“Browne writes in lush detail, evoking the people, places, and cultures of Europe, India, and China in the late 18th century. She also displays great skill in expressing the subtleties of human emotions, from the tenderest passion to the deepest grief. Lachlan will experience both. Highly recommended.” — READERS’ FAVORITE
“Fabulous and heartbreaking … fresh and authentic in every detail …
“Fabulous and heartbreaking … fresh and authentic in every detail … it has to be the best book I have read about the British in India since M. M. Kaye’s “The Far Pavilions” – Dr Aileen Keegan.
Set in the beauty of Scotland, the magic of India, and the hostility of China, peopled with memorable characters of all races.
BY EASTERN WINDOWS is the story of a young British officer, Lachlan Macquarie, who is posted to India where he meets Jane Jarvis, a young girl from the Caribbean – different, exotic and exciting – who becomes the greatest love and the greatest tragedy of his life … While back in Scotland, Elizabeth Campbell can’t forget the young lieutenant whom she loved on first sight, even though she was only twelve at the time. Now she is growing, and still wondering about him.
It is also the story of the young soldiers who travelled with Lachlan to India, far from home, serving their king in a country they came to love, while coping with the complex differences between East and West.
“By Eastern Windows is an engaging story on many levels. Browne writes in lush detail and flowing narrative, evoking the people, places, and cultures of Europe, India, and China in the late 18th century. Lachlan is an admirable protagonist, a young man of dependable and steadfast character, well-liked by those under his command as well as those he serves. The plot introduces a cast of characters which crosses cultural and religious lines and frankly acknowledges the racial prejudices and restrictive sex roles of the time. Browne displays great skill in expressing the subtleties of human emotions, from the tenderest passion to the deepest grief. Lachlan will experience both. Highly recommended. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.” — 5 Stars. Reviewed By Kimberlee J Benart for READERS’ FAVORITE
“What a fabulous and amazing story. This book reminded me of other epic stories like Gone with the Wind. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next in the character’s amazing lives. Gretta Curran Browne is a storyteller for the ages.” — J Leonard1 – BOOKBUB
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This author is certainly one of my top favorites. Great writing. Great style. The story puts you right there. A great series of a family saga. I have read 3 in the series to date. ` By Eastern Windows` is almost as good as `Far Horizon`, which I give a 5 star rating so I give this one a 4 and a half.
The first in the Macquarie series covers the early military career of Lachlan Macquarie, known as the Father of Australia. In this book, he rejoins the British Army as a lieutenant to support his mother and brother on their Scottish farm. He travels to India where he meets the first love of his life, Jane Jarvis. Their courtship and marriage was romantic but ultimately tragic. Heartwarming and bittersweet.
I found the details about the early years of the British Raj (late 1790s-early 1800s) to be quite interesting. Lachlan is depicted as a determined, honorable young man, deserving of his rather rapid rise through the ranks.
Recommended for fans of historical fiction.
This series is wonderful. I bought and got all the way through the first book before I found out it was based on the life of an actual person. It was so interesting, I could hardly put it down and I had to do more research on my own after I’d finished it. I then purchased the remaining books. They will be reread over and over. Greta Curran Brown is an amazing author. Her books are well researched and beautifully written. I have purchased numerous of her series…basically biographies of historical figures. I can’t sing enough praises!
This was a new author for me and a time period that I didn’t know much about, the early 1800’s, the Colonial period when Britain, France and others fought each other over portions of India and China. I get tired of light, fluffy romance books, especially now during the Pandemic, when I am reading more than usual. This book tied off nicely, did not leave me hanging, but I do look forward to the next one in the series.
This is a good read with any interesting plot with a few unexpected twists. Initially begins slowly but quickly ramps up to become a late night page turner
Fantastic story based on the life of a British soldier who becomes the governor of Australia. If you love history you will love this series.
Loved this historical fiction book. Fabulous characters and story line. Glad it had a happy ending. I was beginning to wonder when his first wife died. Loved the slave boy he rescued and the raised as his son. Life has a way of working out even when we may not see it.
By Eastern Windows: Gretta Curron Browne
A young Scot must join the military and leave home to support his widowed mother and disabled brother. He rises in the ranks, travels the exotic reaches of the British empire, and falls in love with a woman from the Caribbean. Together they tackle the intricate societies they inhabit, and the ties of family and wealth. A nicely written rendition of a true story.
A tale of British colonialism in India and Scotland. The loves and lives of a family. A nice read where you grow to love the family over decades of life. A past we can learn from. Honor and responsibility are more than just words.
What a fabulous and amazing story. This book reminded me of other epic stories like Gone with the Wind. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next in the character’s amazing lives. Gretta Curran Browne is a storyteller for the ages.
Excellent! Alth it was a novel I believed it all the way.
loved this book…I learned a lot about the history of the British in India, opium trade to China, life in Scotland and England, etc while enjoying hearing about a soldiers life . totally recommend this book and this author
Enjoyable read with great historical background.
Captivating read about British activity in India, well developed characters
I really Ike the older historical novels. The British army operating in India is a greT read. Britains coloniZations of Asia and Africa are awesome reads. This love story is awesome.
Enjoyed very much
One man’s life is followed across continents as a British soldier with the many cultures and locations written in an interesting manner. It was a pleasant read.
Loved this book. The main character has integrity, something in rare supply these days. I’ll read anything by Greta Curran Brown, an exceptional author. You forget that you’re reading a book-you’re right in there in the action.
What a lovely story
Lachlan Macquarie is a soldier in the British army and has been since the age of fifteen. After fighting in America and Canada as well as the West Indies, he is posted to India. The book spends a little time detailing his military experiences, but most of the book focuses on his personal relationships, witH Jane Jarvis, Bappoo, Marianne, George, and Elizabeth. His mother, on the Scottish isle of Mull is often in his thoughts. The romance between Lachlan and Jane is the cornerstone of the book, making the book unforgettable.