Far Pavilions

Like many readers of fiction, I have a collection of old favorites I look up from time to time for a good read. One such favorite of mine is The Far Pavilions by M. M. (Mary Margaret) Kaye. Set in India during the colonial era, The Far Pavilions is a romantic saga, lavish in history, and rich in both characterization and description. It includes all the ingredients for a good read: believable and interesting characters, meticulously researched history that is well blended into a plot line with adventure, romance and a bit of intrigue. However, it is not a quick read at over 900 pages. M. M. Kaye also wrote two other similar historical novels: Shadow of the Moon, also set in India; and Trade Wind, set in Zanzibar off the coast of East Africa.