Six Days in Marapore - by Paul Scott (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A moving novel of the last days of British imperial rule in India

In this swiftly paced and lyrical novel about British expatriates at the time of Indian independence, Paul Scott grapples with the themes of race, possession, and history that dominate all four novels of his masterpiece, The Raj Quartet, especially The Jewel in the Crown. As always, Scott fills his book with vivid characters: the seductive, bigoted war widow; the sophisticated, wily Hindu politician; and the athletic young American who only gradually begins to understand the legacy of pain and hatred veiling the woman he has come to rescue. Set against the backdrop of a nation in violent transition-a climate of exhilaration and shifting loyalties-Six Days in Marapore unfolds amidst the possibility of reconciliation, freedom, and healing.

Review Quotes

"An extremely able and delicate piece of sustained writing. And anyone who has the courage to tackle the theme is deserving of every encouragement and praise."--John Metcalfe, Spectator--John Metcalfe "Spectator" (9/25/1953 12:00:00 AM)

"Scott weaves a deeply absorbing story of individual, racial and national conflict in a tiny corner of India. Excellently, he portrays the ferment and confusion of the changing scene. . . . The story moves with pace and color toward an ending which is never foreseen but which is exactly right."-- "New York Herald Tribune" (10/18/1953 12:00:00 AM)

"Scott, with this novel, is being given his first publication in the United States. This reviewer hopes he will write more tales of the east."--Percy Wood, Chicago Tribune--Percy Wood "Chicago Tribune" (10/25/1953 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Paul Scott (1920-78) is the author of The Raj Quartet and Staying On, all published by the University of Chicago Press.