The Native Born or, the Rajah's People By: I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie (1885-1959)
The Native Born or, the Rajah's People by I. A. R. Wylie is an enthralling novel that delves into the complex and fascinating world of British colonial India. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows two contrasting characters, Captain Hugh Manson, a British officer stationed in India, and Hemnalini, a young Indian woman. Their paths cross when Manson encounters a group of Rajah's People, a community of native Indians living in poverty-stricken conditions. From the very beginning, Wylie's writing captivates the reader with its vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail. She skillfully paints a picture of the bustling streets, the opulent palaces, and the stark realities of rural life in India during this period. The author's deep understanding and sensitivity towards the cultural intricacies of colonial India allow her to skillfully navigate the complexities of colonization, while evoking a sense of empathy from her readers. One of the notable strengths of the novel lies in its complex and well-developed characters. Captain Manson, although representing the privileged British ruling class, is portrayed in a multi-dimensional manner. His internal struggles and gradual transformation as he witnesses the oppression faced by the native Indians make him a relatable and compelling protagonist. Similarly, Hemnalini's journey as she fights against societal expectations and chooses to challenge the status quo is both empowering and inspiring. Wylie expertly weaves together various themes throughout the narrative, touching upon issues of identity, race, love, and power dynamics. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the morality of colonialism, the clash between tradition and progress, and the impact of oppressive systems on individuals and communities alike. These themes are explored within the context of a gripping and suspenseful plot, making it difficult to put the book down. The Native Born or, the Rajah's People is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing feels slightly uneven, with certain passages dragging while others rush through important events. Additionally, the portrayals of some supporting characters lack depth, leaving readers craving more nuanced perspectives. Despite these minor shortcomings, The Native Born is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that transports readers to a tumultuous time in history. Wylie's masterful storytelling and skillful exploration of complex themes make it a compelling read for anyone interested in colonialism, cultural identity, and the human experience. First Page: [Illustration: "Miss Cary has consented to become my wife."] THE NATIVE BORN or THE RAJAH'S PEOPLE by I. A. R. WYLIE 1910 with Illustrations by JOHN NEWTON HOWITT PREFACE In earlier days a preface to a novel with no direct historical source always seemed to me somewhat out of place, since I believed that the author could be indebted solely to his own imagination. I have learned, however, that even in a novel pur sang it is possible to owe much to others, and I now take the opportunity which the despised preface offers to pay my debt inadequately it is true to Mr. Hughes Massie, whose enthusiastic help in the launching of this, my first serious literary effort, I shall always hold in grateful remembrance. I. A. R. W. May 9th, 1910 CONTENTS BOOK I CHAPTER I WHICH IS A PROLOGUE II THE DANCING IS RESUMED III NEHAL SINGH IV CIRCE V ARCHIBALD TRAVERS PLAYS BRIDGE VI BREAKING THE BARRIER VII THE SECOND GENERATION VIII THE IDEAL IX CHECKED X AT THE GATES OF A GREAT PEOPLE XI WITHIN THE GATES XII THE WHITE HAND XIII THE ROAD CLEAR XIV IN WHICH MANY THINGS ARE BROKEN XV THE GREAT HEALER XVI FATE XVII FALSE LIGHT BOOK II I BUILDING THE CATHEDRAL II CATASTROPHE III A FAREWELL IV STAFFORD INTERVENES V MURDER VI CLEARING AWAY THE RUBBISH VII IN THE TEMPLE OF VISHNU VIII FACE TO FACE IX HALF LIGHT X TRAVERS XI IN THE HOUR OF NEED XII HIS OWN PEOPLE XIII ENVOI THE NATIVE BORN BOOK I CHAPTER I WHICH IS A PROLOGUE The woman lying huddled on the couch turned her face to the wall and covered it with her hands in a burst of uncontrollable horror... Continue reading book >>

The Native Born or, the Rajah's People By: I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie (1885-1959)

The Native Born or, the Rajah's People by I. A. R. Wylie is an enthralling novel that delves into the complex and fascinating world of British colonial India. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows two contrasting characters, Captain Hugh Manson, a British officer stationed in India, and Hemnalini, a young Indian woman. Their paths cross when Manson encounters a group of Rajah's People, a community of native Indians living in poverty-stricken conditions.

From the very beginning, Wylie's writing captivates the reader with its vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail. She skillfully paints a picture of the bustling streets, the opulent palaces, and the stark realities of rural life in India during this period. The author's deep understanding and sensitivity towards the cultural intricacies of colonial India allow her to skillfully navigate the complexities of colonization, while evoking a sense of empathy from her readers.

One of the notable strengths of the novel lies in its complex and well-developed characters. Captain Manson, although representing the privileged British ruling class, is portrayed in a multi-dimensional manner. His internal struggles and gradual transformation as he witnesses the oppression faced by the native Indians make him a relatable and compelling protagonist. Similarly, Hemnalini's journey as she fights against societal expectations and chooses to challenge the status quo is both empowering and inspiring.

Wylie expertly weaves together various themes throughout the narrative, touching upon issues of identity, race, love, and power dynamics. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the morality of colonialism, the clash between tradition and progress, and the impact of oppressive systems on individuals and communities alike. These themes are explored within the context of a gripping and suspenseful plot, making it difficult to put the book down.

The Native Born or, the Rajah's People is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing feels slightly uneven, with certain passages dragging while others rush through important events. Additionally, the portrayals of some supporting characters lack depth, leaving readers craving more nuanced perspectives.

Despite these minor shortcomings, The Native Born is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that transports readers to a tumultuous time in history. Wylie's masterful storytelling and skillful exploration of complex themes make it a compelling read for anyone interested in colonialism, cultural identity, and the human experience.

First Page:

[Illustration: "Miss Cary has consented to become my wife."]

THE NATIVE BORN

THE RAJAH'S PEOPLE

I. A. R. WYLIE

1910

with Illustrations by

JOHN NEWTON HOWITT

PREFACE

In earlier days a preface to a novel with no direct historical source always seemed to me somewhat out of place, since I believed that the author could be indebted solely to his own imagination. I have learned, however, that even in a novel pur sang it is possible to owe much to others, and I now take the opportunity which the despised preface offers to pay my debt inadequately it is true to Mr. Hughes Massie, whose enthusiastic help in the launching of this, my first serious literary effort, I shall always hold in grateful remembrance.

I. A. R. W.

May 9th, 1910

CONTENTS

BOOK I

CHAPTER I WHICH IS A PROLOGUE II THE DANCING IS RESUMED III NEHAL SINGH IV CIRCE V ARCHIBALD TRAVERS PLAYS BRIDGE VI BREAKING THE BARRIER VII THE SECOND GENERATION VIII THE IDEAL IX CHECKED X AT THE GATES OF A GREAT PEOPLE XI WITHIN THE GATES XII THE WHITE HAND XIII THE ROAD CLEAR XIV IN WHICH MANY THINGS ARE BROKEN XV THE GREAT HEALER XVI FATE XVII FALSE LIGHT

BOOK II

I BUILDING THE CATHEDRAL II CATASTROPHE III A FAREWELL IV STAFFORD INTERVENES V MURDER VI CLEARING AWAY THE RUBBISH VII IN THE TEMPLE OF VISHNU VIII FACE TO FACE IX HALF LIGHT X TRAVERS XI IN THE HOUR OF NEED XII HIS OWN PEOPLE XIII ENVOI

THE NATIVE BORN

BOOK I

CHAPTER I

WHICH IS A PROLOGUE

The woman lying huddled on the couch turned her face to the wall and covered it with her hands in a burst of uncontrollable horror... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie
Wikipedia – The Native Born or, the Rajah's People

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac