The evocative setting and historical details captivated me. The story highlights the role of women in the early twentieth century and how restricted they were by misogynistic views and prejudice. All the female characters are noteworthy, some, like Stella, you invest in. Stella's story is poignant but ultimately hopeful. The story includes a violent assault that may be triggering for some and is disturbing to read, but it is necessary to show Stella's vulnerability and the few choices she had in its wake. The romance is gentle and a little naive, but it offers the reader hope. Norton is a lovely character, young and principled and a seeker of justice. His attraction to Stella and his emotional commitment to her are heartwarming, but I would have liked a deeper exploration into their emotions. The immersive descriptions make it easy to visualise Ceylon and its people and the contrast of their lives to those of the colonials. The ending suggests that there is more to come in this story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Writing historical romance, I think, is sometimes harder than just writing historical fiction. Particularly if your lead is a woman (which it usually is), then you have to negotiate the attitudes of the day, and the lack of rights women have. This does create lots of potential drama, and certainly much of the genre is about how women break free or subvert the rules of the day. But in a book like The Star Of Ceylon, set in Sri Lanka at the height of Empire in 1906, there is also a whole secondary problem for the narrative, that of Empire itself, and how other cultures are exploited and trampled over. Stella Polegate, the heroine here, has enough frustrations with being an anthropolgist in everything but name, working with her father, and now supporting or ghosting his protege who turns out to be hopeless. The locals barely get a look-in with her own problem with a sexual assault and the spectre of forced marriage.

Luckily Clare Flynn does give us a little insight into the management of Imperial Ceylon as the man Stella is destined to fall for - Norton Baxter - is a new recruit for the local government and is shadowing the current authorities. This allows Flynn to display some truly terrible actions of the British when intervening in local justice, whilst Baxter, as a more enlightened man, can get thoroughly disillusioned with the situation. The book leaves nothing to chance however, there are a selection of secondary characters who are much less progressive than our leads, to act badly, to be decadent, and to improve our leads' standing by comparison. The Star Of Ceylon plays the class hand as well as intellectual snobbery much more than it even investigates the iniquities of the British Empire, but I assume that Flynn thinks most of her readers are onboard with broad anti-colonial sympathies and are here for swoonsome romance in a beautiful setting. And that is what she delivers.

Women today face societal limitations, but nothing like the limits society placed on women during the era of the British Empire. Emotionally charged and laser focused on the personal toll of these limitations, Clare Flynn was penned a beautiful novel in The Star of Ceylon. An amazing book that will stay with me a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the ARC. I definitely recommend it to historical fiction fans.

1906 and colonial rule of Sri Lanka brings professionals to the country to work and undertake study. Stella is ahead of her time....studious and competent. She would be a world renowned scholar in today's time but she has to contend with the suffocating expectations of colonial society, trapped by the confines of her female status and expectations of men. Should she give up the battle, marry a monster and accept the limitations of being a mother and wife only or fight for chance to attend a university?
Travelling through Colombo, Kandy, tea plantation highlands and a nasty pearl harvest town, Stella again meets Norton, who is a budding civil servant, following his forebears in a career destined for Whitehall. Norton's moral compass is being tested and he wants to make a difference, rather than bow to colonial law and expectations.
Both have Stella and Norton have a passionate interest in the country and it's people.
A compassionate, sometimes shocking and poignant read set amongst colours of a time gone, Clare Flynn draws on personal travels and past employment to flesh out a slow burning romance which brings interesting characters, with a hint of scandal, comment on social history and a hint to the eventual freedom Sri Lanka will gain from colonial rule.
"The Star of Ceylon" ended so abruptly...although sailing off at sunset is not a bad way to go. The kindle addition only went to under 90 percent with the remainder an intro to another book by Clare Flynn.
Thanks to Storm Publishing, NetGalley and Clare Flynn for my copy.

The Star of Ceylon
By Clare Flynn


Another superb read by Clare Flynn! Her take on the islands of the pacific and their struggles against the British empire will blow you away. Ms. Flynn has an incredible talent of bringing these little but important islands and their struggles to maintain their independence while adjusting to British rule, to life. As always Ms. Flynn delivers so many characters and shows with great knowledge their daily struggles, their ways of life, their importance to history and how the British empire nearly destroyed them in the name of progress. These gentle civilizations, who respect their islands’ eco-systems and thrive, show such grace and humility even as a conquered civilization. Her descriptions of the islands and their fauna, wildlife, and ways of life, drop you right into the center and make you feel like you have time travelled to a place that was born of fantasy not fact. She has outdone herself with this novel and I look forward to continuing the journey in her next book. She is one of the best authors of her time and she takes on such unique storylines in all of her books. I have never been able to read just one and true to form she has me totally engrossed and looking forward to the next book in the series. This is no small feat as undeniably I never read a book that is part of a series and yet I have read all of hers. That in and of itself, tells you everything you need to know about her books. I say RUN don’t walk and pick up your copy before they are gone. You won’t regret it.

A new to me author and a title that drew me in as I love to travel when I read.

Set in the early years of the 20C ' The Star of Ceylon' transported me vividly back to the time and place. The story opens on a ship travelling to Ceylon and it is where the two main protagonists, Stella and Norton first meet. Stella Polegate, an intelligent young woman, who if allowed in those times would have been staying at university, instead she is fortunate to be travelling with her professor father and brother on an anthropology research trip. Norton Baxter is a young civil servant on his way to a first overseas posting in Ceylon.

I was very much drawn into the narrative, not for the love story aspect but more for the setting. They were troubled times and the British were trying to fit in somewhere they were really not wanted. Recommended to readers that enjoy historical fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

This story takes us back to the turn of the 19th into the 20th century and colonial Ceylon. It tells of the hardships that not only did the locals face but also the British women who dared to venture there either as a wife , a sister or a daughter. I love reading about this period in history especially when set in India and it's environs. The brutality and harshness of just existing here is very well described as is the planned rape of Stella whose story is being told, along with the expected social outcome afterwards. Throughout we also have a love story both heterosexual and homosexual along with the determined Stella who is trying to make inroads into a totally male dominated society. Well written and beautifully told...

Thanks to Netgalley / Storm for the ARC to review

Absolutely loved it but I knew I would as I have all Clare's books.

Ceylon is brought to life in Clare's new book. Norton sounds a thoroughly decent man and has a rude awakening when he arrives in Ceylon but is determined to prove himself there in his new government post.

Stella is on a trip with her father Sir Michael who is a senior academic in the world of anthropology which Stella also loves. Unfortunately her father has brought her wastrel brother along and a student who's father has promised the university a huge bursary.

Things take several dramatic turns but love prevails.

I really hope that a sequel follows as I'd love to hear more about Stella, Norton, his sister Winnie and Paul.
Please write one Clare.

Thank you.

The Star of Ceylon by Clare Flynn is a beautifully written historical fiction novel that transports readers to a different era through its vivid atmospheric descriptions. The well-developed characters make them relatable and endearing, and the clean romance adds a touch of sweetness to the story. Flynn’s writing style is captivating, drawing readers into the narrative and making them feel as though they are a part of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire novel and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

Thanks, Storm Publishing via NetGalley

Ceylon, 1906: Stella Polegate steps off the ship in Colombo harbour, her heart beating with contradictory emotions. As her father’s unofficial research assistant, she’s thrilled to explore this island of ancient temples and verdant tea plantations—yet painfully aware that her brilliant mind will remain uncredited, her academic ambitions dismissed simply because she is a woman.

When her father’s doctoral student makes unwelcome advances that escalate to violence, Stella’s carefully ordered world shatters. With her reputation and future hanging in the balance, she finds an unexpected ally in Norton Baxter, a principled young civil servant whose growing disillusionment with colonial rule mirrors her own questioning of societal constraints.

Beautifully written, wonderful exploration of a time and place most of us know little about. Excellent story on so many levels! Highly recommended! 5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

This book was given by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Stella and Norton meet in Ceylon and can’t help but be drawn to each other. Stella is in Ceylon to help her father with his anthropological studies and Norton is there as a civil servant. They find that they think very similarly (and modernity) about the culture and the British empire, and other issues.

The setting of this book was different, which I appreciated. Stella and Norton were cute, but I didn’t feel much connection to them.

Trigger warning: rape

This is a story of the ruling classes during the time of the Raj when Britain ruled the colonies, and of the poor native workers who worked for a pittance in their own land, where British laws were foisted upon them in the name of progress, when women were classed as second class citizens, denied the vote or higher education, one such woman was Stella Polegate.
Stella's father, Sir Michael Polegate was a senior lecturer in anthropology at Oxford, he, along with his useless, self indulgent son Ronald, his PhD student Gordon Blackstock who was to help with his research into the Tamils and his highly intelligent daughter, who was, on paper, there to take notes but was in fact doing the loathsome Gordons work.
Sleazy Gordon's father had offered a sizeable donation to Sir Michaels department if Gordon attained his PhD which was highly unlikely but Sir Michael had designs on him marrying his daughter.....Stella was appalled and disgusted by this and not a little frightened.
On the same boat to Ceylon was Norton Baxter, a civil servant who was to be attached to the governors office as a cadet, the governor had a pretty but scatterbrained daughter who he would be delighted to marry off to his newest recruit........ hard working and ambitious Norton had other ideas, he was smitten by the gentle, intelligent Stella.
This is Stella and Norton's story as they face the unknown, the story gives a peep into the lives of the upper class who ruled the colonies, their afternoon tennis and bridge, the gossip, the loveless marriages, the bored wives, the story touches on homosexuality and brutal sexual assault.
I really enjoyed this story although I thought that it was a bit rushed at the end, I would have loved an epilogue that revisited perhaps a year later to tie up all the loose ends.
Thank you Storm Publishing for the ARC, this review is totally voluntary.

Clare Flynn is a new author to me but there was something about this gorgeous cover that called to me. Thank you to Storm Publishing for approving my request for an ARC and providing me with a copy for review purposes.

The Star of Ceylon is set in 1906 in what was then British Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka), and I must say the setting alone is worth the read. Flynn does such a great job bringing the atmosphere to life, from the steamy tropical coastlines to the misty hills of the interior. You can almost hear the buzz of the jungle and feel the tension in the colonial air.

But what really makes this book shine is the main character, Stella. She's smart, brave, and deeply human. She’s helping her father with his scientific research, even though no one gives her the credit she deserves, simply because she’s a woman. Her quiet determination is inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her as she tries to break free from society’s expectations.

There’s also a subtle and sweet romantic thread with Norton, a young civil servant who’s not quite comfortable with the colonial world he’s part of. Their relationship feels real, if a little quick to develop, and adds a lovely emotional layer to the story.

I feel that Flynn has found the perfect balance in tackling serious topics like gender roles, colonialism, and inequality without making the book feel heavy. It’s thoughtful, but still an easy and enjoyable read.

If you like historical fiction with a strong female lead, a touch of romance, and vivid storytelling, then I'd say The Star of Ceylon is a great pick.

Final verdict: Loved it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was my first book by this author, but I know it won't be the last!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Star of Ceylon and following Stella and Nortons' story.
It's the first book I've read that goes into the details of colonialism. I sympathised with poor Norton, trying desperately to do well in his work as a civil servant but struggling with Britain's ruling of the country. Equality I felt for Stella, who in modern times would be seen as a gifted scholar, with her work and findings being widely recognised. However, in 1906, Stella was stuck in a time when women didn't have the vote and were very much treated as the lesser sex and unable to to be fully credited and accepted in the world of Accademia.
I fell for the idea of Stella and Norton from the start and enjoyed seeing how their friendship developed and had to ride the horrific events placed in their way.
I thought there was potential for a follow-up to this book, especially in the way it ended. Although things were settled nicely, I would have liked to see how things played out over the next year and to learn more about Nortons sister Winnie and her possible match.
I was able to picture Ceylon perfectly from the authors descriptions and think this is a perfect summer read.

The Star of Ceylon by Clare Flynn was a beautifully historical romance set in set Ceylon which is now called Sri-Lanka in 1906 and was beautifully written from the very beginning till the very end and I loved it. Especially as Sri-Lanka, is a beautiful place to visit and it was so different back in the early 1900, which was lovely to read about. This is my special place. a place in my heart, and a must visit. So when I saw this title for Clare Flynn's latest book, I just had to read it and it did not disappoint. WoW this was a beautiful read from start to finish. It just took my breath away. It was so good I ended up reading all day until I had finished, and I did not want it to finish it was so addictive.

The Star of Ceylon is a story between Stella and Norton and they have feeling for each other, sadly something happens and Stella is raped by Gordon. In those days, women were often forced into marrying their rapists, if they become pregnant!. which Stella did. . . . . . Everything changes and this book becomes dark.
I am so glad things have changed today of that happens.

If you want to find out what happens next you will need to read The Star of Ceylon. It was an excellent book and a great one to read.

I highly recommend it 5 star read.

Big Thank you to Netgalley and Storm publishing for the ARC.

My rating:

Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Historical Fiction

Review:

This book gives both an historical insight into life in Colonial Sri Lanka during British rule as the position of women at the beginning of the 20th century. The book is well written and the plot flows well with the right amount of intrigue to keep you going till the end. The characters are interesting; their actions are explained well this gave them a realistic feel, like in real life some were more likeable than others

Overall a interesting story, well written and captivating with realistic characters

Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.

It was 1906 when Stella Polegate left the ship in Colombo harbour, along with her father, brother and a doctoral student of her father's. An assistant to Sir Michael - a glorified secretary really - Stella wanted to follow her dreams of studying back home in England, but she was a woman in times when it was a man's world. As they headed to Kandy, and the temples from ancient times, plus the tea plantations where Stella and her father would interview the Tamils, her brother Ronald, along with the student, George Blackstock, forgot what they were there for, gambling and drinking. But it was when Blackstock declared his intent of marrying Stella - much against her wishes - that things went terribly wrong. Sir Michael's health deteriorated, so he and Stella headed to the high country where the air was fresher, and Ronald and Blackstock went to Jaffna to follow up on Sir Michael's research. But there was more trouble on the horizon...

The Star of Ceylon is my second book by Clare Flynn and while I loved my first - The Chalky Sea - this one, unfortunately, disappointed me. I couldn't get a feeling for the many characters; there were quite a few arrogant, stuffed shirts (male) and it felt choppy. Plus the ending was very abrupt! But Stella, Mrs Metcalfe, Norton & Winnie were my saving grace. Recommended to fans.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eCopy to review

I recently finished The Star of Ceylon by Clare Flynn, and I was completely captivated by its rich historical detail and compelling characters.

Set in Ceylon in 1906, the novel follows Stella Polegate, a brilliant young woman who arrives in Colombo as her father’s unofficial research assistant. She’s eager to explore the island’s ancient temples and lush tea plantations, but she’s painfully aware that her intelligence and contributions will go unrecognized simply because she is a woman. When her father’s doctoral student makes unwelcome advances that escalate into violence, Stella’s world is shattered. With her reputation and future hanging in the balance, she finds an unexpected ally in Norton Baxter, a principled civil servant whose growing disillusionment with colonial rule mirrors her own questioning of societal constraints. As Stella navigates the suffocating expectations of colonial society, she must decide whether to accept the limitations imposed upon her gender or fight for the academic future she deserves.

What I loved most about The Star of Ceylon was its atmospheric setting and powerful themes of resilience and self-determination. Flynn’s writing is immersive, transporting me to the misty highlands of Kandy and the bustling port of Colombo. Stella is a deeply compelling character, her strength, intelligence, and determination make her journey both inspiring and heart breaking. The novel beautifully explores the tension between personal ambition and societal expectations, making it a thought-provoking read.

The Star of Ceylon is an unforgettable story of courage, love, and the fight for independence. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads and evocative settings, this book is a must-read!

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved reading this book about Ceylon, which is now called Sri Lanka.
The story is about Norton, who comes to Ceylon so that he can start working as a civil servant. Whilst on the ship he meets Stella, she will be working with her father who is researching the local traditions and history of the country.

As their friendship grows, they become closer.

The story explores what they go through because of the what the society thinks about them.

The story had me hooked, turning the pages, reading about the history of Sri Lanka.

I highly recommend this book.

This book was a solid and authentic read. Clare Flynn has done her research on British Ceylon to the point that I felt that I too was in the tropics.

The story was incredibly suspenseful...I couldn't put the book down for fear that Blackstock would find a way to snatch Stella away, and ended up spending the whole day reading it. The characters were finely drawn and it was easy to get absorbed in the plot(s).

I would give this fabulous book a 5 except--it finished as a cliffhanger! What happened to Stella in England? Did she come back and what did she do then? It seemed like there would be a grand finale and then it segued into an excerpt from Pearl of Penang!