The Pavilion in the Clouds : A stand-alone novel
(Author) Alexander McCall SmithIt 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?
Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific Scottish writer best known for his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which follows the adventures of Precious Ramotswe in Botswana. His writing style is characterized by gentle humor, vivid descriptions of landscapes, and insightful observations on human nature. McCall Smith's works often explore themes of morality, ethics, and the complexities of human relationships. He has made significant contributions to the genre of contemporary fiction, particularly in the realm of cozy mysteries and feel-good novels. His most famous work, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, has been adapted into a successful television series and has garnered international acclaim for its charming characters and engaging storytelling.