The Jacaranda Tree
by HE Bates
It continues a strand of Oriental ww2 stories at AA and reflects current news about refugees from Burma!
A book that promoted much discussion. All praised the descriptions of the colours and smells of Burma.
There was some question as to whether the book was a satirical look at the end of the Empire.
Certainly the less sympathetic of the British characters, Mrs McNairn and the Portmans conformed to the stereotypic view of the British abroad.
This led some of the group to think that they drove off the cliff not a moment too soon. Other characters redeemed themselves.
Major Brain cycled back to see what he could do to help.
Miss Allison and Mrs Betteson stay behind to assist with the Burmese.
Ultimately it falls to Nadia and Tuesday to construct a makeshift cart to ferry Paterson across the river.
The protagonist Paterson is a more sympathetic character, than the other British.
To their consternation, he insists on taking his servant and his mistress with him.
Opinion varied as to just how old Nadia was.
Paterson is to some extent an anti- hero.
The book leaves some unanswered questions at the end.
What ultimately happened to Paterson, Tuesday and Nadia?
Did they reach India?
What happened to Miss Allison, Mrs Betteson and Major Brain?
With thanks to Anne for her hospitality. 4 stars
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