Indian Summer

‘This is history bursting at the seams with English eccentrics and Indian gentry…the charm of Tunzelmann’s approach is to restore her cast to full and vital life’ Observer ‘A compelling narrative, sometimes controversial, occasionally perverse, never boring or unintelligent’ Spectator Fully revised and updated for the 70th anniversary. The stroke of midnight on 15 August 1947 liberated 400 million Indians from the British Empire. One of the defining moments of world history had been brought about by a tiny number of people, including Jawaharlal Nehru, the fiery prime minister-to-be; Gandhi, the mystical figure who enthralled a nation; and Louis and Edwina Mountbatten, the glamorous but unlikely couple who had been dispatched to get Britain out of India without delay. Within hours of the midnight chimes, however, the two new nations of India and Pakistan would descend into anarchy and terror. Indian Summer depicts the epic sweep of events that ripped apart the greatest empire the world has ever seen, and reveals the secrets of the most powerful players on the world stage: the Cold War conspiracies, the private deals, and the intense and clandestine love affair between the wife of the last viceroy and the first prime minister of free India. With wit, insight and a sharp eye for detail, Alex von Tunzelmann relates how a handful of people changed the world for ever.

‘This is history bursting at the seams with English eccentrics and Indian gentry…the charm of Tunzelmann’s approach is to restore her cast to full and vital life’ Observer ‘A compelling narrative, sometimes controversial, occasionally perverse, never boring or unintelligent’ Spectator Fully revised and updated for the 70th anniversary. The stroke of midnight on 15 August 1947 liberated 400 million Indians from the British Empire. One of the defining moments of world history had been brought about by a tiny number of people, including Jawaharlal Nehru, the fiery prime minister-to-be; Gandhi, the mystical figure who enthralled a nation; and Louis and Edwina Mountbatten, the glamorous but unlikely couple who had been dispatched to get Britain out of India without delay. Within hours of the midnight chimes, however, the two new nations of India and Pakistan would descend into anarchy and terror. Indian Summer depicts the epic sweep of events that ripped apart the greatest empire the world has ever seen, and reveals the secrets of the most powerful players on the world stage: the Cold War conspiracies, the private deals, and the intense and clandestine love affair between the wife of the last viceroy and the first prime minister of free India. With wit, insight and a sharp eye for detail, Alex von Tunzelmann relates how a handful of people changed the world for ever.

Some memories are best forgotten . . . Others won’t ever go away. For Kit, the quiet Devon village she visits every year is the perfect retreat. But this summer, she arrives with a heart in turmoil: years have passed since Kit last saw Jake, but now he has written asking to meet again. For Mungo, the village is simply home and the ideal getaway for friends, like Kit, even if he aches at the old memories they bring – and the secrets they stir in him. As the summer unfolds, hidden truths are uncovered that will shatter the sleepy community. But those involved soon realize that the only way to move forward might be to confront the past . . . Praise for Marcia Willett: ‘A beautifully woven tale of families, secrets, love and loss’ Liz Fenwick 'A genuine voice of our times' The Times 'Riveting, moving and utterly feel-good' Daily Mail

Some memories are best forgotten . . . Others won’t ever go away. For Kit, the quiet Devon village she visits every year is the perfect retreat. But this summer, she arrives with a heart in turmoil: years have passed since Kit last saw Jake, but now he has written asking to meet again. For Mungo, the village is simply home and the ideal getaway for friends, like Kit, even if he aches at the old memories they bring – and the secrets they stir in him. As the summer unfolds, hidden truths are uncovered that will shatter the sleepy community. But those involved soon realize that the only way to move forward might be to confront the past . . . Praise for Marcia Willett: ‘A beautifully woven tale of families, secrets, love and loss’ Liz Fenwick 'A genuine voice of our times' The Times 'Riveting, moving and utterly feel-good' Daily Mail

The story is about getting a second chance at life experienced as the beauty of an "Indian summer" with its beautiful autumn colours. But that can only happen after a snap frost - the killing frost! Peter's Indian wife, Isabella, abandoned him and their two-year-old son, joins her tribe to become the shaman and El Curandera. Her tribe, the Tarahumara, is living in the Sierra Madre, under the drug cartel's murderous rule. Peter returned to Australia with his son, Ron. Years later, Peter's daughter Mary's husband John, a psychologist, is arrested for abusing female patients. Mary divorces him. Her mother's death gives Mary a feeling of freedom, but a chilling, killing frost blown into her life - the enduring madness of her ex-husband. Mary inherits a company, Columbus Enterprise. She learns Ron is adopted and must travel to the Cayman Islands. Ron search for his mother. As a literary editor, Mary travels to the Edinburgh Writers Festival. Here, she meets Oscar, a Swedish aero engineer. Mary invites Oscar to join her on the trip to the Cayman Islands, leading to a lasting love affair. Ron believes Isabella is his mother. Mary is imprisoned and drugged by her ex-husband John, who is involved with the Sonoran Drug Cartel. Ron finds his Indian heritage and his destiny. The showdown with John happens in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Mary bravely faces her tormentor, strengthened by her newfound love.