Paul Scott
Paul Scott was an English novelist, playwright, and poet, best known for his series of novels collectively called 'The Raj Quartet'. His most famous work, 'The Jewel in the Crown', is the first novel in this series, which explores the effects of British colonialism in India and the complexities of post-colonial society. Scott's writing is noted for its rich character development and historical detail. He was awarded the Booker Prize for the final novel in the series, 'Staying On'.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Jewel In The Crown
Set during the final days of the British Raj in India, this novel explores the political and personal repercussions of a young British woman's rape in a fictional Indian city. The incident stirs up racial tensions and leads to a series of events that reveal the deep-seated prejudices and complexities of colonial rule. The story is a complex blend of perspectives, weaving together the lives of its diverse cast of characters, and offering a critical examination of the British colonial experience.
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2. Staying On
Staying On focuses on a British couple, Tusker and Lucy Smalley, who decide to stay in India after the end of British rule, rather than return to England. The book explores their struggles and challenges as they try to adapt to a changing India, dealing with the loss of their privileged colonial status, their strained marriage, and their increasing isolation. The narrative delves into themes of ageing, cultural clash, and the end of an era, offering a poignant and complex depiction of post-colonial India.
