India Gray: Historical Fiction

INDIA GRAY by Sujata MasseyThis collection consists of two novellas and two short stories. Both novellas, Outnumbered at Oxford and The Ayah’s Tale are peopled by well formed characters and have detailed and nuanced plots with introduction, plot development and conclusion. Outnumbered at Oxford introduces characters found in the full length novel, THE WIDOWS OF MALABAR HILL. The two short stories are quite brief and include only one incident with little characterization. India Gray is the much more satisfying story for both character and plot. Bitter Tea simply leaves one wanting more.Outnumbered at Oxford gives the reader of MALABAR HILL the back story of what transpired during Perveen’s banishment to England and introduces Alice, Perveen’s good friend, who has a role in MALABAR HILL. Both women find themselves bending the strict rules at St. Hilda’s College to solve the disappearance of a mathematical paper and a young man.The Ayah’s Tale is a treatise on social class, including the vast social differences between Indians (in their own country) and English colonists during a time of growing desire for Indian independence. It leaves the reader wanting another tale to fill in the gap between the story and the epilogue.The writing and research involved for all four tales is detailed and gives depth and interest to each story. A good introduction to an excellent writer.5 of 5 stars

I took a long time to write this review, because to be honest, the book moved me so deeply, and was so beautifully written, that I had to step back to get my bearings.I am a great fan of Ms. Massey's "Rei Shimura" series, so I began this book with a bit of trepidation: Would her writing style transfer to a new venue? Would her delicate but insightful portrayal of characters remain the same? Could she weave a tale as wonderful as those in the Rei Shimura books? The answer is yes, yes, and YES, even more so.I found myself drawn in to each Indian character; I have no Indian background, no great knowledge of India other than the history books I have read--and yet I was Indian when I read these short stories. I was thoroughly immersed in the characters. I was no longer myself, but felt myself thinking and reacting as the characters did.I do not want to describe any plots here, for fear of inadvertently destroying the piquant rhythm of each tale. I have used the word "piquant" before to describe Ms. Massey's writing, and I had to use it again. Her words are as delicate as a china teacup--and as powerful as any words I have read . I'm so glad I read this book!(Advance Kindle copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)

Three separate stories. One at Oxford in 1919; one in Bengal, India in he early 1920s; and the third in Northern India, Assam, at the end of WWII. I particularly admired the middle one, "The Ayah's Tale." Some relevant points on my perspective. When I was a child, I lived in New Delhi, India, with my family, and was schooled for a while at the Woodstock School in Mussoorie, in the foothills of the Himalayas. So several scenes in "The Ayah's Tale" rekindled old memories. Also, I have been a fan of Sujata Massey since reading her Rei Shimura series set in contemporary Japan. Thirdly, I taught modern Japanese history at a small liberal arts college for many years which tends to make me critical of writers who don't get it right when they write about contemporary Japan but I feel that Ms. Massey does. This collection was billed as her first attempt at historical fiction and I really enjoyed it. It was offered at an extremely favorable price and that made it an attractive purchase for my Kindle as well. I am currently reading "The Kizuna Coast" about Tohoku after the earthquake and tsunami. It is very well done.

When the 1st season of Indian Summers on NPR finished I was left hungering for more on the exotic and romantic fiction on India. I found what I was looking for in Sujata Massey's wonderful boxed set of historical stories. Four novellas play out in different times and places, each featuring young women willing to take on the status quo.Outnumbered at Oxford features two young friends, Perveen, a young woman from India and her British friend, Alice. This is a missing person mystery that centers around the class structure in English colleges as well as what happens to someone who is brilliant but not English. The Ayah's Tale is a deeply moving story set in India, during the last years of the British Empire's dominion over India--and my favorite, on so many levels. I read this one long past my bedtime.India Gray is also set in India, but during WWII, recounting the hardships of Indians who walked the tightrope between independence and allegiance to Great Britain, and those Indians who took sides with the Japanese. Fascinating!Last but not least, is a contemporary story, Bitter Tea, set in Pakistan, again featuring young women, sisters who're brave enough to take on a corrupt official. I cheered for the girls and their clever revenge.It was wonderful to read about women whom, because of circumstance of birth or the government they live under, are willing to fight for some sense of justice.

At the end of The First World War, students at Oxford in Great Britain set to work on the mysterious disappearance of a mathematical solution. The story gives good insight into life as a young East Indian girl studies at a very British university.Of these short stories, my favorite tells of an East Indian ayah, or nanny, working for a British family in India. The occasional departure from nanny in first person narrative to the son in first person lends wonderful perspective.Thanks to this new to me author, I have a much better understanding of this part of the world and its peoples. I plan to read much more.

…. of historical accuracy and US/UK English. Readable but doesn’t give me the urge to find more from this author.

Very enjoyable and each different.

Beautifully narrated stories which made me feel a part of India of the olden days. I loved this book

I have read her Perveen Mistry series and loved them so obviously picked up this book when I saw it on Kindle recommendations . I wasn’t disappointed . The book is a very good read . The first story is of the early years of Perveen Mistry set in UK . The second story was a gem and explores the relationship between ayah and British children in pre historic . This one was my favorite . The other two stories though short were equally enjoyable . I love her eye for historic details and I have stepped back in time when I read her books . Waiting for more

All four stories were gripping in four different ways. All of them brought out unique Asian experiences in period settings that reinforced key values. How women helped societies transition from British colonial norms was notable.