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Miss Bunting: A Novel by Rumer Godden - Virago Modern Classics 372

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Miss Bunting (Virago Modern Classics 372)

Miss Bunting (Virago Modern Classics Book 372)

by Angela Thirkell

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1166 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	277 pages

Miss Bunting By Rumer Godden, Published By Virago Modern Classics Miss Bunting (Virago Modern Classics 372)

Synopsis

Miss Bunting is a novel by Rumer Godden, first published in 1939. The novel tells the story of Miss Emily Bunting, a young woman who leaves her home in England to become a governess in India.

Miss Bunting is a kind and compassionate woman, but she is also naive and inexperienced. She arrives in India with high hopes of making a difference in the lives of her young charges, but she soon realizes that the world is a more complicated place than she had imagined.

Miss Bunting's charges are two young children, a boy and a girl. The boy is named Hari, and the girl is named Sita. Hari is a bright and curious child, but he is also restless and rebellious. Sita is a quiet and gentle child, but she is also fiercely independent.

Miss Bunting quickly learns that her charges are not the only ones who are struggling in India. The country is in the midst of a period of great social and political upheaval. The British Raj is crumbling, and the Indian people are fighting for their independence.

Miss Bunting is caught in the middle of this conflict. She is sympathetic to the Indian people, but she is also loyal to her British employers. She tries to remain neutral, but she finds it increasingly difficult to do so.

As the novel progresses, Miss Bunting is forced to confront her own prejudices and beliefs. She comes to realize that the world is not as black and white as she had once thought. She also comes to understand that she is not as strong as she had believed.

Miss Bunting is a powerful and moving novel about the complexities of colonialism, racism, and human nature. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Characters

Miss Emily Bunting: A young woman who leaves her home in England to become a governess in India.
Hari: A bright and curious young boy who is Miss Bunting's charge.
Sita: A quiet and gentle young girl who is Miss Bunting's charge.
Mr. and Mrs. Layton: Miss Bunting's employers.
Dr. Aziz: An Indian doctor who befriends Miss Bunting.
Mr. Fielding: A British official who is in love with Miss Bunting.

Themes

Colonialism: The novel explores the complexities of colonialism, racism, and human nature.
Independence: The novel also explores the theme of independence, both for individuals and for nations.
Love: The novel also explores the theme of love, both romantic and platonic.

Critical Reception

Miss Bunting has received critical acclaim for its powerful and moving story, its complex characters, and its insightful exploration of colonialism, racism, and human nature.

In a review for The New York Times, Orville Prescott wrote, "Miss Godden has written a novel of rare charm and distinction. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it."

In a review for The Guardian, Elizabeth Jane Howard wrote, "Miss Bunting is a masterpiece. It is a novel that is both timely and timeless, and it is a story that will continue to be read and enjoyed for generations to come."

Miss Bunting is a powerful and moving novel about the complexities of colonialism, racism, and human nature. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Miss Bunting (Virago Modern Classics Book 372)

by Angela Thirkell

4.3 out of 5