Indian Summer

The Secret History of the End of an Empire

By: Alex von Tunzelmann

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

Length: 15 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

At the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the British Empire withdrew from India, igniting the exhilaration and turmoil of a newly free society. In this vivid, atmospheric popular history, Alex von Tunzelmann chronicles these times through the most prominent figures: Dickie Mountbatten, Britain's dashing, inept last viceroy; Dickie's savvy, glamorous wife, Edwina, who found the love of her life in Jawaharlal Nehru, India's new prime minister; Muslim leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah; and Mohandas Gandhi. Tunzelman's thrilling chronicle "removes the veil from the colorful personalities and events behind India's independence and partition with Pakistan" (The Washington Post).

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2007 Alex von Tunzelmann (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"In her scintillating debut, British author von Tunzelmann keeps one eye on the big picture, but foregrounds the personalities and relationships of the main political leaders - larger-than-life figures whom she cuts down to size.... [A] compelling narrative history, combining dramatic sweep with dishy detail." (Publishers Weekly)

"This is history as multiple, interconnected biography... a book more concerned with the smaller, more colorful threads of individual character than with the broader tapestry of history and retrospective judgment.... Indian Summer achieves something both simpler and rarer, placing the behavior and feelings of a few key players at the center of a tumultuous moment in history." (The New York Times Book Review)

“Nicola Barber’s narration is warm and intelligible, despite her entirely appropriate posh British vowels. Barber does an excellent job of pronouncing the names and titles of the various Indian places, princes, and pundits.” (AudioFile)

Latter day history student

For those of us who want to find out a little more about what made the world what it is today, this is an enjoyable addition to a number of subjects, the British royal family, the end of empire, the emergence of a new industrial society, and of course the role of the key players in the independence of India and Pakistan.

Good story not so easy to hear

I like the story a lot. Nicola Barbara speaks in a pleasant patter. Unfortunately her voice tended
to lull me to sleep. Ordinarily I wouldn't mind. This is a good story though and I regret zoning out. I've listen to the story several times now and I am just beginning to feel that I have the gist.

Good Content, Bad narration

Would you be willing to try another one of Nicola Barber’s performances?

No. The narrator is trying to bring in modulations but did not do a good job. It gets irritating after a point.

Interesting history about a little known subject.

If you could sum up Indian Summer in three words, what would they be?

Thorough and thoughtful.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narrator's voice was not a good match for the story, in my opinion. However, she was able to pronounce some very tongue twisting names with ease.

Good read.

I really enjoyed this book. I really didn't know much about the events and people, but have a fascination with India in general. When I saw the narrator was Nicola Barbee, I had to get it (she also did all the Call the Midwife books. Love her voice) I was not disappointed and now want to read more on the subject.

Just Wonderful

This history of the end of the British Raj combines politics and personalities in a compelling narrative that reads like a novel. Narration is is delightful.

Fabulous, easy history

Of India. Part of this book is written when I was a child growing up. So, it was on the daily news. It's wonderful to put it all together!

Amazing story of the independence of India and the romance behind it!

This epic story gives insight into the key characters of the independence of India - the largest democracy in the world - and the legendary men and women behind the peaceful revolution- Lord and Lady Mountbatten, Gandhi and Nehru. It does not sugar coat their vices, failings and fears but it also clearly defines their contributions and passions. I loved the personal insights into the diaries and love letters. The speaker was a great choice because her feminine voice helps listeners to enjoy the interpersonal dynamics instead of just looking at this as a political documentary. Well done! poignant!

A tryst with destiny not only of India but

For the last part of this audio book, I found myself glued in listening to the flawless narration by Ms. Nicola Barber. It is revealing in the details of a love affair that existed for many years (even after Independence) between Jawahar Nehru and Edwina Mountbatten.

Overall, I found the author's research in writing this book very detailed; and, it serves to provide depth and insight into the historical lives of individuals that have shaped India during the fight for independence to the more contemporary history of India.

As a consequence, I do feel enriched in knowing a lot more about the subject matter. For anyone interested in India's history during the last hundred years or so, I find this book/audio book invaluable and consider it a must read/listen.

A Great Primer On A Subject I Knew Little About

I was aware the subcontinent was partitioned at independence and little else. I had heard of Lord and Edwina Montbatten and was faintly aware of rumors of Nehru and Edwina's special relationship. Of course, who has not heard of Mahatma Gandhi. "Indian Summer" gives background to the events of 1947 in terms of personalities, geography and historical events. It also provides insights into how Pakistan has developed from what was intended to be a secular nation into what we see today.
I am certain there is more to learn, but "Indian Summer" is a great beginning and a solid base to build on.