By India Edghill
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 838
Genre: Historical Fiction
“A Tiger in the Garden”, authored by India Edghill, is an exceptionally crafted novel. Set in a vividly portrayed era, the story seamlessly blends drama, romance, and adventure. Edghill’s skilful writing and attention to detail create an immersive experience, making the novel an essential read for lovers of the genre.
At just 16 years old, Lillian (Lily) Shawcross ends up on a ship bound for India. After her father’s devastating death, she travels to stay with her aunt and uncle. Lily hopes they can provide her solace and comfort in this unfamiliar land. Her head is filled with enchanting tales from One Thousand and One Nights. For her, India calls to mind lush greenery, vibrant silks, exotic spices, and stunning scenery. Eager and hopeful, she resolves to embrace every moment of her new adventure, while still holding onto the comforts of her own culture. Yet, the India Lily encounters is far more intense and complex than the fairy tale she envisioned. Instead of a warm welcome from her relatives, she awakens confused, swaying gently atop an elephant. Groggy and disoriented, she soon learns she has been mistaken for Princess Lilavati. Lilavati, once a friend, now feels like an enemy. She had drugged Lily and orchestrated an elaborate ruse to take her place as the next bride of Sherabagh. Lily realises she is trapped in a foreign palace, betrothed to the Raja. Despite the dire circumstances, Lily shows remarkable resilience and determination. Overwhelmed at first, she searches for someone—anyone—who speaks English and might help her return to her old life. With each passing day, her isolation grows and her hope of escape fades. The Raja, Sherdil, knows she is not his cousin, but he refuses to release her, fearing fallout from the British. Thus, Lily becomes ensnared in a world both enthralling and isolating. As she faces her new role, she emerges as a strong-willed young woman with a spirited defiance. She resists the Raja’s romantic advances even as she enjoys the luxurious experiences of royal life and the beauty of lavish gowns and jewels. As the narrative continues, Lily becomes more aware of her responsibilities and the customs she must adopt. Through her journey, she transforms into a stronger, more courageous figure. She begins to understand her place in the royal court and the broader issues surrounding her. At times, she does struggle with her own identity, but she ends up finding her true self. As she begins to understand the political fallout from Britain and Russia racing each other to control Afghanistan, this deepens her commitment to Sherabagh and, what are now, her people.
Sherdil is a just and noble ruler who understands how fragile his reign is. He needs an heir to secure his throne, but an arranged marriage with his cousin Lilavati is unappealing. He remembers Lilavati as a spiteful, spoiled child—not someone to inspire confidence in marriage. The situation changes dramatically when Sherdil discovers it is not Lilavati who disembarked the ship. Instead, he is greeted by a mysterious English woman whose origins are unknown. Sherdil’s options are now limited. He could send the Englishwoman home, but this might anger the British and endanger his kingdom, as well as cause a scandal for her. Alternatively, he could play along with Lilavati’s manipulations and make this young woman his bride and face British displeasure if it were found out. He is therefore stuck between a rock and a hard place! Determined and resourceful, Sherdil decides to win over Lily. He treats her with polite respect, but his intentions are clear: he wants her as his wife and his queen. He launches a series of romantic gestures to win her affection. Beneath his charm, however, is a darker truth—Lily is a prisoner in his opulent palace. Her freedom is limited, and Sherdil knows that if Lily escapes and contacts the British, his kingdom could face invasion. This fear drives him to shape her into someone who fits his plans. Sherdil remains a complex character. His charisma draws people in, yet he can be manipulative, bending the truth and others’ wills to get what he wants. As the narrative unfolds, Sherdil has moments of growth and redemption. Still, his underlying traits stay the same, leading to an exploration of morality, power, and finally love.
Lilavati is fiercely determined to claim the throne of Sherabagh, and she has no intention of sharing this power with her cousin, whom she views as a rival. The idea of marrying him to secure her position is utterly unappealing. To achieve her goals, Lilavati befriends Lily at school, then reunites with her by chance on the ship heading to India. Through deceitful charm, she gains Lily’s trust and subsequently drugs her, ensuring that her plans can unfold without interference. Lilavati’s character is marked by her cold calculation and relentless pursuit of power, demonstrating a willingness to manipulate and betray those around her without remorse. Her treatment of others is nothing short of abominable, revealing her true nature as a ruthless and ambitious individual, willing to sacrifice anyone in her path to achieve her desires. Throughout the story, the reader remains acutely aware that at any moment, Lilavati could burst through the imposing palace gates. This lingering possibility creates a palpable tension that enhances the narrative.
The narrative primarily centres around Lily and Sherdil, but it frequently ventures back in time to provide a greater comprehension of the figures who once ruled the kingdom. These temporal shifts often occur when Lily interacts with various objects, such as an intricately carved ivory representation of Ganesh, a beautifully crafted chess set, or even a captivating bedroom frozen in time. Through these encounters, readers are granted a unique glimpse into the lives and experiences of past rulers of Sherabagh, gaining a more thorough comprehension of the intricate dynamics that have shaped the kingdom over time.
The depth of historical research that has been invested in this novel is truly commendable. Edghill not only displays a profound understanding of the political climate of the time but also explores the complexities of the conflicts in Afghanistan. She adeptly explores the tensions between English colonial rule and Russian dominance, highlighting how these geopolitical struggles influenced the region and its people. Furthermore, the novel is enriched by meticulously researched details about India during this period, showcasing the vibrant culture, social dynamics, and everyday life of its inhabitants and royalty. Edghill’s narrative weaves these historical elements seamlessly into the story, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the past. Through her compelling writing, she truly brings history to life, making it accessible and engaging for her audience.
This journey to India unfolds within a context of cultural richness, enhancing the sense of exoticism and adventure that permeates the narrative. The portrayal of India is beautifully rendered, immersing the reader in its vivid landscapes and rich traditions. The exhilarating details of the elephant ride capture the gentle sway of the majestic creature beneath Lily. The descriptions also encompass the royal wardrobe, vibrant with colours, patterns, and jewels. As the story progresses, the settings—such as the grand palace, the intricately designed zenana, the serene fountain room, and the flourishing gardens—are painted with exceptional detail. The zenana stands out with its labyrinthine corridors, where the air carries the perfume of exotic flowers, and the soft sounds of flowing water and tiny bells provide a tranquil backdrop. Each courtyard and garden serves as a microcosm of both activity and silence, creating a contrast that underscores the confined spaces in which Lily often finds herself. As Lily explores the palace, she discovers long-forgotten rooms, some now inhabited by monkeys, while others are haunted by the ghosts of those who once lived there. These meticulously crafted environments create a palpable sense of confinement for Lily, emphasising her feelings of isolation and longing in a realm that feels both enchanting and alien.
“A Tiger in the Garden” by India Edghill is an enthralling story that invites readers into a vividly imagined world teeming with historical detail and deep emotional resonance. Set against a backdrop that weaves together rich cultural tapestries, the narrative unfolds in a way that not only captivates the mind but also tugs at the heart. Each page reveals intricate characters and compelling conflicts, guiding the reader through a journey that leaves a lasting impression. The experience is sure to linger in the readers’ thoughts, making it a must-read for anyone seeking an engaging and memorable literary adventure. This book comes highly recommended.
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India Edghill
India Edghill's love of books and of history is longstanding: her grandparents and parents were all book and history lovers, and India inherited both traits. Her favorite reading is historical novels, especially sweeping epics such as GONE WITH THE WIND. THE FAR PAVILIONS, and THE FIRST MAN IN ROME. So when she started writing, naturally she wrote historical novels!
A librarian and a resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley for many years, she now lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley in Oregon. There she and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy the marvelous weather and she continues to indulge her passion for reading and writing. It's always a wonderful day when she discovers a new book to adore!
Congratulations! The last book I read about India was A Passage to India and that was years ago. I have added your book to my to-read list. I shall look forward to reading it.
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