"Rock bottom is good solid ground and a dead end street is just a place to turn around." (Bobby Buie)

Renita D'Silva presents a novel tinged in dark shades of people desiring a life on their own terms. She reminds us of the pain of tunnel vision in which we view the present as a means of getting what we want. Never mind the concentric circles when we toss a stone into that pond. It touches more than we can even imagine.

Alice Harris is but four years old in 1909. India is the place of her birth outside of Jamjadpur where her father is the Deputy Commissioner for the British government. Her mother languishes in bed for days at a time longing only for the English countryside. She tolerates visits from her young daughter Alice only to fill the long hours in which Robert is away.

Alice is a precocious child having learned to speak perfect Hindi from her nanny. Ayah has a son, Raju, who has become an inseparable companion to Alice. Through the years, Alice and Raju can finish each other's thoughts. As children often do, they see no barriers to their friendship and to their show of affection. But in time, Alice's father makes it clear that Alice and Raju can no longer spend time together. Alice's eyes become blurred as she begins to see the world through his eyes.

D'Silva shifts the story to St. Ursula's Orphange located in the center of the city. Some time back, an infant is left on the steps wrapped in a knitted sweater and booties. The nuns will take on the responsibility of raising this child who will come to be known as Janaki. We will follow the footsteps of this young girl whose life will be touched with tragedy and disappointment. But Janaki will have a profound impact on the lives that cross her path.

Renita D'Silva sets up a panoramic view of Jamjadpur inviting in Gandhi and even Mother Teresa. She paints a background of the Hindu/Muslim riots of 1936 and Gandhi's desire for non-violence through his famous hunger strikes. The storyline treads through the contentious discord and violence in the fight for Indian rule.

The Orphan's Gift has quite the storyline as it swings back and forth between the years of Alice and the years of Janaki. This switching tends to be a bit confusing, but I'm sure that it will settle itself in the final copy. Keep your eye on Alice as she'll certainly set your teeth on edge at times. It's all in the engaging writing of D'Silva. I enjoyed her previous novel, The Girl in the Painting, and I look forward to future offerings.

I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and to Renita D'Silva for the opportunity.

This review is from an advance reader copy of the book. If you love stories that span decades, involve love, loss, tragedy and redemption then this book is a must read. The majority of the story takes place in India from 1910’s to 1930’s. A turbulent time for the country and the people living there, both British and Indian. The author does an amazing job of drawing the reader into the culture and tension of the country by showing the dichotomy of Alice, the pampered daughter of British parents who are aloof and leave her raising to her Indian nanny Ayah; and Raju who is Ayah’s son who though raised along side Alice, can never have the privilege she enjoys. It is this culture of privilege and entitlement that Alice is raised in that leads her expect that all of her wants and desires be met. Even if it goes against her parents by falling in love with Raju. They are star crossed lovers whose outcome can never be happy. As Alice is forced down a different path she tries to make the best of it. But unhappiness in a loveless marriage leads her to seek out the one she wants: Raju. Without concern for him or his family, Alice relentless pursues Raju, resulting in one brief, blissful moment that has far reaching consequences and shatters their lives forever. A second plot line involves Janaki, the result of Alice and Raju’s digression. She is left at an orphanage by a mother who feels undeserving. The story traces her life and the choices she makes as she runs from love, only to find it and have it stolen from her. I was impressed with the author’s development of the main characters into living, breathing people full of love, hate, uncertainty, regret and fear. I could feel the essence of India, the smells, sounds and sensations of what must be a beautiful country. I want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. #netgalley #bookouture.#renitadsilva

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/61461390-janet-mcclain

The Orphan's Gift depicts British and Indian relations under British Raj. Despite India being the jewel of the British Empire, martial race orchestrated a caste system. Love between the races wasn't permitted and those caught in the cross fire were burned.

Alice and Raju grew up together and despite their backgrounds were best friends. Their friendship was frowned upon by Alice's parents and she started mimicking their elitist behavior.

The multi-generational saga, chronicles Janaki's tale. Growing up in an orphanage, her kindred spirit set her apart from other children. Happiness always seemed at arm's length but through loss, she strives to make a difference.

Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for the early read. As the stories intertwine, there's evidence of love despite heartache. Alice was orphaned by circumstances while Janaki, surrounded by mother figures. Renita D'Silva illustrates love is a gift more valuable than riches.

Alice is living in India with her parents, She meets Raju, the son of one the their servants the two become close. As they grow older, their bond becomes one of romance and love, their relationship is discovered and Alice is shipped back to England and Raju is sent far away from the family compound in India. The characters were so well rounded, you felt like you actually knew them! Thank you Net Gally. Your Great.

If you’re looking for a quick, easy read...this is not it. If, however, you’re looking for a beautifully told story with rich, complex characters then grab this new one from Renita D'Silva. Once again, she’s written a deeply moving story spanning generations. The stories of both Alice and Janaki pull you in as they are told separately and then come full circle as their tales mesh. The author's descriptions of life in India are deeply moving as she moves between times past and present. Five stars!

Loved the book,especially the time fram of the two main characters,and how their lives entwined.
Could not put the book down,a real page Turner however did not like Alice as a child as she was very selfish and this effected the lives of people around her however as she got older,she changed.
Definitely will be recommending this book to other readers,love to read more books from this author,

This book was so good! The characters were so well rounded, you felt like you actually knew them! The plot was so good you didn't want the book to end!

I am pretty stingy with my five star reviews but this book deserves one. I could not put this story down. Even when I connected the two story lines and figured out the plot I still could not wait to finish this story. Without giving away the plot the ending was perfect! This is the first book I have read by this author and I am going to check out her other books for sure. Her writing style is so descriptive I felt like I was in India or England with the characters.

This book is captivating, sad and then more sad added in. I really sympathized with Janaki throughout the whole story. So much heartbreak for her. I really did not like Alice as a child but the author portrayed the character perfectly. Foolish and selfish she causes a lot of problems for people around her. She definitely grew on me as she aged and faced some hardships as well.

I really enjoyed how the book was told from different perspectives and time periods and yet it did not feel disjointed at all. This was a quick read for me but super enjoyable.

In 1910, Alice is living in India with her parents. She has never seen England, her family’s home, and she learns little about it from her parents, who feel children are best seen not heard. So Alice befriends Raju, the son of one the their servants and the two misfits become incredibly close. As they grow older, their bond becomes one of romance and love, but their relationship is discovered and Alice is shipped back to England and Raju is sent far away from the family compound in India. More than three decades later, Janaki is looking for the truth about her origins. Raised in an orphanage, she has always wanted to find her real mother. And when she finally locates Alice, will Alice be able to look past societal conventions and mores and accept the daughter she was forced to abandon so many years ago? D’Silva is one of my favorite historical fiction writers, able to capture the essence, sights, sounds and smells of a place long gone