The author has used her knowledge of the countries portrayed to produce a work of literary fiction, describing love across two cultures, played out in Southern India, Sri Lanka and England during the early and mid-1990s. It could be described as a romantic thriller, but it is also an exploration of prejudice and preconceptions amidst adverse circumstances.
The Moon's Complexion
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Acclaimed journalist Hannah Peterson has taken flight to India after a series of sinister events surrounding the release of her controversial new book in the UK.
However, among the ancient tombs, lush jungles and chaotic cities of South India, someone is waiting for her. Meanwhile, young doctor Ashok Rao leaves his stellar career as a consultant in London to return to his family in Bangalore to choose a bride.
In this eclectic combination of thriller, romance, adventure, and narrative of cultural crossings, Hannah and Ashoks' paths become inextricably intertwined.
There are times in the opening chapters of The Moon's Complexion when Black's apparent disregard for the boundaries of genre can feel somewhat jarring; at one moment, we have an exquisite description of Ashok's return to his family home in Bangalore and his confidences in his elderly grandmother, the next Hannah is tearing through the midnight streets of Chennai in a high-octane car chase.
However, I challenge anyone to put this book down. After a while, The Moon's Complexion's combination of cliff-hangers and carefully-observed descriptions of Indian traditions, food, temples and landscapes becomes utterly irresistible. The whole novel pulsates with Black's love of India; the author has recently completed an MA on South Indian temple architecture, and her academic interests work their way quietly into the novel, providing a well-studied backdrop to the action.
A thoroughly unusual novel that will appeal to anyone who's interested in India or just enjoys a skilfully constructed page-turner. -- London Student Newspaper February 2006
`The Moon's Complexion by Irene Black is a wonderfully written
love story set in Southern India. The author's knowledge of the intricacies
of the culture is clear and this comes across in the beautiful prose. A
captivating read.
-- Shelf review, Ottakers Bookshop, Guildford
From the Back Cover
Bangalore, India 1991. Ashok Rao, a young Indian doctor, has returned home
from England to choose a bride.
But who is the intriguing Englishwoman who seeks him out? Why is she afraid
and what is the secret that binds them together?
The lives of two strangers are turned upside down when they meet and the
past comes to haunt them. The Moon's Complexion is a tale of love across
cultural boundaries. It is also a breath-taking thriller played out in the
mystical lands of Southern India and Sri Lanka and in the icy countryside
of winter England.
from England to choose a bride.
But who is the intriguing Englishwoman who seeks him out? Why is she afraid
and what is the secret that binds them together?
The lives of two strangers are turned upside down when they meet and the
past comes to haunt them. The Moon's Complexion is a tale of love across
cultural boundaries. It is also a breath-taking thriller played out in the
mystical lands of Southern India and Sri Lanka and in the icy countryside
of winter England.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By G. James
Format:Paperback
I actually read this book whilst on holiday. I read it within a day. Couldnt't put it down. Fantastic atmosphere. Good knowledge of cultures from writer without it being pushed down our throats. We get so close to the characters. Loved it!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Minijax
Format:Paperback
The Moon’s Complexion is a multi-layered book. On the one hand, it tells one of the most traditional stories – that of star-crossed lovers and the events that tear them apart; and in addition, it is those same events, which present the reader with a thriller and a mystery to solve. However, Irene's great skill is her ability to create rich visual images with her descriptions of the places in which the hero and heroine enact their story. With her you will be transported from an English winter to the colourful sights and sounds of India and Sri Lanka. I’m sure you will enjoy your trip as I did.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ms Black has written a fantastically gripping narrative intelligently and with spellbinding skill. All the descriptions of Indian life have a truly authentic feeling and the moral dilemmas that beset the main characters are beautifully constructed and psychologically sound.
I thoroughly recommend this fascinating book.
I thoroughly recommend this fascinating book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Tricia
Format:Paperback
I enjoyed this book immensely especially as it was written against the background of India and Sri Lanka - countries that I have visited and loved. It was wonderfully written with a fascinating plot.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Bibliophil
Format:Paperback
The plot and characterisation in this psychological thriller kept me turning each page as fast as I could without losing the subtleties within the story. It is rather more than a 'thriller' in the conventional sense. It is a multi-layered novel with various sub-plots that have striated texture and depth. It is about love (fulfilled and unfulfilled), moral and sexual betrayal, hatred and redemption. It is also a paen to southern India with all that region's live-giving exotica, colour, warmth and imperfections (in this respect, there are some truly evocative descriptions: "this pungent chutney of a city"; "a gaggle of little autorickshaws...gathered like flies on a cowpat"... obviously Irene Black knows India well!). Against this backdrop the author makes the the hero and heroine 'real' as people: despite their strengths, they have to deal with their own weaknesses and flaws arising from previous personal traumas; their own history begins to haunt them and becomes life-threatening in the shape of a mysterious, ghost-like, stalking killer. It is a highly involving, tense and exciting novel with a true appreciation of character and culture.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
From the very start, this book grips you and doesn't let go. The hero and heroine are faced with a terrible threat from the past of both of them, which might well cost them their lives and indeed their growing relationship. The Indian and Sri Lankan locations are a vivid and exciting backdrop to the drama of the tale, and the ending is one of the most poignant and most fitting that I have ever read.
This book comes highly recommended - a very enjoyable and moving read!
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Book Lover
Format:Paperback
This book certainly is a compelling read, you will find it a real page turner! It has all the ingredients that make a fantastic book, full of atmosphere and a real taste of India thanks to Ms Black whose personal knowledge and experiences in India shine through and make this a fantastic book with a truly gripping story line. I do hope that there will a sequel to the Moon's Complextion
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A subtle and gripping mystery thriller, The Moon's Complexion is a compelling read. The author's intimate knowledge of the sub-continent shines through in her vivid, perceptive and original descriptions of the locations forming the backdrop to the action. When the strong characterisation in the love story at the centre of the novel is added, it is truly difficult to put the book down.
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