Beautiful, spoilt, bored Olivia outrages society in the tiny, suffocating Indian town where her husband is a civil servant, by eloping with an native prince. 50 years later her step-granddaughter travels there to investigate the scandal. This novel won the Booker Prize.
Specially selected by Maura Healy, this series aims to offer an innovative and adventurous collection of texts that demonstrates the best of women's writing, both black and white. Complete texts reflecting a range of genres as well as different cultures and experiences are offered and the volumes contain study material and assignments at a range of levels to deepen pupils' enjoyment and understanding of literature. A reading log is also included with ideas for group and individual assignments to help pupils find their way around the texts. This book includes pre-reading activities, notes and coursework assignments. The stories from Ireland, China, Egypt, American and Asia tell the story of women's lives, from memories of childhood to meeting with death and tell about women's experiences in their homes, relationships, work and culture. The series is intended for 14-16 year olds sitting GCSE English and English Literature and adults taking English examinations and overseas students. It is suitable for those taking GCSE-LEAG, NEA, SEG and MEG examinations.