The Pool in the Desert   By: Sara Jeannette Duncan (1861-1922)

Sara Jeannette Duncan's "The Pool in the Desert" is a captivating novel that explores themes of cultural clash, gender roles, and personal identity. Set in the barren landscapes of Rajputana, India, the story follows a young Englishwoman named Marjorie, who finds herself living in a desolate oasis with her husband, John Riddell.

From the outset, Duncan paints a vivid picture of the harsh environment that surrounds Marjorie. The scorching heat and endless stretches of sand serve as a metaphor for her feelings of isolation and captivity. The oasis, aptly named "The Pool," becomes the only respite from their monotonous existence and symbolizes both the source of life and the catalyst for change.

As Marjorie navigates her new surroundings, she becomes increasingly aware of the stark contrasts between her English upbringing and the traditions of the Indian culture she now finds herself immersed in. Duncan skillfully portrays the clash between these two worlds, shedding light on the societal expectations that Marjorie must grapple with. Through her interactions with the locals, Marjorie begins to question her own values and beliefs, leading to a journey of self-discovery.

One of the strengths of Duncan's writing is her ability to bring her characters to life. Marjorie is drawn with depth and authenticity, making her relatable as she undergoes a transformation from a sheltered young woman to a more enlightened and empowered individual. The supporting characters also add depth to the story, providing differing perspectives and moral dilemmas that challenge Marjorie's worldview.

The prose in "The Pool in the Desert" is elegant and evocative. Duncan's descriptions transport the reader directly into the shimmering heat of the Indian desert, making the setting a character in its own right. Additionally, her exploration of gender roles and the societal constraints placed upon women during this time period adds a layer of complexity to the narrative and fuels the reader's curiosity.

If there is one minor criticism of the novel, it would be the occasional slow pacing. At times, the story meanders, and some readers may find themselves yearning for a faster plot progression. However, these moments of slowness also serve to build tension and provide opportunities for deeper introspection, which ultimately contribute to the overall thematic richness of the book.

In conclusion, "The Pool in the Desert" is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that transports readers to the heart of both physical and emotional dryness. Sara Jeannette Duncan's exploration of cultural clashes, personal transformation, and the search for identity will resonate with readers who appreciate a compelling tale that goes beyond the surface.

First Page:

There were times when we had to go without puddings to pay John's uniform bills, and always I did the facings myself with a cloth ball to save getting new ones. I would have polished his sword, too, if I had been allowed; I adored his sword. And once, I remember, we painted and varnished our own dog cart, and very smart it looked, to save fifty rupees. We had nothing but our pay John had his company when we were married, but what is that? and life was made up of small knowing economies, much more amusing in recollection than in practise. We were sodden poor, and that is a fact, poor and conscientious, which was worse. A big fat spider of a money lender came one day into the veranda and tempted us we lived in a hut, but it had a veranda and John threatened to report him to the police. Poor when everybody else had enough to live in the open handed Indian fashion, that was what made it so hard; we were alone in our sordid little ways. When the expectation of Cecily came to us we made out to be delighted, knowing that the whole station pitied us, and when Cecily came herself, with a swamping burst of expense, we kept up the pretense splendidly... Continue reading book >>