The history and landscape in this was so rich and the characters really well done. It gave a really transparent look at the colonization of Ceylon, which is apparently now Sri Lanka, and the subjugation of their people under the British. It exemplified how unfortunate and arrogant that treatment and view was trying to force out a culture just because it was different. I enjoyed learning of the history as unfortunate and dismaying as it was. The contrast of characters between Norton recognizing something wasn’t right and the other officials enforcing things was well done, and immersive. It helped me feel invested in the situation the way it was written. 

The incorporation of the lack of women’s rights and recognition was also presented well with Stella and her research and family struggles, and everything else she went thru. It was certainly a difficult and frustrating position to be in as a woman during that time, without a lot of good options. 

I enjoyed the book and the characters and would definitely be interested in the next in the series. 

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.