The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen

 

 The Moon in the Mango Tree is based on the author’s grandmother’s story.

In 1919, newly wed Perkins arrive in Siam. Barbara puts her dream of singing in opera aside for her husband’s work as a missionary doctor. In Nan Valley, north of Siam, she quickly finds out that her singing is not appreciated on the mission as some see it as something inappropriate.

Her journey has no clear path as she is meant to follow her husband. That is the custom during her time. She quickly recognizes monks of Buddhist temples as something spiritual and nurturing. What her husband is part of is meant to have a good purpose, but she notices that the way of the natives may not be necessarily the bad way as they’re being portrayed by missionaries.

The main protagonist journey has no clear path once she decides to follow her husband and when she realizes that her singing voice in a remote place is not needed. She struggles with her faith, and finding her voice. For quite some time, she finds living in Nan Valley as wasted years of her life. Then, she searches for meaning and purpose in her life.

The story brings a fascinating character of a woman who grows on a personal level and despite following her husband; she has her own mind and her own voice.

This story is written with elegant prose, exploring the remote corner of the world and known places of Europe, with a character that fascinates.

This self-grow journey, I find more spiritual than Christian as it’s listed under one of the genres.

Release: October 17, 2023

Source: Blackstone Publishing