"To Let"

· Otbebookpublishing
eBook
132
Pages
Eligible
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About this eBook

Excerpt: "Some years ago, when I was a slim young spin, I came out to India to live with my brother Tom: he and I were members of a large and somewhat impecunious family, and I do not think my mother was sorry to have one of her four grown-up daughters thus taken off her hands. Tom's wife, Aggie, had been at school with my eldest sister; we had known and liked her all our lives, and regarded her as one of ourselves; and as she and the children were at home when Tom's letter was received, and his offer accepted, she helped me to choose my slender outfit, with judgment, zeal, and taste; endowed me with several pretty additions to my wardrobe; superintended the fitting of my gowns and the trying on of my hats, with most sympathetic interest, and finally escorted me out to Lucknow, under her own wing, and installed me in the only spare room in her comfortable bungalow in Dilkousha."

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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