Description

Scent of Cloves by Norah Lofts is a historical novel that immerses readers in the exotic and tumultuous world of the 17th-century Dutch East Indies. Originally published in 1957, this gothic romance has captivated audiences with its rich storytelling and complex characters.

📖 Synopsis

The story follows Julia Ashley, a young woman whose life is marked by tragedy and upheaval. Rescued from Cromwell’s Irish massacres by her nurse and later saved from starvation by a Dutch sea captain, Julia’s fate seems to be shaped by forces beyond her control. Her future and any hope for lasting happiness hinge on a “glove marriage”—a union arranged through a glove sent to a man she has never met. This marriage leads her to the island of Rua in the Dutch East Indies, a land of apparent paradise where nothing is as it seems.

🖋️ Author Background

Norah Lofts (1904–1983) was an English author renowned for her historical fiction and gothic novels. She often explored themes of fate, societal constraints, and the complexities of human relationships. Lofts’s works are noted for their atmospheric settings and well-developed characters. In addition to her novels, she also wrote under the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis.

🌟 Reception

Readers have praised Scent of Cloves for its depth and emotional resonance. The novel is often described as a blend of gothic romance and historical fiction, with elements reminiscent of Jane Eyre and Bleak House. One reviewer noted, “Lofts creates great depth in her characters. As in real life, a person has strengths and weaknesses, and all too often, the weaknesses take first place.”