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The Pavilion in the Clouds

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The Pavilion in the Clouds

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: David Rintoul
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About this listen

The Pavilion in the Clouds is a new stand-alone title from best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith.

It is 1938 and the final days of the British Empire. In a bungalow high up in the green hills above the plains of Ceylon, under a vast blue sky, live the Ferguson family - Bella, a precocious eight-year-old; her father, Henry - owner of Pitlochry, a tea plantation - and her mother, Virginia. The story centres around the Pavilion in the Clouds, set in the idyllic grounds carved out of the wilderness. But all is not as serene as it seems. Bella is suspicious of her governess Miss White's intentions. Her suspicion sparks off her mother's imagination, and after an unfortunate series of events, a confrontation is had with Miss White and a gunshot rings off around the hills.

Years later, Bella, now living back in Scotland at university in St Andrews, is faced once again with her past. Will she at last find out what happened between her father and Miss White? And will the guilt she has lived with all these years be reconciled by a long over-due apology?

©2021 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2021 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
The story drew me in from the start. Beautifully read by David Rintoul. Too short though. Although I love how all the ends were tied up. Highly recommend

Classic Alexander McCall Smith story

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Can be read at different levels of awareness- like all Alexander’s stories.
For those like me with some connection to the days of Ceylon it is a delightful reminder.
The social and political commentary underpinning is like protein- fulfilling, long lasting and constructive.
The mystery line is carefully and gently woven. The pathos makes it deep rather than superficial. The live story is balm.
Superbly read- as always.

Thoughtful, gentle yet a gripping story.

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Beautifully written tale based in Sri Lanka portraying the truth from both sides of the colonial era. I loved every bit of it.

Serene Serendib

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Loved this book. I wish it was longer , I wanted to know more about the characters, it just finished too quickly.

Lovely gentle story

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Excellent story, Alexander McCall Smith never fails with his story telling, and David Rintoul’s narration is brilliant as always.

The Pavilion in the clouds

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Anyone who grew up in the British colonies in the 1940s and 1950s will relate to this wonderful story beautifully narrated by David Rintoul. Don't miss it.

Wonderful standalone story of a colonial childhood

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very happy with the narrator - no silly voices and the story was interesting. overall a good listen

very enjoyable

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Read this book as a light relief from my usual murder mysteries and was not disappointed. It was a breath of fresh air ,beautifully read and I was hooked from the start. Will keep this book and visit it again as it brought back memories of my childhood era.

Enjoyable

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Listened to this in 2 days couldn’t put it down. I guessed the outcome and loved the insight to all the characters
For a long car trip this audible book is superb. I love the author altogether
All his books are superb

The Pavilion in the clouds

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Nothing all very enjoyable. Easy listening and not too much concentration required - necessary when travelling.

Restful

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