In "McCluskieganj", Vikash Kumar Jha weaves a poignant tapestry of history and longing centered on the world's only Anglo-Indian village. Having lived in this unique pocket of Jharkhand (then Bihar), for a few years during the early 90s, I found the narrative deeply emotional; it served as a nostalgic bridge back to the misty lanes and colonial charm of my own past.
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The book, originally written in Hindi, was translated into English by an English professor. While the translation is scholarly, it is laden with sophisticated vocabulary. For younger readers or those looking to build their lexicon, this is an asset. However, for a reader seeking a fluid narrative, these "speed breakers" often require a dictionary, which occasionally distracted me from the atmospheric storytelling.
The plot's strength lies in its historical grounding and character arcs. The first half moves at an average pace, but the story truly finds its heart in the second half when Robin arrives to work. The shift in energy is palpable and wonderful. The most compelling element is Neelmani's evolution. Her rise in political awareness is masterfully handled, transforming her from a witness to a participant in her community's fate.
My primary critique is the ending. The tragic demise of Robin and Neelmani's unresolved fight for her cause feels abrupt. This lack of a "close out" left me slightly disappointed and yearning for more closure. Despite the heavy vocabulary and the bittersweet ending, "McCluskieganj" is a vital read for anyone interested in the fading legacy of the Anglo-Indian community.
It is a soulful, four-star journey that I highly recommend to all readers.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
