I requested this book from NetGalley as soon as I saw the word Ceylon in the title, since it’s the old name for my country, Sri Lanka. The story follows Norton, a British man who arrives in Ceylon to begin his career as a civil servant. On the same ship, he meets Stella, who has come to assist her father in his research on local traditions and history. Norton and Stella grow close, and their bond deepens over time.

Although the book doesn’t focus heavily on the romance between the two main characters, it beautifully explores the societal pressures they face before marriage. I was hooked from the beginning, as the story unveils multiple layers of Sri Lanka's history without disrupting the narrative flow.

I truly admire the author’s attention to historical detail—her research into colonial Sri Lanka is evident and impressively accurate. The occasional use of Sinhala words within the context of the story made it feel even more personal and special to me. The characters are well developed, bringing just the right emotional depth to make the story heartfelt and immersive.

This book is perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies and anyone looking for a romance set against the richly textured backdrop of colonial Sri Lanka.

i felt like i was at once transported back in time. to a time i dont think we get told of enough. but also a time that was as important as any other. so it felt equally important that i was reading this which only added more weight to a book i was already becoming completely involved in. it didnt shy away from the complexities of the time but neither did that overwhelm or over burden me as a reader so that i felt i couldnt keep up. im always one to worry about such topics because i feel too inferior to truly know how things were i never feel clever enough. but books like this with the learning yet such a good plot that run alongside it, gives so much more understanding and the ability to truly "feel" it.
learning about the parts we all had to play in this time felt hard at times. but again, this is what we all must learn of if we are to continue to do better. or try to understand at least.
some of the things that went on in this book made me sad that it still felt so relevant to today. especially with woman. but again this was very real.
seeing what both our characters went through bought lots of my own emotional moments. especially Stella who i just wanted to hold very tight. but also was in awe of for her courage and determination.
this was far more than i ever thought it could be going in. but it felt important for it to be so.

Dnf 14% didn't connect with characters or storyline. Although from synopsis I'm sure some will love it.

I really enjoyed this compelling work of historical romance about a time in history that most people either turn away from or romanticize. The Star of Ceylon neither ignored the horrors of colonialism nor glorified the heydey of it.

Set during the British Raj from the point of view of the British invaders, this is the love story of Stella, a woman ahead of her time who is assisting her father with an anthropological research project, and Norton, a young man who is just starting his career as a pencil-pushing civil servant. Through stolen glances and deep talks, the two manage to meet and form a connection. But then the unthinkable happens and a graduate student's claims on Stella turn violent, bringing these two idealists into a whirlwind romance and rescue mission.

Norton quickly grows disillusioned, perhaps too quickly, with the colonialist system he's never questioned his whole life, as he works for an odious man who relishes cruelty, witnesses floggings of children who steal bread, and deals with a GA who pressures him at every turn into marrying his spoiled, manipulative daughter, Cynthia, for his career. This book did a good job of showing how oppressive this dark time in history was for men as well as women. For women it was even worse. Denied the vote, and the ability to earn a college degree, women were often forced into marrying their rapists.

The love story between Stella and Norton was a little instalove, and I wasn't sure how I felt about Norton realizing he's definitely in love with her after she confesses she's been raped by Gordon. The rape was also shown in needlessly graphic detail as Stella discovers the other man on top of her while sleeping. But then again this was a very dark book. That's definitely a trigger warning though.

The romance was not nearly as compelling to me as being transported to this troubled time in history, with the British colonizers constantly playing tennis at the country club, drinking cocktails and gossiping, and bringing English buildings and customs to a place where they so clearly didn't belong. And most Europeans didn't belong there either; they were either wives brought against their will or men escaping from something or making a name for themselves. At times the oppression was so stifling that I wondered if these two would ever find their HEA. But it was a hard fought HEA eventually. This is a love story for those in the margins, the good people suffering from a cruel and unnatural regime as well as those they colonized.

The characters were also compelling; I liked how intense Stella was and how determined she was to study anthropology despite all the restrictions against women and the clear misogyny flung about by her brother and the hapless graduate student Gordon. I liked how Norton was a studious bleeding heart who cared more about the welfare of the native population and disdained his obnoxious countrymen. I couldn't imagine a man like him would last long in the civil service, or it would turn him cruel. But he didn't have many other options.

All in all I found this a fascinating, gripping and complicated look at the British Raj and the people this corrupt system uprooted.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A wonderfully evocative novel of old colonial Ceylon. Stella suffers so many of the indignities that existed for women of that time. Brilliantly written with great characters.

This book is not for me—it just didn’t capture my interest. . I prefer a lighter tone and a faster pace. DNF ~7%.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

This was a well constructed romance with colonial Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, as its focus. The story brings to life colonial attitudes in the early part of the 29th century with its indolent lifestyle and the use of preferential treatment to gain advancement. Central to the book is the theme that women are not capable of rational, academic thought and need a husband to support them. The lead characters destroy this discrimination, the man showing a progressive attitude and the woman proving t9 be highly competent. The book does not fight shy of controversial issues making this a worthwhile read.

I just love Clare Flynn’s books.
From the very first page you are drawn in and you know you are entranced from the very first page and you never wanted it to end and this book is no exception..
Set at the beginning of the 20th century on board a ship sailing to Ceylon Norton a young civil servant travelling to take up his first post in that country notices Stella a young woman who is travelling with her father and two other men.
Little does he know what is in store for him and does not expect to ever see this woman who momentarily caught his eye again.
Beautifully crafted story line which is what one gets in Clare’s stories.
Can’t recommend it enough

The Star of Ceylon by Clare Flynn.
4*

This novel, set in 1906, follows Stella as she travels with her father, brother and father's PHD student on a trip to Ceylon (a.k.a Sri Lanka) to conduct research on the local traditions and history. It also follows Norton as he begins a career within the British Colonial Civil Service within Ceylon. After fate-fully meeting aboard the ship to Ceylon, Norton and Stella become friends and allies as they navigate the challenges of societal pressures and grievances imposd on them.

I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the respect and love shown to the local culture of the Sinhalese people, whilst also showing some negativity of British Colonisation. I also appreciate the gentle handling of some really difficult subjects discussed- mainly the way women were treated by potential husbands.

I also respect the discussion around gender roles and restrictions from the early 20th century.

I loved Stella as a character. She was clever, whitty, kind and intelligent. And I adored Norton's kindness and gentle nature.

I hope there is another book coming, I look forward to seeing what Stella and Norton do next!

Thank you Netgalley and Storm publishing for allowing me to read this ARC

This novel ended too soon. I want MORE, MORE, MORE! Sri Lanka is perfectly captured and I was transported to that era. Wonderful work. Did I say I want more?

4.5⭐️s. 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.

"The Star of Ceylon" opens aboard an ocean liner bound for Ceylon during the height of British imperial rule. We’re introduced to a diverse cast of characters whose stories reflect the varied reasons people chose to travel or build lives abroad during this era. While the novel offers rich insight into these motivations, it misses a crucial perspective: that of the Sinhalese. The absence of a strong local character feels like a missed opportunity. Additionally, the abrupt ending left me unsatisfied and somewhat disappointed, as it undercut the emotional investment built throughout the story.

Having just finished The Star of Ceylon, I have to say, I just love the title!

This story takes place in 1906 as Stella travels with her father, brother and her father’s doctoral student, to undertake research in Ceylon.
What follows is a journey of discovery, both of local culture and of one’s self.

The FMC Stella is an intelligent, and strong willed female, who unfortunately finds herself having to make some tough decisions that many women of the early 1900’s had to face within society rules. Don’t let the strong women’s rights vibes fool you into thinking that all this novel is about though, because it’s about so much more.

Its cultural representation, and breathtaking descriptions of Ceylon are beautiful.
As well as being filled with some beautiful, but also some truly deplorable characters that all contribute to the story and character growth.

The last half of this books really heated up and I couldn’t put it down. The ending leads me to feel like a sequel is on the cards… if it’s not, there absolutely should be. I’d love to see what the future has in store for not just Stella and Norton, but everyone else too.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I decided to finish this as the writing is in itself very good and the characters met are interesting in their own right. The story is moving even if the ending is rushed. As much I really enjoyed a lot of the story, my earlier reservations remain.

Review
Not sure what to make of this. Set during GBs colonial years in Sri Lanka it sets a distinction re those characters we are introduced to. Those who agree with Empire and those who question its existence. Selfishness and bullying vs Compassion and respect.

From the start the characters are very interesting and Flynn is a very good writer. I found them all well developed and woven together in a way that propelled their stories forward with pace. It's moving, and explores how people get bullied and trapped having to find creative ways to escape. It is oftentimes well observed (I'm very familiar with Sri Lanka, and its history). However, there are no main or elevated characters native to Sri Lanka - and whole story is set there. They met no one? There were no serious interactions at all pertinent to character's own narratives? There is a lot of observational speak about the native people and how they are treated and the genuine interest some of the main characters have in the country but it really stands out that all the characters of interest are White English - for a story set in a country where the majority are not and especially given at least 2 of the main characters claim to have a real interest in the Sri Lankan people and are in contact with many every day.

Perhaps the absence wouldn't be so obvious had the main characters been written with different interests but as it stands the exclusion of Sri Lanka characters with agency, interests and connection is very odd. This is a country full of personality, an incredibly rich history, and very interesting people. There are so many commonalities between the women in SL and the women in England especially at that time. Or perhaps the author is trying to show that even though the English characters claim a genuine interest in the country and the people, and are at heart compassionate and engaged people, they actually make no serious effort to know either at all? It's a country to be used for various gains any way you look at it.

These reservations arrived after I was about 40% into the story and now I've read it all I still think this story could have been set against any colonial setting, if that was the goal - it didn't need to be Sri Lanka.

I really tried but found this one a struggle and eventually gave up. Just too brutal for me

With thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

Set in the beginning of the twentieth century when Great Britain was in charge of colonization of Sri Lanka two kindred spirits will not only discover their passion for their careers but a love for each other. However will society norms for women get in the way of everything.
We are introduced to to Stella Polegate who is assisting her father with his research with ancient historical aspects of the country. She has always longed to go away to University to study but in this period they still weren't allowing woman. Her father wishes for her to marry but she knows that if she does any research work she does will be credited to her husband. So overall she is not interested.
We are also introduced to Norton who is civil servant from England who has just began his career and is eager to please his father. He ends up being a close confidante to Stella when she ends up in a horrible situation. Will they be able to overcome?
Overall I enjoyed this novel and the history behind it. This is the first Clare Flynn book I have read and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

Title: The Star of Ceylon
Author: Clare Flynn
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

Ceylon, 1906: When Norton Baxter and Stella Polegate arrive in Ceylon, their paths were never meant to cross.

Norton was on a mission to prove to himself and his father that he could have a worthwhile career in the British Empire.

Stella was determined to prove she could be just as academically successful as her father as she assisted him in his anthropological research.

But their paths cross and eve amidst broken dreams and heartbreak, they are called to each other.

TW: SA
REVIEW:
First, this book did not come with a trigger warning so I am providing it now. There is a SA scene.

This novel had a slightly higher rating as I started the book and read through it but the abrupt ending really left me unsatisfied. There’s closure…but not, if that makes sense. At first I was sure it had to be a mistake in my copy but no, it just ends.

The setting was interesting - Sri Lanka during the British Raj, an area I knew less about than India during the Raj.

The characters were almost fully formed but I wanted just a little bit more from them.

The romance between Norton and Stella was the novel’s saving grace. The slow burn was done well. This was a closed door novel other than the aforementioned scene with the TW.

I would borrow it from a library or buy it before a long flight.

I enjoyed the historical fiction novel, The Star of Ceylon by Clare Flynn. It is set in the early 1900's when women had limitations in the academic world. Stella Polegate arrives from Britain to assist her father in research in ancient history of the area. This culture believes it is the duty of a woman to be married and raise children and not be a part outside the home. Stella is an intelligent anthropologist who is determined to study at Cambridge.

Stella's father has expectations that she will marry his doctorate student, Ronald Blackstock, and Stella is clearly not interested in him. Norton Baxter is a civil servant who is beginning his career. Stella and Norton become friends and she finds it easy to confide in him. Norton discerns the character of Blackstock and advises Stella that she shouldn't marry him. When Blackstock makes inappropriate advances to Stella, she confides in Norton. Should Stella marry Blackstock or choose otherwise? Can she trust Norton with her life?

Follow Stella's journey through the patriarchy world of that time. I recommend this book to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The day before I left for a holiday in Sri Lanka, I was complaining that all the novels I had read about the country were really depressing. Colonialism, followed by a 30 year civil war does that to a country! So I excited to see this historical romance on NetGalley was thrilled when I requested and received a copy the very morning we flew out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Clare Flynn got some details so right - there really are tennis courts at the top oft he lake in Kandy! the writing was really evocative, with smells, sounds and the heat coming to life. I did take one star off because some of the attitudes seemed a little anachronistic, including the attitude to homosexuality, feminism and colonialism. This was a time when white people were beginning to question their role in countries like this, but the way it was approached in this book felt current. It's a minor quibble, I read for enjoyment and I really enjoyed this book.

Interesting insights into late British colonial Ceylon (early 1900s). Sadly, the xenophobia displayed by the majority of the secondary characters seems to still exist today. I liked how the chapters went back and forth between the two primary characters, even if there were times I wanted just a little bit more of the story from Stella or Norton's point of view before switching. Flynn doesn't shy away from some very tough topics but personally I would've liked to see a trigger warning regarding rape prior to beginning the story.

It is a tale well-told; my historically fascinated side would've liked to read some of the conclusions that Stella and her father came to regarding the Tamil people and their customs. I realize that wasn't the point of the book though. I don't know if Flynn is planning another book for this series, but I wish there would've been an epilogue of sorts, letting us know how things 'fell out' in the next two years or so.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.