General Comment:As mentioned earlier on my April 19 2007 post, I have embarked on writing a few words on all the books that I may read in my retirement. I will reread few books which I read over last few years – this to allow me to capture some good essence from the readings.

This book is  about Jews in India in the nineteenth century. Since my  ancestory is from India, the  book  is an important source for me  to understand   the  coming, acceptance and development of Jews in India  . Jews did well in India and Jews do     acknowledge that India is the only country in the world where they were not harassed or persecuted.

The author,Gay Courter,  has based the story on some real murder of Leah Judah on the first of October 1858 in Calcutta -a capital of British rule at that time in India. Calcutta was known as the City of Palaces. The book I read is a soft cover and has 630 pages.

The book provides the background of opium trade and related wars with China at that time  .  

This book was given to my wife by a lady (Annaliese) . Annaliese was a customer at  our store  run by my  wife    in Petawawa .  They became good friends and Annaliese spent many hours with my wife to talk about general happenings in life.

The author has developed the story based on true murder at that time but weaving in  some authentic incidents in India at that time. Very interesting book   and worth reading. She has provided description  of Opium and Tea Plantations in India at that time.

Pravin Shah