characters: the effects of the British presence in India, the nationalist movement, politics, racism, young people coming of age, family relations, the social system in India and between Indians/ British, history. Sundaresan does a great job with this story which will stay with you a long time after you finish the last line. Highly recommended.
A Vivid and Fulfilling Read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
For avid readers of historical fiction, Indu Sundaresan's latest book is a jewel. With elements of adventure, espionage and romance weaved into the story, you are left wanting more and yet, satisfied with the story's ending. The book paints a vivid picture of a world war two era city in India where an American soldier goes to look for his missing brother and in the course of a few days comes away with much more than he expected and leaves behind consequences that reverberate years after.
Excellent book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
The Splendor of Silence was a book that I could not put down and at the same time I did not want to end. Indu Sundaresan weaves historical information into a beautifullly written novel that has you truly caring what happens to the characters. I highly recommend this book along with the Feast of Roses.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
