The subtitle says it all. Heartbreaking, family secrets, betrayal, love!

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The Girl in the Painting: A heartbreaking historical novel of family secrets, betrayal and love 
by Renita D'Silva           

This was a compelling story that switched between India in 1926 and England of 2000. It evoked strong emotions with the beauty of its prose. For me it started slowly and it was some time before I was fully immersed.
As Margaret is nearing the end of her life she deeds her Indian house to her granddaughter Emma with an accompanying request. To take a particular painting to India to her former maid Archana.
Margaret sends a heartfelt message for Archana,
"Tell her… tell her that I understand why she did what she did, that I forgave her for it a long time ago. Ask her, please, to forgive me."
The painting Margaret lyrically refers to "was created beside the stream, swollen water glimmering starburst silver, the opposite bank dotted with saris singing in kaleidoscopic colour as they dried on rocks, the spiced grit taste of humid heat, cinnamon tea and companionship. The painting of a girl, stark sadness in her eyes."
(To me that gorgeous description of the painting is just one example of D'Silva's enchanting word smithing abilities.)
In that India of the past Margaret, always so sure of herself, had set in train actions that had unthought repercussions. Cultural differences are spanned, betrayals revisited and the mystery of the painting unveiled. A cross generational story that envelopes!

 A Bookouture ARC via NetGalley

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