If you love classic gothic romances with a dash of mystery and a sprawling historical setting, this is right up your alley! The India Fan whisks you from rural England to exotic colonial India, serving up family secrets, curses, a touch of the supernatural, and plenty of high society drama. Fans of Victoria Holt’s other works, slow-burn plots, and old-school romantic suspense will feel right at home.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re sensitive to outdated attitudes on class, gender, and race, or looking for a modern sensibility, this might not be your cup of tea. Some readers found the story’s portrayal of India problematic and the pacing a bit slow, especially when the romance takes a back seat to other plotlines. The main character’s judgmental nature and constant self-deprecation also grated on a few nerves.

A richly atmospheric gothic tale that delivers intrigue and drama, but expect vintage attitudes and a slower pace. It’s perfect for die-hard Victoria Holt fans and anyone craving a classic, twisty historical escapade.

About:

The India Fan by Jean Plaidy, also known as Victoria Holt, follows the story of Drusilla, a rector's daughter, as she navigates relationships with the wealthy Framley family in England, France, and India over several years. The plot revolves around Drusilla's friendship with the impulsive Lavinia, the cursed Indian peacock feather fan, and the dramatic events that unfold in their lives, including murder, romance, and mysticism. The writing style is described as fast-paced, exciting, and rich in historical detail, transporting readers to different settings and cultures while exploring themes of love, betrayal, and superstition.

Characters:

The characters include a conflicted and judgmental protagonist, a beautiful yet foolish counterpart, and a charming but spoiled male lead, with secondary characters lacking development.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is formal, with occasional modern language and repetitive elements, reflecting a somewhat dated approach.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Drusilla's entanglements with the wealthy Framling family, focusing on themes of class and gender, propelled by the curse of a fan.

Setting:

The setting includes rich historical and cultural elements spanning England, France, and India, with a significant focus on colonialism.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and at times predictable, but picks up during critical plot moments.

I had always been fascinated by the big house of Framling. Perhaps it had begun when I was two years old and Fabian Framling had kidnapped me and kept me there for two weeks. It was a house full of sh...

Notes:

The India Fan was written by Victoria Holt, a pseudonym for Eleanor Alice Burford Hibbert.

The book was first published in 1998 and re-released in 2013 with a new cover.

It explores complex themes like sexism, classicism, and racism prominent during the early 1800s.

The main character, Drusilla, is the daughter of a local rector and feels inferior to the wealthy Framling family.

The story includes a curse associated with an Indian peacock feather fan.

Drusilla's character has been criticized for being judgmental and unsympathetic.

A significant portion of the story shifts to India, reflecting British imperial attitudes of the time.

The portrayal of Indian characters has been noted as stereotypical and problematic, often depicting them as either submissive or threatening.

Romance takes a back seat to character relationships, particularly between Drusilla and Lavinia, a spoiled aristocrat.

The book includes elements of gothic romance, mystery, and historical fiction, appealing to readers with varied interests.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of sexism, classism, racism, violence, and implications of sexual assault, particularly in the context of the historical setting.

Has Romance?

The romance is present but takes a back seat to character dynamics and societal issues, resulting in a medium level of romantic engagement.

From The Publisher:

"A mesmerizing story of blackmail, romance, and deception."-Associated Press

A parson's daughter, Druscilla Delaney is enthralled by her wealthy, glamorous neighbors-the Framlings-and their handsome son, Fabian. They gift her with a priceless heirloom, a beautiful fan that brings with it a terrible curse.

Beautiful as its peacock feathers may be, the priceless fan hidden deep in the Framling mansion has a legacy of death and destruction. And Druscilla has no idea she's been marked by its curse.

But the fan's dark past might prove less of a danger than Fabian Framling himself. Dark, brooding, and dominating, will he be the one to save her from the fan's cruel fate...or cause her demise?

Including elements of historical romance and romantic suspense, The India Fan is a spellbinding tale from the Queen of Gothic Romance. Fast-paced and gripping, fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, and Daphne Du Maurier will be awestruck by this Victorian gothic thriller complete with romance, murder, and mayhem.

Other Titles from Victoria Holt

Pride and the Peacock: To secure her inheritance, Jessica Clavering agrees to a marriage of convenience, but will her handsome new husband's desire for her ever surpass his obsession with a famously cursed opal?

The Shivering Sands: Caroline Verlaine's sister has gone missing and no one can tell her why. The only option is to go where Roma was last seen-an estate with a deadly history.

The Time of the Hunter's Moon: According to legend, a girl will see her future husband at the time of the hunter's moon. But when the handsome stranger revealed to Cordelia Grant disappears after an all-too-brief encounter, she has to wonder: Was he merely an apparition...or something more?

What readers are saying about The India Fan

"The India Fan was beautiful. It was long and complex and draining. It was gripping."

"Once you start, you can't put it down."

"A knock-out novel of mysticism and murder..."

"This book brings memories!!! I read it when I was in high school and it remains one of my favorite books to read."

What reviewers are saying about The India Fan

"...romance, curses, dark secrets, and a Gothic tale of epic proportions"-My Book Addiction and More

"...an absolutely engrossing read. The story-telling is excellent and I found the historical background fascinating."-Romantic Historical Lovers

"Enthralling."-The New York Times Book Review

"Fresh and steadily compelling."-Kirkus

"Readers will savor this sweeping coming-of-age tale"-Publishers Weekly

"The India Fan is one of those epic stories that you can completely immerse yourself in and it will stay in your memory for years."-Great Historicals

What everyone is saying about the Queen of Gothic Romance Victoria Holt

"Victoria Holt's writing is captivating"-Bookfoolery

"She spins history with romance and intrigue and always leaves me wanting more."

"Holt's stories are spell binding....page turners."

"I love her books! I have read all of them again and again. She is a wonderful storyteller."

"One of the supreme writers of gothic romance, a compelling storyteller whose gripping novels have thrilled millions."-RT Book Reviews

January 1985

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437 pages

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The India Fan

Jean Plaidy (Victoria Holt)

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