A Bird of Passage
Nov 2022 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
397
Pages
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About this ebook
Excerpt: ""Droops the heavy-blossom'd bower; hangs the heavy-fruited tree; Summer isles of Eden lying in dark purple spheres of sea." Locksley Hall. Few travellers penetrate to the Andamans, unless it be an enthusiastic astronomer to witness a rare comet, or an enterprising professor, who happens to be fired with a desire to study the language and the skulls of the aborigines. These islands are as yet sacred from the foot of the globe-trotter, Cook's tourists ignore them, and they lie in serene semi-savage seclusion, in the midst of the Indian Ocean, dimly known to the great outer world as the chief Indian convict settlement, and the scene of Lord Mayo's murder in 1872. The inland portions of the great and lesser Andamans have been but cursorily explored, (those who have made the attempt, having learnt by tragic experience that the inhabitants were addicted to cannibalism); but outlying islets, and fringes of the coast, have been opened up by the Indian Government, and appropriated for the benefit of thousands of convicts (chiefly lifers), who are annually poured into Port Blair - from Galle to the Kyber, from Aden to the borders of China, the cry is still they come!"
About the author
Bithia Mary Croker, born in 1849 in County Roscommon, Ireland, emerged as a significant literary figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Croker's life was a tapestry of adventure and cultural immersion, largely shaped by her marriage to Colonel John Stokes Croker of the British Army, which took her to India. This expatriate experience deeply influenced her writing, providing rich, exotic backdrops that captivated her readers.Croker's novels and short stories often explored the lives of British expatriates in colonial India, blending romance, mystery, and social commentary. Her works offered a unique female perspective on colonial life, a rarity in her time, and were celebrated for their vivid descriptions and authentic portrayals of the Anglo-Indian experience. Despite her popularity, Croker's work was not without controversy. Critics sometimes accused her of perpetuating colonial stereotypes, yet her nuanced characters and exploration of cross-cultural interactions also garnered praise for their depth and empathy. Croker's influence extended to contemporary writers, particularly women, who found in her a trailblazer for female authorship in genres dominated by men. Her stories often featured strong, independent women navigating complex social landscapes, challenging the traditional roles assigned to women in both British and Indian societies.Bithia Mary Croker's literary legacy is a testament to her ability to weave compelling narratives that resonated with readers of her time and continue to intrigue modern audiences. Her works remain a valuable window into the cultural and social dynamics of the British Raj, offering insights that are both historically significant and richly entertaining.
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