Hilda: A Story of Calcutta

Name: Hilda: A Story of Calcutta
Author: Sara Jeannette Duncan

By Sara Jeannette Duncan

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About This Book

The narrative follows a young woman newly living in Calcutta as she navigates social circles, meets a fervent Salvation Army evangelist and a reserved gentleman, and negotiates competing demands of conscience, fashion, and public identity. Episodes alternate between personal interactions, social gatherings, and acute observations of colonial manners, showing the clash of reformist zeal and performative respectability. Themes include faith and duty, the theatricality of social roles, and the moral ambiguities of philanthropy and ambition within a cosmopolitan but stratified urban setting.

About the Author

Sara Jeannette Duncan

Sara Jeannette Duncan was a Canadian author and journalist known for her insightful portrayals of life in British India and England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her works often explore themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of colonial life. Among her notable titles is "An American Girl in London," which reflects her experiences and observations as an expatriate. Duncan's writing is characterized by its wit and keen social commentary, making her a significant figure in the literary landscape of her time. She contributed to the understanding of the female experience in a colonial context through her engaging narratives.