The Far Pavilions

An epic novel published in 1978, telling the story of Ashton Pelham-Martyn, an Englishman raised in India during the British Empire. After the death of his parents, Ashton is brought up as an Indian but is later forced to embrace his British heritage. At the heart of the story is his love for the Indian princess Anjuli, whose fate becomes tragically intertwined with colonial politics and rigid traditions. The novel explores various aspects of Indian culture, religion, and social norms, while also portraying Ashton’s struggle between duty, honor, and true love. A classic of historical fiction, the book is renowned for its meticulous historical detail and vivid portrayal of 19th-century India.