Jean Anderson's viewpoint might perhaps be one of empathy on many levels. She grew up in Calcutta and is a distinguished alumnus of St Thomas's School, one of the places described at length in the novel. Jean's father was also vice-principal at the same school. Jean now lives in Western Australia, so she can also see the tale from a migrant's point of view. She claims never to have heard the language used by Frank Walker and Wally Bennett in the Jindaroo Creek chapters!
It took me a little while to get started on your book, but once into it I couldn't put it down until the last page. It's been a totally engaging experience reading it, and I congratulate you on your magnificent work.
You've created a marvellously insightful panorama across the two cultures in a way that will surely resonate with migrants of all persuasions - but especially the Anglo-Indians; and the family story threading it all together kept me captivated. I have been carried along with the triple journey motif (in bullock cart, train, jet etc, etc) and your characterisations of the people who pop up along the way (Biplab, for instance -- brilliant -- and the Aussie mates in the outback!).
You have a Dickensian touch in the story of Ismail and Zarina (and Sailen Nath Benerji) - it brings alive the utter pathos that oozes out of the Kolkata kerbstones, and yet you manage to wring some hope and goodness out of all the grime and crime. And then you provide a nice counterpoint with the comedy at Jindaroo Creek.
Your treatment of the social dilemma faced by Steve and Hilary will raise some interesting discussion points for your readers (another dab of Dickens!). Is their adoption story based on some real experiences you've witnessed?
Well, my boy, you're right up there with the best of the post-colonial writers. To sum up : it's a bloody good read!! (See how you've influenced my use of the vernacular...)
Congratulations!!!
Jean Anderson, Perth, Western Australia
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