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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 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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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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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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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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