I read this book years ago, and enjoyed it very much. It is set in the Victorian era, and tells a long and romantic story between Alex Randall, a young English officer in India and Winter de Ballesteros, the young woman who later becomes his superior's wife. The superior is, of course, a proper villain, while Alex is not only very good-looking but also everything which is heroic, noble and good. There is a lot of adventure, danger and romantic deeds, before the happy end!
Shadow of the Moon was first published in 1957 -- my own edition is quite old as you can see in the pic; it's faded and turning yellow. It's a book of the 20th century looking back at the Victorian era, which it presents vividly and quite accurately, I think. Alex is a progressive thinker, insisting that it is better to follow common sense rather than good manners and Victorian propriety/ prudishness.
There are two faults in this book. The first has to do with protagonist Alex Randall. Though his character is drawn very well, and is interesting and attractive, sometimes he is also too heroic. There is nothing he cannot do, and nothing he does not excel at. I would have preferred him a bit flawed. The second problem is that the book is a conventional take on imperialism, arguing that there is "good" and "bad" imperialism. Alex supports a benign, "good", imperialism, while his superior is everything which is evil about it.
Coming from a postcolonial country myself, I am not sure I am convinced by this argument. At any rate, it's something which does not ring well to 21st century ears.
Other than this, Shadow of the Moon is a fantastic romantic adventure and I totally recommend!
Have a good night, always with beauty and a book! xxx
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