Fiction and poetry reading list

Anthologies

• Voices on the verandah : an anthology of Anglo-India prose and poetry, edited by Margaret Deefholts and Sylvia W. Straub.

Monroe Twp., New Jersey: CTR Books, 2004

"The content is drawn from two sources, firstly entries to the Anglo-Indian Literary Contest in 2003/4. From over 150 entries, 22 short stories and 29 poems were selected, including contributions from [two] FIBIS members ... Secondly there is a 'Guest contributors' section which features the work of distinguished Anglo-Indian writers such as Ruskin Bond, William Dalrymple and Russell Lucas. The aim of the book is twofold, firstly its publication will help in preserving the culture of the Anglo-Indian community for posterity. Secondly the entire proceeds of the book go to CTR, a USA based 'not for profit' organisation ... dedicated to helping Anglo-Indians in India..." The full review by Geraldine Charles is on pp. 52-53 of FIBIS Journal 13 (Spring 2005). Further reviews and information are at the CTR website

Fiction

• Kipling, Rudyard

Plain tales from the hills. Oxford: OUP, 2001 (Oxford world's classics)

At one time Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was the most popular writer in English in the world. He was born in India, educated in England and returned to India where he worked as a journalist and assistant editor. Plain tales was his first collection of short stories. They provide a series of small windows into life in British India as viewed by a contemporary.