My most recent review on Shiny, which appeared a couple of days ago, was a book I knew I had to have as soon as I saw the title announced. I've been visiting India on a fairly regular basis for many years and have always been fascinated (and generally appalled) by the history of the British there. But this book promised to break new ground and indeed it does.
I learned the history of a great number of amazing women, who travelled over there between the 17th and 19th centuries. Many of them were with, or on their way to join, their husbands, but others went independently, and not just husband hunting either. There were maids, teachers, nurses, shopkeepers and many others. Katie Hickman has rummaged in the archives and quotes many diaries and other personal accounts. Although it's a non-fiction book I found it absolutely unputdownable. You can read my full review here.
