Spirited by Julie Cohen

Despite it taking a long while to get into this book, I highly recommend that you stick with it. You won't be disappointed and you will see how all the stories entwine.

Although the book is called Spirited, and there is a Spiritualism aspect, the main story is about 4 people who know what they want and have the spirit to go for it against any conventions of the day - the book is set in Victorian England and India where conventions were very strongly followed.

Viola and Jonah were childhood best friends. She was the daughter of the Vicar, and he owned property in India, but was sent to live with Viola's parents as a child so much of his upbringing was in England rather than in India  and it was always assumed that Viola and Jonah would marry.


Henriette had a very difficult start to her life, but re-invented herself, partly due to a fortunate marriage, as a world renowned Spiritualist - and travelled the world with the help of benefactors, giving reading and holding séances - always keeping one step ahead of her creditors.

Pavan lived in India and wanted, against the odds, to go to University and study Maths.

The story weaves the four individuals together, and shows that things work out when you know what you want and you go for it, despite conventions or what others may think.

A very intelligent, thought provoking book, and one that will keep you gripped until the end. Highly recommended.