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,

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