Filled with intrigue, heartbreak, and compassion.

found this randomly – and very glad I did.

The narration was banal and needlessly slow, with no apparent redeeming resolution to the story. When she mis-pronounced ‘scion’ (with a hard c) it reinforced my feeling that this journalistic exercise was thin indeed.

Mismatch between story and the story teller? It’s like a b movie. She takes strange sultry pauses— hard to follow, even though it’s slow moving. Over handed, off putting audio. Nothing fits in this one. Weird but not good weird!

So beautifully done. I was sad when it was over

I loved this story

An intriguing story which makes us ponder how and where myth, reality and fact intersect, blend and overlap. Most admirable journalism. I do wish the NYTs would leave off with the artificiality of the big music on their podcasts. It seems as if they don’t believe the story worthy enough to hold the attention of the listening audience. The music on several of their podcasts is so big as to be an annoying interruption to the journalism and the story. They put this inappropriate music in as reins on a horse to guide the listener down a very directed path, telling us where to place our reactions. Very cheesy and suggests an air of insincerity. This fine podcast sheds a view of partition that is often covered over or even hidden.

We all cope as best be can.

a beautifully crafted piece.

How could a person write a story so obviously for her own benefit and at the detriment of a family so broken by history and mental illness? She even hints at acknowledging her selfish intent. But never apologizes and speculates the “story” will continue to be told despite her hand in exposing the truth. Hide your skeletons in the closet from this woman if she tries to befriend you.

Loved this. There’s a lot to think about here even after the podcast is over.

That’s what I took from this amazingly compelling story. The royal family became royal, not by traditional birthright. But out of the sure necessity of survival. Their journey and individual stories are layered with complexity & fascination. And yet also utter heartbreaking. I left the pod feeling remorseful for the pain they’ve endured but hope that each family member finally got to experience peace. In whatever form it takes for them personally. This is a must listen from beginning to end.

Fascinating and insightful listen. Well done and produced. I only wish it were longer.

And I still think of this podcast. Amazing investigative journalism and reporting... and really transportive story telling. I’m always hoping I can find more great stories at this level of production.

What a beautiful compelling story.

Beautiful story. So very moving. I just loved it.

I don’t typically gravitate toward journalism focused podcasts and this one immediately caught my attention in the first episode! I was hooked and couldn’t believe this wasn’t more popular. My boyfriend and I both listened to it in one straight shot and he was equally addicted! Absolutely captivating you won’t be able to stop listening to all the different perspectives and first-hand accounts. Extremely well done.

Listen to this.

Life is stranger than fiction, I guess?

Very overproduced. Constant music and constant sound effects make the podcast feel fake and unpleasant to listen to.

I listened to this podcast some time ago and was reminded of it recently. For some reason, I thought I had watched a movie about it, that’s how good it is - the show makes you feel like you are there. It’s storytelling at it’s best and one of the few podcasts I would listen to again

Very interesting and an easy listen!

The narrator’s vocal frey was just so annoying it made it impossible to listen to.

This was so interesting, but ended so suddenly. Where is the rest?

I love this podcast in so many ways, but where is the rest of the story?

What an interesting and bizarre story I’ve never heard before! I listened to all 3 episodes in one sitting! I loved that through her narrating you feel like you can see and hear the sounds of India!

This is a fascinating story, well told, love the sounds in the background, highly recommend! Great break from the current US news. Listen!

Sound mixing & atmospherics took me to India! The story, as it began, resonated with vague news memories of the 1970’s. Great listening!

A fascinating story. Ellen Barry, please do more podcasts!

Listened to all 3 back to back and wished there were more. Such a beautiful and heartbreaking story.

I finished all three episodes at once. I couldn’t stop listening. The ending left me feeling like there was a hole in my heart... sad, beautiful, and captivating.

Listened to this on a road trip and it made the time fly. I was hooked immediately.

I don't even know what this podcast is

Such a great story and absolutely worth the listen. Excellent in every way! Wish I could find more like this — it’s a rare gem.

Such an intriguing story! More like this please!

Great story that needs to be brought to light in America! Quick 3 episodes of a fascinating tale. I loved hearing the different threads of this story!

An amazing atmospheric slice of journalism. Beautifully told. Hilariously unpredictable, tragic, and a brilliant glimpse into the utter strangeness of our world.

Why are all mystery / true crime / human interest programs these days following this ridiculous trend where the presenter doesn’t stick to their role, but they have to insert themself as a protagonist? Example: “I read this thing ... and I didn’t know to think... so I thought some more... so I decided to look it up... so I looked it up... so here’s what I found out...” Does EVERYONE need to copy Serial? Please, just tell the audience the info, don’t turn everything into a egotist’s diary!

I enjoy this show because the research is very well done & presented factually. I also enjoy most of the guests. That being said: the last guest wouldn’t let the host speak & was unable to articulate her thoughts & the nasal vocal fry hurt my ears. She was so incredibly annoying I had to turn it off. I guess it’s a case by case study so take the good with the bad. Call me Karen I guess.

Fascinating story, amazing journalism

This is a compelling gothic tale . It’s one of my favorite podcasts and I was sorry for it to end .

This story touched me deeply. I am changed. And on behalf of all of us stuck in date trees, thank you.

I remembered reading a piece on this family in the NYT Magazine years ago. Intrigued, I listened to the podcast. The fantasy and mystery that was weaved and the history that produced it are profound statements about human nature, identity, and place. Thank you for a compelling story well told.

fascinating, well told story. haunting.

Despicably, writer Ellen Barry, uses lonely man for story. She then rummages through his stuff for more story after he dies waiting for her call. She did this because she couldn’t go through his stuff when he was still alive ...

A very enjoyable evening listen.

One of the most interesting stories I’ve ever heard. If it had been a movie, I would have thought the scenario to be implausible. Highly recommend.

This family is basically me at home right now.

Incredible story. Not at all what I anticipated in the most delightful way. Bravo!

That was the most devastating, depressing, beautiful story. I definitely shed a few tears at the end. I feel a bit empty after listening to it... It certainly gave me a lot to think about and it was very well told. Excellent work.