The first volume in Paul Scott's historical tour-de-force opens in 1942 as the British fear both Japanese invasion and Indian demands for self-rule. In the Mayapore gardens, Daphne Manners, daughter of the provincial governor, leaves her Indian lover, who will soon be arrested for her alleged rape.
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"Saw the mini-series, then read the book. The author's purpose would seem to be rape, but it is more the telling of India on the brink of independence and how the British will do anything to blacken the image of the Indian people and therefore cast doubt on their ability to govern themselves. The world was definitely not ready to embrace people of color in any sense other than that they might be "saved" by the efforts of imperialistic/white nations." — Sherie (5 out of 5 stars)
"Saw the mini-series, then read the book. The author's purpose would seem to be rape, but it is more the telling of India on the brink of independence and how the British will do anything to blacken the image of the Indian people and therefore cast doubt on their ability to govern themselves. The world was definitely not ready to embrace people of color in any sense other than that they might be "saved" by the efforts of imperialistic/white nations."
" This book is so wonderful. The whole series is fantastic but this and the final book are the best. You remember them always. "
" A masterpiece. I would put this book on my top 100 for the 20th century. Though initially well reviewed (the 1966 New Yorker review called it an "artful triumph") its popularity soared after the Granada Television miniseries adaptation in 1984. Now it's 2012 and I feel it needs a push since my literary friends are all like, "who?" Paul Scott, that's who! "
" Set in the turbulent years during World War II Britain is struggling to hold onto to her most precious possession the colony of India. But the nation of Indian is seething with unrest and violence due to racial hatred and the class differences. A world waiting to explode. In the midst of all this a young English nurse and her Indian lover fight their own battles. A compelling story that will evoke feelings of pity and admiration for both. "
" I liked the Masterpiece Theater version as well. This book was my favorite of the 4. I liked how it talked about what had happened through other people's eyes. "
" English saga:India 1920's-1940's-----------English/Indian relations, racial relations, part one of four "
" One of my all time favorite works of fiction. Have watched the BBC production of "The Jewel in the Crown" more times than I can remember. It still enthralls me. "
" A gripping, well written story set in the dying years of the Raj. "
" Must read.. Beautifully written book "
" It took a while to get through, but what an amazing and detailed portrayal of life in India in the days of the Raj! "
" One of the absolute best books that I have read in a long, long while. Complex, thoughtful, well-written, historically accurate, deep, great story encompassing so many different emotions and moral dilemnas. Great book! "
" The book is broken up into different narrators telling the tale... I had a hard time getting through some of the "voices" and other times the writing is superb. "
" Among my favorties "
" I really love it, though at times it can become a bit to political. But the imagery is amazing!! It really makes me want to visit India. "
" This is an impossibly long book about India during the time of colonial rule, that once I was through the four books I was so sorry to see end :-( "
" Might require re-read for fair assessment "
" A brilliant evocation of late colonial INDIA "
" I thought this would be a new series I could linger over for a few months; unfortunately, I couldn't get into it. Boring. Dull. "
" I can see its value and the skill behind it, but I just didn't like it. "
" Really 3.5 stars. An interesting novel about British imperialism, though I prefer J.G. Farrell's Siege of Krishnapur, which also deals with the end of the British Empire. "
" I loved all the books of the Raj Quartet! I came to them after watching the BBC mini-series of the same name, and it was so fascinating, I just had to read the books. Within the first paragraph is one of the most memorable lines I've encountered in prose. Look for it. "
" I wanted to enjoy reading this and it started well! About two-thirds of the way through I gave up. I must go back and persevere! "
" Good insight into the Raj during the waning days of British rule. "
" rough ride. i was interested, and i hung in there, but i won't be moving on to book 2 "
" Wonderful characters, compelling story, lots to think about--but I thought the writing was dense and difficult--a bit of a slog. "
" Set in the twilight of the British Raj during WWII, this book tells of the rape of an English woman in the town of Mayapore from seven perspectives. The book is beautifully, lyrically written and each section is equally engaging as the others. Highly recommended. "
" Loved it. Tells of two tragic events toward the end of the British occupation of India, from the viewpoints of many individuals. "
" Wonderful, but sufficient. I did not three more. "
Richard Brown (1937–2005) (a.k.a. Joseph Porter), was a former ballet dancer, actor, and popular audiobook narrator. Born in England, Richard came to the United States early in his career and performed with numerous regional ballet companies. After retiring from the ballet, he pursued a career in acting and recorded dozens of audiobooks for numerous publishers.
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