pickIf I could rate this book infinite stars, I would.THe opening lines of Emily WIlson's translation of 'THe Odyssey', “Tell me, O Muse, of a complicated man“would not go amiss as an epigraph for this.Read if it you're not a fan of Kipling(I wasn't,I'm now a devotee),or if you're a fan.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7578201795
Madame Elysé spoke for three minutes and forty-seven seconds. The silence that followed seemed interminable. As I stood at the podium, a gentle sound filled the Great Hall of Justice, the sound of tears.
I waited to address the Court.
Later, after the morning session was over... Madame Elysé... turned to me.....
'May I ask a question?'
'Yes.'
'Why did it take so long for us to come to The Hague?'
pickInformative. Mostly focuses on India and China (and colonialism) but also covers a lot of time and a few other places.
pickA well researched book on the opium plant and its impact on all aspects of society during the eighteen and nineteenth century. It was this plant that provided a lion share of the capital needed for European colonization. A lot of the wealthiest Americans made their fortune from this trade before they diversified into other ventures.
pickI did not expect this book to be as dark and witty as it was. A portrayal of the Indian mutiny on the fictional town of Krishnapur.
It is from the viewpoint of white men but in bits shows that the author had an understanding of the complications of the British empire.
#LiteraryCrew discussion time! I have 5 questions posted as spoilers. These can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or searching the group hashtag.
Please feel free to visit the questions whenever you like. This time, there are several links for more information.
December‘s book is Kaia Alderson‘s Sisters in Arms. The official post will go up tomorrow!
LaraReads, mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, Crazeedi, tpixie, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Deblovestoread, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, Sace, Bluebird, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Sargar114, Karisa, Singout, KristiAhlers, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks5. I would be remiss not to mention the relations between British men and Indian women. As detailed by de Courcy, while the initial British occupation had looser laws and regulations, by the mid-nineteenth century, the British strictly forbade couplings.
However, we all know what can happen...
The lasting legacy of Anglo-Indian descendants is complicated. Article from the Royal Historical Society linked below. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. de Courcy details the climate, vegetation, and bugs (shudders!) that faced the British women upon arrival. Moldy shoes within 24 hours! I cannot imagine (I am not a fan of the heat and humidity).
Victorian social mores also restricted women from adopting cooler clothing. The part about flannel was shocking.
de Courcy also mentions coping mechanisms used. Any stand outs for you? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
3. de Courcy uses diaries and letters from women who made the journey to India as well as military and government men stationed in India. Did any story stand out to you? Anything surprise you? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
