The Separation: Discover the perfect escapist read from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Tea Planter’s Wife

The novel is full of mystery and suspense. Considering all that went before, the ending is quite short and in my view lacks the emotion of a reunion which must have been overwhelming. Throughout the story it is a pity that the heroine cries so much. She is much stronger than that. Despite these minor observations, I really enjoyed this book and all the other books by Dinah Jefferies

Just finished this book. Bought after reading The Tea Planter's Wife which I enjoyed more than this one. 'The Separation' was a first novel andI think it reflects this. Although I did thoroughly enjoy it the story somehow lacked a bit of substance. However, still a most enjoyable read worth buying as an introduction to Dinah Jefferies style of writing. I purchased The Silk Merchant's Daughter at the same time so looking forward to another good read.

War! Tragedy! Romance! Intrigue! This novel has it all. OK, there are weaknesses in the plotlines and characterisation but remember this is a first novel. Bearing that in mind, it's really a staggering achievement. The novel brought back many (mostly happy) memories of my own childhood in the strange and beautiful land of Malaya during the chaotic times leading up to independence. Any reader who has a taste for more of this should try Anthony Burgess's Malayan trilogy "The Long Day Wanes".

An utterly captivating and engaging read. This novel is not only a page turner it comes alive almost immediately. It is seductive, heart wrenching, heart warming and engaging. The characters are written with authenticity allowing the reader to become fully involved in their stories and inner worlds. I loved being transported between the contrasts of Malaya and England where I could soak up the atmospheres and at times discomfort and tantalise my senses as the story evolved. I became emotionally involved in the main story and the unexpected stories and themes within. This is not only a compelling and traumatic story of separation, loss and the anguish of not knowing, it is also a story about family and secrets and events out of anyone's control. The characters were written with empathy and authenticity it was hard not to feel compassion for those I wanted to hate. This is the best read I have had in a long time and highly recommend it to any reader.

Not keen on the story line as didn’t seem to be very realistic