Bibliograph

At the end of the century, the stories of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, with an introduction by Anita Desai

Type

Label

At the end of the century, the stories of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, with an introduction by Anita Desai

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references

Index

no index present

Literary Form

fiction

Main title

At the end of the century

Nature of contents

bibliography

Responsibility statement

with an introduction by Anita Desai

Sub title

the stories of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

Summary

"Caught between cultures herself, nobody has written so powerfully of the relationship between and within India and the Western middle classes than Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. In this definitive collection, her ability to tenderly and humorously view the all-too-human situations faced by three (sometimes interacting) cultures—Europeans, post-independence Indians and Americans—is never more acute. In this vivid collection of stories, pathos, despair, sensuality and liberation are explored with sensitivity, wit and affection. In "A Course of English Studies," a young woman arrives at Oxford from India and struggles to adapt, not only to the sad, stoic object of her infatuation, but to a country that seems so resistant to passion and color. In the wrenching "Expiation," the blind unconditional love of a cloth shop owner for his wastrel younger brother exposes the sometimes tragic beauty and foolishness of human compassion and faith. The wry and triumphant "Pagans" brings us middle-aged sisters Brigitte and Frankie in Los Angeles, who discover a youthful sexuality in the company of the languid and handsome young Indian, Shoki. The profound inner experience of both men and women is at the centre of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's writing, she creates a vivid emotional landscape for her readers, and rivals Jane Austen with her impeccable observation" -- Publisher summary

Table Of Contents

A loss of faith -- The widow -- A spiritual call -- Miss Sahib -- A course of English studies -- An experience of India -- Two more under the Indian sun -- Desecration -- Expiation -- Great expectations -- Two muses -- Ménage -- A choice of heritage -- A lovesong for India -- Pagans -- At the end of the century -- The Judge's will

resource.variantTitle

Stories of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

Classification