The Peacock Spring

The Peacock Spring is a novel about loss of innocence and coming-of-age, set in New Delhi during the British Raj. It follows the daughters of a diplomat, Una and Halcyon, who are summoned from their English boarding school to join their father. Una feels like an outsider in this world of racial prejudice and cultural elitism, until she meets Ravi, a young Indian gardener, who relieves her sadness and loneliness with poetry and compassion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Peacock Spring, penned by the acclaimed author Rumer Godden, is a captivating and poignant tale that delves into the themes of loss of innocence and the journey into adulthood. Set against the backdrop of 1930s India, the novel follows the lives of Una and Halcyon, daughters of a diplomat, as they are summoned from their English boarding school to join their father in New Delhi.

At fifteen and twelve, the girls have already traversed a significant portion of the world, surpassing the experiences of most girls their age. However, their arrival in India presents them with a reality that starkly contrasts their previous encounters. For Hal, India emerges as a magnificent adventure, brimming with captivating sights and sounds, as well as a diverse array of intriguing individuals. Una, on the other hand, feels like an outsider in this world, grappling with the remnants of racial prejudice and cultural elitism that linger from the days of the British Raj.

In this tumultuous context, the arrival of Ravi, a young Indian gardener, brings a ray of hope and solace into Una's life. Through his poetry and compassionate nature, Ravi manages to alleviate Una's sorrow and loneliness, offering her a sense of connection and understanding. What begins as a simple friendship quickly evolves into a love that society deems forbidden, teetering on the brink of scandal and disaster.

The Peacock Spring is a masterfully crafted novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, cultural clashes, and the search for identity. Rumer Godden's vivid prose and intricate character development bring the story to life, allowing readers to empathize with the characters and their struggles. The novel's setting in 1930s India adds an additional layer of richness and historical context, providing a backdrop for the unfolding drama.

In conclusion, The Peacock Spring is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-written and emotionally resonant novel. Rumer Godden's exceptional storytelling and profound insights into the human condition make this a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers to this day.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529078480