The Silk Merchant's Daughter

An unforgettable tale of a young girl caught between two worlds in French Indochina

Nicole Duval is an eighteen-year-old half-French, half Vietnamese girl living in Hanoi in 1952 in French Indochina. Her mother who was Vietnamese died giving birth to her and she lives with her French father and her beautiful older sister Sylvie.

The story begins when Nicole’s father hands control of his entire business to Sylvie and Nicole receives a small silk shop in the Vietnamese quarter. This enhances Nicole’s belief that Sylvie, who has inherited her father’s French looks, is superior to her and is more loved, Nicole has inherited her mother’s looks and is also emotional and impetuous. She also meets and falls in love with an American Mark who has previously dated her sister so again feels second-best.

Once she starts working in her shop she discovers a different view to life in Hanoi as she mixes with the Vietnamese people and sees the hardship of their lives under French rule. This is not made easier when she becomes involved with a Vietnamese militant called Tran who tries to force his views upon her. Torn between her two cultures Nicole struggles to decide whether she is on the French or Vietnamese side as the conflict escalates in the countryside outside Hanoi.

Her decision is helped when she accidently witnesses the murder of a young Vietnamese boy by her father and with her sister and Mark present. Not knowing who to trust she leaves home to follow Tran but soon realises the horrors of the Vietmien’s (precursors of the Vietcong) way of life and beliefs. She manages to escape and return to Hanoi and rekindles her relationship with Mark becoming pregnant and finally discovers the family secret regarding her birth and the truth about her sister.

I absolutely loved this book, not so much because of the plot which, in some places, was a little far-fetched and I was never absolutely convinced about the romance between Nicole and Mark, but because it is so beautifully written. I know very little about this period of history and I feel that I now understand why this conflict started. It is such a shame that it eventually became more about Communism versus America in the Vietnam war that I am old enough to remember.

The descriptions of Hanoi during this period are so beautifully written, you can feel the vibrancy and colour mixed in with the pain and suffering of the people. This is quite a long book but I read it in a couple of days because I found it so easy to immerse myself in the writing and loved the style of this author. The only drawback that I can think of is I now have to find time to read the previous novels written by Dinah Jeffries as I so enjoyed this book!

Dexter

I absolutely loved this book. It is beautifully written, and paints a wonderful picture of the area at this time. I loved all the twists and turns, and wasn't quite sure how it would turn out. Looking forward to reading more of her books.

I became totally engrossed in Nicole's story , she is torn between the French traditions she grew up with and the Vietnamese struggle to end French rule.She struggles to decide whether her loyalties lie with her cruel French father, her sister and her american lover Mark, or with the Vietnamese nation of her close friends and her mother. This novel includes romance,intrigue and terrorism and I found it difficult to put down.

Brief synopsis:

Nicole is half Indonesian and half French. Being a Metisse isn't easy at the best of time, but when your two countries of origin are at war with each other, how do you decide where you allegiances should lie?

My thoughts

Nicole, the lead character in this story, was an interesting person whose life in 1952 French Indochina very quickly drew my attention.

I particularly liked how Dinah gently guides you through Nicole's world, with little snippets of everyday life for both the poor of Indonesia and those higher up in society. It was such a gentle process that I often didn't realise it was happening until I suddenly found myself searching google images, for photo's from this period and longing for a little silk purse, just like the one Nicole discovers in the story.

I became so enthralled by the imagery of this book, that I began doodling little Indonesian girls and pretty flowers in my bullet journal. Desperate to capture a memory of the book that I could look back on in the future and smile about.

I love books that absorb you in this way, as they really help you to step out of reality and into a whole exciting, new world.

Nicole was a great character to help you with this process also because she was perfectly flawed. Let me explain, though pretty, Nicole believes that she is not, this isn't just a play at modesty, Nicole truly believes it. She's grown up in a world where her sister has always seemed more favoured, a sister who despite also being a Metisse, looks decidedly French in appearance, whereas, Nicole does not. She's inherited her mother's Indonesian features and her lack of confidence in her own beauty is further advanced by the way she is treated from both the French and Indonesian people, who due to rising tensions and the threat of war between the two races, have both become incredibly distrusting of those who are mixed race.

These problems combined with some pretty big family secrets and some decidedly shady behaviour from those Nicole comes into contact with, throughout the story, helps you to, not only, build a strong affection for Nicole, but also ensure that you are constantly left guessing at just where the story will go.

Dinah has constructed this story so well, that I often found it as difficult to decide on the best course of actions, as Nicola herself did.

Which meant when her choices proved to be bad, I would admonish myself just as Nicole did. While also feeling proud when we got it right. An experience that only further succeeded in bonding me with this character and her story.

My favourite part of this book was its ability to draw me in. Often making it incredibly easy to shut out the real world and its many distractions.

Dinah is brilliant at creating realistic emotions and reactions. Her understanding of the human thought process was amazing.

The only area where this book left me a little disappointed was the speed with which it sometimes dealt with the darker aspects of Nicoles world. In particular, her brief visit to the re-education camp. I really would have liked to know more about what took place in these camps and why? And although Dinah did cover this briefly, I think a little bit more of a tour of the site, would have been good.

That said, when it comes to the unpleasantries of war, I do prefer it when there is a little less information than I would like, over there being a lot more information than I would like.

I have read books that deal with a period of time and setting where war was occurring in the past that have left me bored to tears with their long drawn out explanations, that often deviate away from the story itself and can really cause you to lose interest.

Dinah doesn't do this, everything she writes is relevant and to the point and I did appreciate that as a reader.

If you're a fan of historical fiction with fabulously believable characters and gripping imagery that has the ability to really make you feel as if you are stepping back in time. Then this is the book for you.

If you like books that deal with difficult choices, hard realities, and family lies and secrets, then again this is a book for you

In reality, I think there is a vast range of people who would enjoy this book. Even those who like a little bit of romance, because Dinah really is a talented author, who has already made it onto the Sunday times #1 bestseller list with her book "The planter's wife."

Which I've just purchased along with another book by Dinah called "The superstition."

Yep, I liked this book that much. :)

The silk Merchants Daughter isn't due for release until 25th of February 2016, but you can pre-order it from Amazon, as I've just done. (I have to have a hard copy of this one for my shelves, plus I think it's important to show authors your appreciation when you do like their work, especially if they've been kind enough to allow you to read an ARC of their book.)

If you wish to know more about this book then please check out the synopsis below:

War, secrets and an unbearable choice;
your sister or your lover?
1952, French Indochina. Since her mother’s death, eighteen-year-old half-French, half-Vietnamese Nicole has been living in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Sylvie. When Sylvie is handed control of the family silk business, Nicole is given an abandoned silk shop in the Vietnamese quarter of Hanoi. But the area is teeming with militant rebels who want to end French rule, by any means possible. For the first time, Nicole is awakened to the corruption of colonial rule – and her own family’s involvement shocks her to the core…
Tran, a notorious Vietnamese insurgent, seems to offer the perfect escape from her troubles, while Mark, a charming American trader, is the man she’s always dreamed of. But who can she trust in this world where no one is what they seem?
The Silk Merchant’s Daughter is a captivating tale of dark secrets, sisterly rivalry and love against the odds, enchantingly set in colonial-era Vietnam.
_______________________________ A big thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for free, in exchange for an honest review.
__________________________

Dinah Jeffries' books never turn out to be what I expect when I first start and it's great - I love the descriptions of the geography which give me great pictures in my head of the surrounds.. I can't wait for the next book from her.

Ever since a young age, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of being born into two cultures. Are you inevitably drawn more towards one than the other or do you feel part of both – or belong to neither? Nicole finds herself having to choose in the most heart breaking way between her Vietnamese and French nationality. Set in the days of French colonialism, the writing is on the wall. I was immediately drawn into the period and the descriptions of Vietnam are superb. Dinah Jefferies manages to convey both the beauty and the horror of the era. The descriptions of the silk are equally well done and I wonder just how long it took to research this book? I enjoyed every minute and didn’t want it to end.

Hotly anticipated, this book didn’t fail to please. I so enjoyed The Tea Planter’s Wife that I hardly dared to hope for another Asian odyssey but Dinah has crafted yet another tale of wonder, adventure and heartache exploring another country and time in such a formative and enjoyable way. The tale pre-empts the Vietnam War that we are all familiar with and lays out a little of the history and precursors to it but more than that, unveils a colonial era and place new to me – which I so enjoyed. The main character, Nicole is eighteen and the daughter of a French ‘Businessman’ and Vietnamese mother, who died in childbirth. Her older sister Sylvie is handed control of the family silk business whilst Nicole is merely given a silk shop in the Vietnamese quarter of Hanoi. She befriends Vietnamese who have connections with the rebels and sees colonial rule through their eyes. She is shocked to discover her own family’s involvement in the corruption that abounds and joins the rebels in an effort to escape her troubled family life. All the while, she dreams of her perfect American, Mark who she thought she knew but who also abuses her trust. In a world of smoke and mirrors, Nicole struggles to find anyone to really trust and must fight for survival on more than one occasion. She eventually rekindles her relationship with Mark using a little deception herself and has his baby. The story twists between two very different worlds that are rubbing alongside each other and through the collapse of French rule. Dark family secrets are gradually unravelled and the causes of the sisters’ rivalry is examined. The story is one of survival against all odds and love which is tested to the limits…a great read and one that I will be recommending.

A terrific read that paints the sights and smells of Hanoi so vividly it takes every ounce of will power not to book a plane ticket there and then. Plus a fascinating insight into the conflict between the Vietnamese and the French and the beginnings of the Vietnam war

This is the third book I have read by Dinah Jefferies. Whilst the first two were good the story and writing have taken a leap forward in The Silk Merchant's Daughter.

The story focuses on Nicole the daughter of a French father and Vietnamese mother. Nicole takes after her mother in looks and her sister takes after her father.

In the turmoil of the conflict between the French and Vietnamese for control of the country Nicole is torn in her loyalty to her country and family.

It was facinating to have an insight into the history and culture of Vietnam alongside an excellent and engrossing story. Along with the descriptions of the scenery and romance element - I was thoroughly absorbed.

A satisfying ending to wrap it up finished the book off nicely. Looking forward to the next offer from this author. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for a preview copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was so happy to be given the opportunity to read and review this book by netgalley.
I love Dinah Jefferies writing and this latest novel is as captivating as I hoped it would be. Set in Vietnam during French rule, the book paints a vivid picture of what life was like there but it is in no way bogged down too heavily with politics or too focused on historical events, rather they provide a backdrop for a marvelous story.. This is a story about a girl and her domineering sister, about her first love and about her inner struggle with who she is and where her loyalties lie . Highly recommended.

This was an interesting and captivating book that I read within a few days because I was so intrigued to know what was going to happen. The novel provides insight into a fascinating and difficult historical period in French occupied Vietnam. The style of writing maintains a steady balance between beautiful description of the landscape and culture, and plot development and dialogue. The characters are varied and strongly developed, allowing the reader to fully engage in the story. I highly recommend this book, especially for lovers of historical fiction!

The Silk Merchant's Daughter is the third book I have read by Dinah Jefferies. Both her debut, The Separation and second novel, The Tea Planter's Wife are reviewed on this blog. The Tea Planter's Wife was one of my Top Reads of last year.

Again, this is historical fiction and this time set in French Indochina, more particularly in Hanoi in the early 1950's. Eighteen year old Nicole Duval has a Vietnamese mother and a French father and unlike her sister Sylvie who takes after her father in looks, Nicole favours her late mother (and so is called a 'métisse'- not a kind word). This leads to its own problems with identity and a feeling of belonging.

These are dangerous times in Hanoi. The nationalist Vietminh are fighting the governing French for control and innocent people are being killed as the two sides continue their fight. Later, the Americans would become involved in what we know as the Vietnam war. Nicole feels torn between her mother's Vietnamese heritage and the rest of her family, who are on the side of the French.

To complicate matters, Nicole meets Mark, an American who may not be all that he seems. Despite not knowing who she can trust, Nicole must make a choice and making a wrong decision could cost her everything.

As I have come to expect from a book by Dinah Jefferies, the surroundings and landscape are evocatively and vividly described - the smells and the noise, the people and their food and clothing - I felt completely immersed in their lives, although I think I will pass on the 'egg coffee' (a condensed milk coffee with an egg in it). The colours and textures of the silks sold in Nicole's shop sounded divine and I found myself coveting the silk purses and lampshades that Nicole made. There is a lot to this story with the plot encompassing corruption, romance, murder, betrayal and tragedy.

Nicole and her sister Sylvie are as different in personality as they are in looks and of course there are sibling rivalrys. Nicole has always felt the unwanted one whilst Sylvie is considered the golden girl and given the main businesses to manage by their father. All Nicole is given is a small and long abandoned family silk shop in the Vietnamese quarter which will have its own important part to play. All the characters are well drawn, there were some that I took to more than others but they all have their distinct personalities - from the main players to the lesser ones of Nicole's friend O'Lan and little Yvette and not forgetting the hated Monsieur Giraud - they will get under your skin in one way or another.

What this story does get across very well is the sheer horror of being caught between warring factions and the constant worry of wondering who were friends or foe. There were atrocities committed by both sides and I could empathise with Nicole's anguish when trying to decide whose side to take.

It did take me a little while to become fully engaged with the story and that was purely down to issues I had with Nicole. My initial impression of her was that she was too needy and despite her privileged upbringing had a 'woe is me' attitude which I found a little irritating. However as the story progressed I saw more of Nicole's bravery whilst Sylvie came across as increasingly manipulative and unstable.

Dinah Jefferies writes this type of historical fiction so well and it makes for a very enjoyable read - the amount of research that has been undertaken clearly shows in the vivid imagery along with intriguing characters, wonderful locations and the social history aspect. Another recommended read.

My thanks to Penguin for the ARC to review.

I was delighted to receive a special proof copy which as well as being beautifully wrapped in a silk bow with a thank you card, included a thank you page from Dinah and a list of supporters. I was especially thrilled to see my (Twitter) name included (Karendennise). This was such a lovely gesture from both Dinah and Penguin and very much appreciated.

It's a pleasure to start off the blog tour and please do check out the other stops on the tour over the next week.