Plain Tales From The Hills (40+ Short Stories in One Edition)
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- €1.99
Publisher Description
Rudyard Kipling's 'Plain Tales From The Hills' is a collection of over 40 short stories that capture the essence of British colonial life in India during the late 19th century. Written in Kipling's signature straightforward and descriptive style, these tales explore themes of class, race, and cultural clash with a keen eye for detail. The stories are rich in cultural references and offer a glimpse into the complexities of colonial society, making them not only entertaining but also thought-provoking reads. Kipling's use of language and storytelling techniques showcases his mastery of the short story form, making this collection a literary gem of its time. As a British author who spent his formative years in British India, Kipling drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of colonial life, which is evident in the vivid and realistic portrayals found in 'Plain Tales From The Hills'. His unique perspective as both an insider and an outsider in colonial society allowed him to present a nuanced and insightful portrayal of the era. I highly recommend 'Plain Tales From The Hills' to readers interested in historical fiction, colonial literature, and short story collections. Kipling's evocative storytelling and insightful social commentary make this work a classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set principally in Shimla, the mountain town and summer capital of the Raj, Kipling's 40 short stories on the manners and mores of British settlers in India are well observed and masterful character studies. Martin Jarvis begins beautifully; his warm voice is a rich and textured instrument, and he becomes Kipling's narrator effortlessly; rather like Fitzgerald's Nick Carraway, Kipling's stand-in casts a camera-like view on the intrigue, pettiness, and genuine tragedies in his little world. There is wit that borders on the Wildean ( She was wicked, in a businesslike way. There was never any scandal; she had not generous impulses enough for that ). It would be a nearly flawless listen but for Jarvis's inaccurate and rather cringe-inducing accents for the Indian characters.