• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Peeking Between the Pages

Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

  • HOME
  • ARCHIVES
  • PAST READS
  • REVIEW POLICY
  • ABOUT ME
  • CONTACT ME

Guest Post with Elle Newmark, author of The Sandalwood Tree & Giveaway

May 3, 2011 by Darlene


I just finished The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark the other day and the novel is still so much on my mind (my review). It’s beautifully written and a story that captured my attention. It’s one of those novels that you regret finishing because you wished it would go on a little longer. Today Elle Newmark joins us at Peeking Between the Pages to talk about her travels for the novel and her visit to the Taj Mahal. Please enjoy Elle’s guest post entitled The Taj Mahal…

While in India, researching The Sandalwood Tree, I visited the Taj Mahal. My first surprise was that it only looks pure white from a distance. As you approach, you begin to see the subtle nuances in the marble, and up close you see delicate gemstones inlaid in floral motifs and passages from the Koran chiseled into the pillars. Like love, the Taj is much more complicated up close.

But what’s one more royal tomb without a story a good love story to give it gravitas? The story behind the Taj involves a queen who died at the age of thirty-nine while giving birth to her fourteenth child. On her deathbed she asked two things of her husband. First, that he build her a glorious tomb, and second, that he never marry again.

Am I the only one who senses world-class jealously in that request? Yes, I know I’m cynical. But still…

The Taj took twenty-two years to build and during its construction the king found a new love—architecture. He became so consumed by the project that when the Taj was finished he immediately began work on another for himself.

He never remarried during the thirty-five years he lived after the queen’s death, and so he kept both his vow. Of course, the rules of epic romance demand that, in the telling, this story must imply that the king lived the remainder of his life celibate, completely devoted to the memory of his lost queen.

But he was a relatively young man and I wanted to ask my guide whether the king ever had—what would you call them? Concubines? Girlfriends? After all, she only asked him not to marry. But to ask that question while standing on the steps of the Taj Mahal would have been like questioning the existence of God in a church.

If the king—who already had heirs aplenty, and no need for another queen—if, from time to time, the king needed a woman, well, he was the king, and, technically, he could have a whole harem as long as he didn’t marry anyone.

The king and his queen are buried side by side in twin sarcophagi, and as I gazed upon their eternal togetherness I understood that it didn’t matter whether she was jealous or what the king did after her death. How petty and dull of me to sully a perfectly good fairytale with such a realistic question. I might as well ask why Cinderella’s glass slippers didn’t break. You’re not supposed to go the Taj Mahal and zero in on details. You’re supposed to step back and be awed.

I looked up as a dove swooped through one arch and out another, and I understood. The Taj Mahal combines sublime architecture and epic romance to remind us of the heights to which human beings can aspire. The Taj Mahal is magic because it allows, even cynics like me, the opportunity to step back and be awed.
__________

Thank you so much for this wonderful guest post Elle! I’d love to visit the Taj Mahal someday – what an experience that would be!
__________

About the Book (from Amazon.com)

A sweeping novel that brings to life two love stories, ninety years apart, set against the rich backdrop of war-torn India.
In 1947, American historian and veteran of WWII, Martin Mitchell, wins a Fulbright Fellowship to document the end of British rule in India. His wife, Evie, convinces him to take her and their young son along, hoping a shared adventure will mend their marriage, which has been strained by war.

But other places, other wars. Martin and Evie find themselves stranded in a colonial bungalow in the Himalayas due to violence surrounding the partition of India between Hindus and Muslims. In that house, hidden behind a brick wall, Evie discovers a packet of old letters, which tell a strange and compelling story of love and war involving two young Englishwomen who lived in the same house in 1857.

Drawn to their story, Evie embarks on a mission to piece together her Victorian mystery. Her search leads her through the bazaars and temples of India as well as the dying society of the British Raj. Along the way, Martin’s dark secret is exposed, unleashing a new wedge between Evie and him. As India struggles toward Independence, Evie struggles to save her marriage, pursuing her Victorian ghosts for answers.

Bursting with lavish detail and vivid imagery of Calcutta and beyond, The Sandalwood Tree is a powerful story about betrayal, forgiveness, fate, and love.

Check out the Book Trailer…

About the Author (from Amazon.com)


Elle Newmark is an award-winning writer whose books are inspired by her travels. She and her husband, a retired physician, have two grown children and five grandchildren. They live in the hills north of San Diego.

Visit Elle Newmark’s website & blog.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark to share with my readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with an email address to contact you in the event that you win.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog. If you already do, thank you, and please let me know so I can pass on the extra entry to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes). I will draw for the winner on Saturday, May 21/11. Good luck to you all!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Share this post!
Share

Filed Under: Guest Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mystica says

    May 3, 2011 at 9:54 am

    As usual don't count me in as I am overseas. Just wanted to say the Taj Mahal also affected me deeply. I just stood there and gaped – I found it awe inspiring despite the heat, the crowds and the chatter.

  2. Beachreader says

    May 3, 2011 at 11:00 am

    Elle Newmark's description of the Taj Mahal makes me want to go there now. Thanks for the giveaway.

    I also follow
    jgoffice(at)cox(dot)net

  3. Vivienne says

    May 3, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Isn't it strange how different things appear up close. I cannot believe it took so long to build. I would love to see the Taj Mahal one day.

  4. dogwood says

    May 3, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    Sounds like a beautiful book. When I was a kid, we had a teeny little "secret" attic and I always hoped that I'd find a stash of letters hidden away.

    dogwoodlane at suddenlink dot net

  5. dogwood says

    May 3, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Oh, and I'm a GFC follower. (dogwood)

    dogwoodlane at suddenlink dot net

  6. Tiffany Drew says

    May 3, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    This book looks amazing. I have seen many reviews for it online and they were all positive. Win or lose, I will definitely be reading this one. Thank you for the excellent giveaway!

    jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

  7. Tiffany Drew says

    May 3, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    I follow via GFC as Tiffany Drew 🙂

    jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

  8. Tiffany Drew says

    May 3, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    And I tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/#!/enterthedrew/status/65393666952409088

    jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

  9. Linda says

    May 3, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    Sounds wonderful. Only recently I've read some historical fiction set in India and realized what a great setting it makes for a novel.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

    I'm a GFC follower.

  10. Liz V. says

    May 3, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    Looks good. Thanks.

  11. Rachel says

    May 3, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    I'm a follower! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

  12. Clary says

    May 3, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    I've been to the Taj Mahal and when I saw it my jaw just dropped. Its absolutely gorgeous!!! A sad fact about it though is that once its construction was completed, Sharjahan – the Maharaja or King – ordered that the hands of his architect be cut off so that nothing so beautiful could ever be built ever again. When the architect heard about this plan, it is said that he wept and went and made a tiny hole somewhere in the tomb where water leaks. Till today nobody is able to detect this hole and the dripping sounds like someone is crying. Kinda selfish and sad.. I know but this is one of the things that make it part of our history.

    I've been to Calcutta as well and its a very lively and busy city. till today you can see a lot of influences the British left behind – right from their building to their mode of transportation. Plus the food there is out of this world. 😀

    I'm international so I can't enter the contest but I just wanted to comment. Thanks.

  13. mel u says

    May 3, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    I would love to win this book-I am an old follower thanks for offering this

    rereadinglives (at) gmail.com

  14. debbie says

    May 3, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    I have always wanted to visit India. I would love to read the book.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

  15. debbie says

    May 3, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    I am a gfc follower.
    debbie
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

  16. petite says

    May 3, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Thanks for this wonderful giveaway which would be a memorable book. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

  17. traveler says

    May 3, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    The review was great and this book sounds compelling and fascinating. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

  18. Zibilee says

    May 3, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    Loved this guest post! I have read a few books about the construction of the Taj Mahal, but I had no idea that the stones were inlaid with precious gems that you could actually see! That is amazing and wonderful, and I am hoping one day to see it for myself! Thanks Dar, for sharing this with us!

  19. Blodeuedd says

    May 3, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    Great guestpost 😀
    I would love to visit India, though I fear with my bad tummy I would not survive the food long

  20. Mary says

    May 3, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    This sounds like a wonderful read.

    mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

  21. Mary says

    May 3, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    I follow on GFC. (mamie316)

    mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

  22. Karen B says

    May 3, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    Sounds absolutely fascinating!

    kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

  23. Karen B says

    May 3, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    GFC follower as Karen B.

    kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

  24. rhonda says

    May 3, 2011 at 5:38 pm

    i follow on email.lomazowr@gmail.com

  25. Sandra K321 says

    May 3, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    I would love to read this. Thanks.

    seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

  26. Sandra K321 says

    May 3, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    I follow your blog with GFC as Sandra K321.

  27. Sherri says

    May 3, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    This sounds like a very interesting and lovely story! Count me in for the giveaway!

    cmcdermitt1@carolina.rr.com

  28. Sherri says

    May 3, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    I'm a follower of your blog.

  29. bermudaonion says

    May 3, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    No need to enter me in the giveaway. Her guest post makes me want to visit the Taj Mahal.

  30. a real librarian says

    May 3, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    I'd love to read this! I loved the Book of Unholy Mischief, so I'm excited about this one!

    areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

  31. a real librarian says

    May 3, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    I also follow!

    areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

  32. SusieBookworm says

    May 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    Thanks for the great guest post and giveaway! I had forgotten how many kids Shah Jahan had. 🙂 The Sandalwood Tree sounds like a really interesting book.

    susanna dot pyatt at student dot rcsnc dot org

    I'm an old GFC follower.
    Tweet:
    http://twitter.com/#!/SusieBookworm/status/65512603719442432

  33. Holly (2 Kids and Tired) says

    May 4, 2011 at 1:50 am

    I missed the tour for this one and after reading the reviews, I'm bummed! I'd love to win it.

    And, I follow in google reader!

    je2kids(at)gmail(dot)com
    2 Kids and Tired Books

  34. mamabunny13 says

    May 4, 2011 at 4:38 am

    Elle's discription of the Taj Mahal was so lovely. I wish I could see it for myself one day.
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  35. mamabunny13 says

    May 4, 2011 at 4:39 am

    I already follow your blog
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  36. mamabunny13 says

    May 4, 2011 at 4:43 am

    tweet http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/65637448297885697
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  37. Anna says

    May 4, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    Great post! I probably would have wondered the same thing about the king. My husband always says I think about things too much. 😉

    I'm a follower through Google Reader, and I put the giveaway in my sidebar.

    diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com

  38. Serena says

    May 4, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    Wow…I would love to visit the Taj Mahal! It's on my must see list for sure. I'd like to be entered for this story, sounds great.

    savvyverseandwit at gmail

    and yes, I follow

  39. skkorman says

    May 4, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    I would love to read this book—please enter me to win!

    skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

  40. skkorman says

    May 4, 2011 at 6:12 pm

    I follow your blog (skkorman)!

    skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

  41. Amy says

    May 4, 2011 at 8:52 pm

    The Sandalwood Tree sounds like a beautiful and captivating story. I love that there is a mystery within the story and some major secrets too!

    I enjoyed Elle's guest post about visiting the Taj Mahal. Her description of the tomb gives me a good idea of how stunning it looks in person. I agree with Elle that the Queen's request of the King speaks of terrible jealousy and is also so selfish. She gives no consideration to how lonely he would be!

    Elle's guest post makes me want to read her book even more! Please enter me in your giveaay, Dar!

    Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

  42. Amy says

    May 4, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    I'm a GFC follower of your blog!

    Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

  43. tanya904 says

    May 4, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    Sounds like a book that I would truly enjoy. Thanks for the chance to win
    tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

  44. tanya904 says

    May 4, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    I follow via gfc
    tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

  45. ~Enamored Soul~ says

    May 5, 2011 at 8:23 am

    I think "The Sandalwood Tree" sounds like an amazingly poignant book – even the title evokes a certain aroma. Plus, the book seems to marry contemporary fiction with historical fiction, and I absolutely love that about it. Winning this book would be absolutely AMAZING! 🙂

    ~Hira~
    GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
    Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
    Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

  46. ~Enamored Soul~ says

    May 5, 2011 at 8:24 am

    Thank you for the amazing giveaway opportunity.

    I'm a GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~

    ~Hira~
    GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
    Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
    Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

  47. ~Enamored Soul~ says

    May 5, 2011 at 8:27 am

    I tweeted the giveaway:

    http://twitter.com/#!/inluvwithbookz/status/66056116823531520

    ~Hira~
    GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
    Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
    Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

  48. nfmgirl says

    May 5, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Sounds compelling. I'd love a shot at this book. Please count me in.

    I follow

    Blogged:
    http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-5-01-11.html

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  49. melissasmeanderings says

    May 5, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    I am a follower:)

    mk261274 at gmail dot com

  50. Arch says

    May 5, 2011 at 10:36 pm

    Hi Dar,

    Loved your review of this book and would love to read it…. please enter me for this giveaway.

    +1: I am also a follower of your blog

    – arch

    archanaskorner@gmail.com

  51. Nancy says

    May 6, 2011 at 7:52 pm

    As MM Kaye is one of my favorite authors, I've always loved stories concerning the British Raj. Please enter me in this drawing.

    nanze55(at)hotmail(dot)com

  52. ann says

    May 7, 2011 at 2:10 am

    sounds like an amazing book to read I'd like to enter
    amhengst@verizon.net

  53. ann says

    May 7, 2011 at 2:11 am

    I follow peeking between the pages blog + 1

  54. ann says

    May 7, 2011 at 2:11 am

    I am signed up for your blog + 1

  55. Suko says

    May 7, 2011 at 4:29 am

    Lovely post! Darlene, thanks for hosting this great giveaway. I'm a follower and I just posted this giveaway in my blog's sidebar.

    I'd love to experience seeing the Taj Mahal some day.

    suko95(at)gmail(dot)com

  56. Esme says

    May 8, 2011 at 3:17 am

    Having been to India I have enjoyed every book that I have read that was set in India.

    thank you

    chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

  57. Esme says

    May 8, 2011 at 3:17 am

    I follow

    chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

  58. Beth(bookaholicmom) says

    May 8, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    I never knew the story behind the Taj Mahal. That is a beautiful story in itself. I have been wanting to read The Sandalwood Tree. I does sound like a wonderful read. Thanks for offering such a great giveaway.

    bthgordon(at)yahoo(dot)com

  59. Beth(bookaholicmom) says

    May 8, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    I am also a google follower

    bthgordon(at)yahoo(dot)com

  60. Wanda says

    May 8, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Wow, that book trailer really adds a keen sense of intrigue! Count me in for a chance to win, please.

    I follow and will post here.

    wanda_waiting[@]hotmail.com

  61. BrittanyGale says

    May 9, 2011 at 5:33 am

    Great giveaway!

    I follow via GFC quixoticdreamer
    I tweeted 😀

    http://twitter.com/#!/QuixoticWeetzie/status/67461957262901248

    Thanks
    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  62. lag123 says

    May 9, 2011 at 11:37 am

    I have read many positive reviews of this book and would love to read it. Would also love to see the Taj Mahal one day. (Bucket list)

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

  63. lag123 says

    May 9, 2011 at 11:38 am

    I am an old follower via GFC and email.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

  64. lag123 says

    May 9, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/lag32583/status/67553019692191744

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

  65. Diana Quinn says

    May 10, 2011 at 12:53 am

    Hello! I would love to receive a copy of this book. I have an East Indian friend of many years who has told me about the beauty of India, and I'm always interested to learn more. Thank you!

    sahara5150@hotmail.com

  66. lizgatrgrl says

    May 10, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Lizallrich2@gmail.com

  67. lizgatrgrl says

    May 10, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    I am a blog subscriber 🙂

  68. Judy H says

    May 10, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    Thank you for this giveaway. I'm following on GFC via @headlessfowl.

    headlessfowl at gmail dot com

  69. Margie says

    May 11, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    This book sounds wonderful. THanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

  70. Margie says

    May 11, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    blog follower via GFC
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

  71. Anonymous says

    May 11, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    i would love to read this book.
    Please enter me.
    RJB
    loki304(at)tds(dot)net

  72. Beth says

    May 14, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Please enter me in the giveaway!
    I'm also a follower 🙂

    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

  73. JP says

    May 15, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    This is a great post! I'd love to win 🙂

    jesse.nicole.paul (at) gmail (dot) com

  74. JP says

    May 15, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    I'm also a follower

    jesse.nicole.paul (at) gmail (dot) com

  75. Anita Yancey says

    May 17, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    I would like to read this book. Sounds really good. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  76. Anita Yancey says

    May 17, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    Old Follower on GFC(Anita Yancey).

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  77. Rachel says

    May 21, 2011 at 1:36 am

    I am a follower and I would love to win a copy!

    rachel.rooneyr@gmail.com

  78. Jenny Girl says

    May 24, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    +2 I am a follower and here's my addy: jennygirl73[at]gmail[dot]com

Primary Sidebar

Follow Me!

 

Enter your email address to get my latest reviews sent to your inbox!

Recently Shared

  • Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor (Audiobook)
  • The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones (Audiobook)
  • Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (Audiobook)
  • Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez (Audiobook)
  • Before You Knew My Name by Jacqueline Bublitz (Audiobook)

Archives

Categories

Currently Reading

Orhan's Inheritance
Dear Carolina
The Mapmaker's Children
   

My Reading Pal Sammy

Remembering Buddy

Buddy
• May 25, 2002 - Oct 22, 2010 •
Forever in my heart