AustLit

'A palace of the winds is that part of an Indian royal household where the ladies in purdah live behind marble screens, looking out at the world, but are never allowed to be part of it. So, when Julia Lockwood is despatched in disgrace to India, she discovers that her own life growing up in an austere ladies' academy in Yorkshire has been just as restricted as that of any woman living in purdah. Travelling through India, Julia finds an exotic world where her sensuality is awakened by the kindly, middle-aged man who marries her and for whom she develops a deep affection. However, it is when Major James Fitzalan rides into her life that she comes to understand true passion, and theirs is a long and troubled road of intrigue and danger. Will they find true happiness?' (Publication summary)