The Kashmir Shawl

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were really likeable and it was well written - an easy reading book that can be picked up and put down when necessary (for those with small children!). India has now crept up by list of places to visit!

The Kashmir Shawl is a wonderful story. It has everything I enjoy in a book. It has an interesting setting, pace, great characterization and becomes instantly engrossing. I want to give it to all my friends for presents.Rosie Thomas manages to incorporate all her objectives in a very enjoyable way. I think it is a wonderful book and will surely find myself re-reading it in the not too distant future.

An absorbing many layered novel setting the stage for subsequent upheavals in India and all border areas. Also much interesting information about the artistry that goes into shawl making and its place in the society of the time.

Wonderfully written story of a journey back in time, unraveling the mystery of the shawl, bringing healing to the people involved. Also, for those of you who like to travel, well written scenes of Kashmir before 1947 and mountain journeys. A good and absorbing read.

This is a really engaging story line that has had me wanting to read more and more. It is a story about travelling to India in search of family heritage and has 2 stories interwoven to link the past with the present. The detail in the storytelling is very vivid and makes it easy to picture the scene in your head without the need for pictures. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a great easy to read book but with a bit more substance than some regular "chick lit" fiction!

Loved this - have visited Kashmir in India so really enjoyed the references to and descriptions of the lake, mountains, house boats, shikaras etc. Enjoyed the main characters, the juxtaposition of generations and the cleverly written depictions of culture, hardship and war. Though it was a bit on the 'happily ever after' kind of ending, I think I would have been most upset had it been otherwise. Love this author and this is another of her fine achievements. Highly recommended.

I don't have anything that I particularly liked or disliked about this book. It is a nice story and I enjoyed reading the book. I took it on holidays with me and found the pages turned themselves and I was interested in what was happening with the characters. I would recommend it to others to read. I'm not giving it 5 starts because it isn't a wow. It is just a nice book.

An amazing story which gripped me from page one. I loved the way the author threaded two stories together so clearly, and not only did I get swept up in the marriage of the grandmother, I learnt so much about the lives of the Indian, missionaries, and the life of the ex-patriots at the time. I now value my pashminas much more, and have recommended this novel to all my friends. one of the best books I have read in a long time.

This was a genuine and lovely story, full of believable characters, well-researched and written. I happened across it while researching Kashmir shawls myself, and found that it brought the region and the weaving of these masterpieces truly to life. I loved the way Rosie Thomas has drawn the two time periods, present day and the early 20th century together, this was a very enjoyable glimpse of a distant place and time.

This book is a wonderful story which connects a woman to her past. The detail she undertakes in uncovering her past as well as creating her own would be daunting to most. Looking at the war years I always find interesting, marveling at the ingenuity of the people involved. The balance of stories from the past and the present is very well done. Enjoyed it thoroughly

This was an interesting way to present two different eras as well as the similarities and differences that two different generations experience in the same geographic area. Since people often think their experiences in life are unique exploring how alike we are within families from one generation to another is fun to explore

An interesting read set mainly in India during the mid 20th century. The story is intertwined with 3 generations of the family and also friends who influence their lives. History, art, romance, loyalty and intrigue are all here.

Beautifully handled journey following the period of WWII as it impacted on the British Raj era of Kashmir, woven with a contemporary woman's exploration of her grandmother's shawl. How had a missionaryy's wife come by such an exquisite item? The unfolding story was beautiful.

This book was excellent. It really takes you back in time to British Colonial India. The story is beautifully woven from present to past and back. I didn't want the story to end. I loved Nerys and find that I miss reading about her - that is how strong and interesting a character she is. You will have a hard time putting this book down!

The book had a strong story that was interwoven between two generations. I really loved the characters which seemed to come alive in the story. I also liked the different twists and turns in the book. I would highly recommend the book.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters came to life and the author wrote so descriptively about the surrounds, that I could see the beauty and poverty in my mind's eye. A wonderful read.

I really enjoyed this book. I found the tracing of the mysterious origin and meaning of the shawl full of intrigue and romance.
The way the life of a missionary's wife was portrayed, full of hardship and the husbands blind devotion to his calling was very believeable. I was so glad that Nerys did find real love even though it was short-lived. All in all a most satisfying read.

This book by Rosie Thomas is well written and researched. I liked the juxtaposition of different times and places, in the past and the now, in England and in India. I felt empathy with her characters and her detail of life in India was believable. A good read.