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The Mercy of the Lord

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About This Book

A linked collection of short stories set in colonial India that sketches everyday encounters and social collisions with a mix of humour, irony, and sympathy. Scenes range from domestic mishaps and bureaucratic absurdities to intimate moments of remorse, generosity, and self-deception. The narratives favor vivid local colour and concise plotting, alternately satirical and tender, and repeatedly return to themes of mercy, duty, and the limits of understanding between different cultures. Tone and form shift from anecdote to reflective vignette, producing varied portraits of human foibles and small moral reckonings.

About the Author

Steel, Flora Annie Webster portrait

Flora Annie Webster Steel

Flora Annie Webster Steel was a British author known for her contributions to literature that often explore themes of Indian culture and folklore. Born in 1847, she spent a significant part of her life in India, which deeply influenced her writing. Her notable works include "English Fairy Tales," a collection that showcases her ability to weave traditional narratives with her unique storytelling style. Additionally, her historical novel "On the Face of the Waters: A Tale of the Mutiny" reflects her engagement with the complexities of colonial India. Steel's literary legacy includes a diverse array of novels, essays, and children's stories, making her a significant figure in the literary heritage of the British Empire.

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