Distant Kingdom

Set during the last century, this mildly diverting historical saga follows the fortunes of a young Englishwoman who joins her father in India after her mother's death. Perdita Whitney is accustomed to life in the bleak rectory of her lecherous uncle. She arrives in Calcutta fearing men and expecting the worsther father is reputed to be a rake. To her surprise, however, Edward Whitney proves to be both sympathetic and affectionate to his daughter. Within time, the repressed and awkward Perdita begins to blossom. Ultimately she becomes the wife of the handsome Earl of Beaminster, a captain with the British army. The marriage falters almost from the first, and Perdita soon embarks on a flirtation with charming American journalist Charles Byrd. Though self-effacing Perdita grows tiresome, the historical background of the unsuccessful British attempt on Afghanistan propels the story forward. Readers may enjoy this first novel's vividly rendered sense of time and place. (February 1)