Yes, Prissy is really a prostitute, and has been for several months before Gerard becomes her client. He is a shy, not-very-bright young man who quite simply does not know how to relate to women and finds comfort in the routine. He doesn't know how to show love or affection either, and when he finally decides to set her up as his mistress he has to pretend it's all a business transaction; Prissy likewise compartmentalises her life because it's what Gerard wants.

Their love story is beautifully portrayed by an author who has a gift for such angsty relationship tales. The characters' motivations all become clear over time, and Balogh uses introspection to great effect in developing the relationship and the characters' personalities. If you love books which make you want to cry before you smile at the ending, you'll love this one.

And the cards are great! Whenever I get a cold or feel down about something, I just get out the deck of cards and give myself a reading from the "Jewels of the Lotus." The reading is always right on track - I come away with insights into the situation and then I make progress by using what I learned.

This is a long overdue book and card deck - it is definitely on my gift list for my favorite people!

-Gena Parkhurst Chicago, IL

The Authors have brought out the richness of the land in an excellent presentation. The quality of the book in terms of the content, pictures, presentation, the collection of the jewels shown and the history behind them is very well presented.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and certainly recommend to any one with interest in such a book. it should be in any interested person's collection.

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN is Book I in the series written by Paul Scott known as the Raj Quartet. JEWEL is a complete novel, but it also lays the groundwork for the three other books in the series. The later books elaborate the story laid out in Book 1. Although Hari is absent from large sections of the text in Books 2-4, he is the main character from the beginning to the end. He is the invisible presence who haunts the other characters. He may symbolize India, but As Daphne Manners says in her journal, he is his own simile.

JEWEL takes place in 1942, mostly in India. Hari's story is a composite developed from many viewpoints--court depositions, recorded hearing proceedings, journals, and the personal remembrances of those who him. The narrator piecing the story together appears to be a writer or reporter describing the so-called Mayapore riots of 1942 and their aftermath in the years following. Pandit Baba, an Indian scholar, says in a Book 2 that the word "riot" is a misnomer. The English say it was a riot but the Indians say it was a lawful protest by a people who had suffered outrage and wanted Independance.

The Raj Quartet reminds me of Jane Austin's novels --especially her later books MANSFIELD PARK and EMMA. Like Austin, Scott has a keen understanding of human nature. His characterizations of Harry and Daphne are flawless. He builds them one fine layer at a time until the reader is convinced they must have been "real" people. Scott also describes an historical place and the people who lived in it with what the reader can only believe is verismilitude. Like Austin, Scott brings an exquisite sense of timing to his storyline. The near misses and plot twists leave the reader breathless. And,like Austin, Scott's sense of irony is so deftly incorporated one can only wonder at the various possible interpretations of the text.

JEWEL like India is difficult to understand. Scott has written his book in English, and as Hari Kumar's father said, English is a beautiful language but "it cannot be called truthful because its subtleties are infinite. It is the language of a people who have probably earned their reputation for perfidy."

The main story through which everything evolves is the love affair between a somewhat awkward English woman and a British top-school educated Indian, who has trouble finding his place in an India he does not know. Their relationship is looked upon with disgust, above all from the Police Inspector Merrick, one of the other leading characters through the four books. Merrick also has a soft spot for the English woman, Ms Manners, and is outraged and humiliated by the fact that she would prefer this Indian, Hari Kumar. His anger is naturally strengthened by Kumar's superior education and upbringing, his speaking English with a received pronuciation whereas Merrick himself has a working-class background he desperately tries to hide.

But this is only one of the stories that the books describe; there are many different characters and families that interact somewhat, we leap forward and backward, some people meet each other, some don't -but it is all beautifully tied together to the backdrop of the political instability that would eventually lead to the end of British rule. The books give, apart from superb story-telling and interesting characters, a profound lesson in modern history in this part of the world. Scott is very objective and as a reader you develop both warm and resentful feelings to the British and the Indians alike. A superb read deeply recommended.

There is no psychology mumbo-jumbo - just straight talk! At the end of each chapter, Priscilla provides questions to consider and a prayer that addresses the subject matter of that particular chapter. This is a must-read for women of all ages, whether married or single.

i wrote the above review on 5 oct 01, it is now 30 oct 01. i have finished the book and all i have to say is BLESSED! i thank God for reading this book. it really contains valuable insights for both Christian and non-Christian women. Don't keep this book to yourself, give it to a friend so you can share the spiritual reflections and prayers of dedications together in fellowship.

I've always enjoyed a carnival/magical type atmosphere in a novel so I just knew I was going to love this one. I wasn't disappointed. What I liked most about this book was the way the author developed the hero and heroine. We get to see them as little brats and are allowed to grow up with them. I typically don't enjoy *saga* type books and prefer to get to the action right away but these two kids and their story were so interesting and the characters so very well developed that I became attached to these two and couldn't wait to see what happened next.

The hero starts life as a wounded little boy and develops into a strong, secure, sensitive man thanks to the loving attention of his *adopted* family. The heroine is independent and headstrong but still has a vulnerable side. All of the secondary characters are wonderful and add depth and emotion to the story. The love scenes ain't bad either. This one put me thru the emotional wringer and I loved every word