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The Pavilion in the Clouds

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: David Rintoul
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Publisher's summary

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?

©2022 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2022 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about The Pavilion in the Clouds

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Wonderful story! Mystery, history, poetry, and love

Alexander McCall always approaches complicated subjects and emotions with simple and light words. His ability to describes a point of view from women is always surprising, funny, honest, and appreciated.

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wonderful story, well-told

I've read many of the Alexander McCall Smith series books. This one was even better. It had a more serious story to tell, but still captured the viewpoint of a child. So brilliant. It was a wonderful story with interesting twists but always kept that child's voice also. The narration was superb. The ending was so very satisfying. This is a great book. Five stars all around.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Somewhat strange story

The story has 2 parts and each one ends rather abruptly! It seemed mysterious with little solution.

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pavilion in the clouds

So very different from other books by this author, but as always very human and touching, showing the unnecessary baggage we carry with us from childhood into adulthood

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A lovely story steeped in small mysteries.

The author has not over sweetened this story as sometimes he does. It recalls the last days of the British in Ceylon and the inadvertent impulses of a 9 year old, the course of action that followed unexpectedly. Nicely done and beautifully narrated.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Non story but charming

Slow progress but filled with interesting details about pre war life in Ceylon. Worth listening to.

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Alexander McCall Smith does it again

The reader is brilliant. An Alexander McCall Smith does not disappoint with this lovely story. It’s not an earth shattering saga but a really nice tail for a time when you just want to read something pleasant

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Another Great Entertaining Read

“The Pavilion in the Clouds” is another well written and entertaining story by Alexander McCall Smith. Excellent pleasure reading with a good ending. Experienced as an Audio Book.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Slow start

Slow start but gained momentum. I thoroughly enjoyed it. (Six more words required by me.)

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Captivating

AMS is a genius! This is outside anything else I be read by him, yet just as comfortable
Also very well narrated.
More ! More!

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4 people found this helpful