India Dark by Kirsty Murray
Published by Templar
Melbourne, Australia, 1909: faced with the prospect of employment in either the match factory or the jam factory, 13-year old Poesy Swift auditions for a children’s theatre company that specialises in popular music-hall songs.
Before she knows it, she’s on a two-year tour through Asia. At first it’s all an adventure, but by the time they reach south India, many of them have been disciplined by the manager and their performances hide enormous turmoil backstage. At the end of their last show, all but two of the children turn on their minders and go on strike, then walk out into the hot Madras night.
***
India dark is a nice little novel set in a historical setting which was an engaging read and would be perfect to give youngsters a real feel for the British Empire around the turn of the century.
The story follows Poesy and Tilly two girls who are part of a travelling act who are enroute to America performing along the way to any audience that will have them.
The thing I really enjoyed about this book the most was that you got a real sense of period from it and a real feeling of life in the far reaches of the British Empire at the turn of the century. I loved the bit where the cholera outbreaks came along and the feeling of sheer helplessness that ensued in that time as they really didn't know to do to sort it.
The main storyline when the scandal hits the troop is really interesting and got me thinking when you saw the way in which it was dealt with.
I must say the only thing I didn't like about this book was the split narrative because I felt the two girl's voice's weren't distinctive enough which meant I lost track of who I was listening to which was very confusing.
All in all a satisfying little read which was enjoyable and interesting.
Published by Templar
Melbourne, Australia, 1909: faced with the prospect of employment in either the match factory or the jam factory, 13-year old Poesy Swift auditions for a children’s theatre company that specialises in popular music-hall songs.
Before she knows it, she’s on a two-year tour through Asia. At first it’s all an adventure, but by the time they reach south India, many of them have been disciplined by the manager and their performances hide enormous turmoil backstage. At the end of their last show, all but two of the children turn on their minders and go on strike, then walk out into the hot Madras night.
***
India dark is a nice little novel set in a historical setting which was an engaging read and would be perfect to give youngsters a real feel for the British Empire around the turn of the century.
The story follows Poesy and Tilly two girls who are part of a travelling act who are enroute to America performing along the way to any audience that will have them.
The thing I really enjoyed about this book the most was that you got a real sense of period from it and a real feeling of life in the far reaches of the British Empire at the turn of the century. I loved the bit where the cholera outbreaks came along and the feeling of sheer helplessness that ensued in that time as they really didn't know to do to sort it.
The main storyline when the scandal hits the troop is really interesting and got me thinking when you saw the way in which it was dealt with.
I must say the only thing I didn't like about this book was the split narrative because I felt the two girl's voice's weren't distinctive enough which meant I lost track of who I was listening to which was very confusing.
All in all a satisfying little read which was enjoyable and interesting.
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