Cromartie V the God Shiva — Rumer Godden

Ever since the publication of Black Narcissus in 1939, Rumer Godden has enchanted tens of thousands of readers with over 60 books, including a dozen widely acclaimed novels for adults, her memoirs, and a constant stream of books for children and young adults. At least nine of her novels have been made into films.

Now Rumer returns to India -- the country that has inspired many of her greatest works -- in a magical, moving story about art, religion, love, class, race, and greed. Set in London and on south India's Coromandel coast, the story is based on a real case ten years ago when an international incident over the ownership of a priceless bronze statue resulted in the God Shiva (Acting Through the Government of India) actually being the plaintiff in a lawsuit.

This entrancing modern-day morality tale is also at heart a tremendously touching love story. Wonderfully evocative, each page of Cromartie V. The God Shiva is indelibly imprinted with the sights and smells of India. With its spellbinding narrative, the many comic episodes, and a cast of beautifully drawn characters rich in complexity, Rumer Godden's novel is a gem.