Book Review: “East of the Sun”

Reviewed by Katherine Hymel

Julia Gregson takes readers on a refreshing journey in her historical novel “East of the Sun.”

Set in the year 1928, the story follows the accounts of four budding young adults, traveling from England to India and hoping to start anew.

Viva Holloway is hired to chaperone several young people on a long ship voyage to India, although her true intentions stem much deeper to her ancestral roots in India.

Under her care is Rose, a naïve English belle who is blindly engaged to a cavalry officer stationed in India. Her dearest friend, Victoria (referred to as Tor), accompanies with a much more outgoing and adventurous spirit that is often smothered by superficial obsessions. Viva’s third undertaking is Guy, an 18-year-old whose unknown mental stability proves quite a challenge for the young guide. The members of this diverse group each present his or her own set of conflicts throughout the international voyage.

I thoroughly enjoyed the unique subject and various perspectives of East of the Sun. Gregson does a fantastic job of embellishing the novel with a mix of culture and discovery. I would recommend this book to readers seeking a romantic story with a sophisticated twist.

Katherine is a sophomore in the academically gifted program at Hahnville High School. She enjoys tennis, band and performing arts.

Editor’s note: Book reviews are published weekly during the summer in agreement with Hahnville High School gifted English teacher Deborah Unger in conjunction with the Brown Foundation Service Learning Program.