Interesting Glimpse of an Unknown World

This is border-line 3 stars overall for me, but it is well read and very detailed so I'm giving it 4. I think the reason I wanted to give 3 stars only is because of the at times, racist and cruel content. But this is reflective of its era, I know, so though it is unpleasant in places, it is accurate.

I didn't know about the phenomenon of 1000s of young British women sailing to India, looking for a husband. It seems really extraordinary now, but there we are - they flocked over to India from the mid-1800s right up to the 1940s. There were few 'suitable' women (that is, white, middle-class, young) for the British men who were busy out there ruling this part of our so-called Empire, to marry, and so a brisk trade in marriageable - generally VERY willing - young ladies began. It went on for so long, generations of women in the same family undertook the same journey. Often, the outcomes, though usually born of business-like agreements and settled within days or even hours, were reasonably happy.

It's a factual, and as far as I can tell, well researched book which follows the fortunes of a wide range of women. The human interest keeps it from feeling academic. There are so many really fascinating insights into this now past world: the voyages, the social rigours, the food, the climate, their seemingly (to us, now) bizarre values, dress-codes, vile illnesses, young deaths - all presented in a matter-of-fact way via memoirs, letters, records and a few interviews.

The often casual and deeply ingrained racism is shocking. So is the killing/hunting. I knew of it. Why is it shocking? I think because it is voiced by girls and women aged 17 - 30 just as a natural part of their lives. Few voices are raised against the treatment and exploitation of the Indian population, or the mass slaughter of the tigers and elephants. It is presented as it was: normal.

Well read too.

Very accessible social history, which I really enjoyed.

7 people found this helpful

Go east, young woman...and they did!

Where does The Fishing Fleet rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I enjoyed this book but, unusually, might have preferred a print version (see below).

Some of the stories, diary extracts etc were fascinating glimpses into the lives of women in the Raj, and pointed up the striking contrasts between the physical privations and the unimaginable grandeur the yendured and witnessed.

If you’ve listened to books by Anne de Courcy before, how does this one compare?

This was my first Anne de Courcy book

Have you listened to any of Greta Scacchi’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I only know Greta Scacchi as an actress, but thought she was perfect for this book

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

See title above

Any additional comments?

As I was listening I longed to see photos etc., so am now buying the illustrated print version of this book.

6 people found this helpful

A Different World

Would you listen to The Fishing Fleet again? Why?

So much of the content seemed so strange, that I could do with a second hearing. I have always enjoyed reading about India, and about the lives of women, and about history; this book combines all three.

What other book might you compare The Fishing Fleet to, and why?

Cannot think of another book quite like this

Have you listened to any of Greta Scacchi’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I have not heard her read before. Her voice seemed perfect for conveying the experiences of British women.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, made me laugh; some of the anecdotes were very funny. Some of the incidents were incredible. Most of all I marvelled at the courage of these women, the attitudes of the British as colonists, and the exotic setting of that vast country, India.

Any additional comments?

A wonderfully thorough survey of many diaries, journals and books, with memories of life in India in previous centuries.

4 people found this helpful

A Fascinating Account of a Different Era

The Raj conjures up a picture of wealth and mystery to me, but this interesting book relates the lives of those who lived in India during this time. Taken from letters and documents of the time it shows the variety of experience from rich to poor, from happy to sad, from induced to deprived of those who coped with sometimes, very difficult conditions. It was not only a time of privilege and opportunity but also one of hard decisions about separation and loneliness as well as happiness and fun. I found it to be an enlightening and informative listen.

2 people found this helpful

Heat, Dust & Keeping On

This is a thoroughly researched and sweeping account of the lives of the Raj's memsahibs spanning three centuries. As with others of this author's books, this one takes time to give historical context and descriptions of contemporary events in addition to descriptions of huge privilege tempered with not a little fortitude in the face of privations. Views are often 'of their time' but that's as it should be in a true telling' often sweetened by surprising insight too). Well written and equally week read (Greta Scaachi is an ideal choice for the subject matter) I was, as others have said, occasionally distracted by the non-chronological, thematic structure frequently employed, but always entertained.

Little cohesion

A lot of detail - sometimes repeating previous similar information. My main criticism is the lack of fluency, jumping backwards and forwards time wise for no apparent reason.
There is also not much related er earring and information as to what else was happening in the world.
Though there is much to be proud of there is maybe even more to realise just how overbearing and dismissive of the native population and traditions we British were and how very badly we left the countries when we were shown the door - similarly with much of our empire.
Quite strange to realise just how women accepted their lot in those days.

The day of the Raj

Found this book so interesting. A friend had told me about the girls, the most unattractive ones being sent there for husbands and I found this book so interesting on detail. Also explained my mothers attitude to life. She was not there but she was so imperious in the way she talked down to people she thought were below her. Same as some in this book. Dismissive of certain class of people, and unfortunately people were like that. Loved the visiting cards having to be presented before an invitation would be given. Must reread this book again sure many facts will appear that I did not register first time round!!

The Fishing Fleet

An interesting insight into life in India for British people mainly in the early 20th century. It does not contain one continuous tale but a series of vignettes about certain people living at the time. In this sense it is more of a documentary on life as lived then rather than an in depth study of one particular family. If the reader is prepared for this then they would find it enjoyable but if you were looking for a good but true yarn you could be disappointed.