Mary Finn

Half-Indian, half-Irish Anila Tandy applies for a job as an draughtsman for a birding watching expedition up the Ganges as a means of being able to remain in Calcutta to find her father. Her journey and the people she meets teach her things about herself and life that she had never anticipated. Flashback chapters provide the story of Anila’s childhood with her mother, her father’s disappearance, and how she grew to a spirited young artist in 18th century colonial India. The story was at least partially inspired by the eighteenth century painting An Indian Lady by artist Thomas Hickey. The book includes a glossary of Bengali terms and a couple of historical notes. Anila’s story could serve as an introduction into the British Empire or India. It is a tale of self-discovery and growing up that should appeal to girls age 13-16.… (mais)