Staying On by Paul Scott, pages 1 to 126

[George]

Please comment here on Staying On by Paul Scott pages 1 to 126. (The first half of the novel).

[Irene]

I did not realize this was a sequel. I wonder if I would understand and appreciate it more if I had read the other novels. I am not sure what to make of Lila and Francis. Are they comic relief or some archetype of a type of colonial presence lingering in India. The Indian servants have learned such subservience. They accept as normal very disrespectful treatment from the British. Yet, The British are totally dependant on these Indian servants. They can't even cook their own food. And this is taking place 30 years after Independence.

[George]

Wikipedia states: "Staying On focuses on Tusker and Lucy Smalley, who are briefly mentioned in the latter two books of the Raj Quartet, The Towers of Silence and A Division of the Spoils, and are the last British couple living in the small hill town of Pankot after Indian independence.
I read a few goodreads reviews of this novel understand that the 'Staying On' story stands on it's own.

I have just started reading Staying On and already have noticed that there is a distinction between this novel and the more sombre (sic) 'The Jewell in the Crown' (the first of the Raj Quartet) which I read a few years ago.

[Irene]

I have not read anything by Scott before. As I finish the first half, I would not have been able to say that the focus is on Lucy and Tusker. It feels as much about them as about Lila and Francis. And, even more, it seems to be about a dying way of life.

[George]

I'm up to page 76. I agree it's about a dying way of life.

It is a character driven story. Ibrahim, the Smalley's sole servant, and his relationship with Lucy and Tusker is interesting. Mr and Mrs Bhoolabhoy are memorable characters. I am enjoying this story. I haven't come across Lila and Francis yet.

[Irene]

Mr and Mrs Bhoolabhoy are Francis and Lila. Their first names are just easier to spell.

[George]

I am half way through this story. Getting to know more about Lucy and Tusker has been a sad experience. Francis and Lila's relationship is in some ways weird.

[Irene]

Weird is an understatement.