Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala was a German-born British and American novelist, short story writer, and two-time Academy Award-winning screenwriter. She is best known for her collaborations with Merchant-Ivory Productions, writing screenplays for films such as 'Howards End' and 'A Room with a View.' Jhabvala's fiction often explores themes of cultural dislocation and the contrasts between Western and Eastern societies. She was also awarded the Booker Prize for her novel 'Heat and Dust' in 1975.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Heat and Dust
"Heat and Dust" is a novel set in two different time periods in India, exploring themes of colonialism, gender roles, and cultural clash. The story alternates between the 1920s, following the scandalous life of Olivia, an English colonial wife who falls in love with an Indian prince, and the 1970s, where her step-granddaughter journeys to India to uncover the truth about Olivia's life and her own identity. The narrative exposes the complexities of love, culture, and identity in the context of British colonial rule and post-colonial India.
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2. Out Of India
"Out of India" is a collection of stories and essays that provide a rich and evocative portrayal of Indian society and the complexities of its cultural and social tapestry. The author, born in Germany and having spent a significant part of her life in India, uses her unique perspective to explore themes of identity, displacement, and the nuances of East-West encounters. Through vivid characterizations and keen observations, the book captures the essence of India, from its bustling cities to its rural landscapes, offering insights into both the beauty and the contradictions of the country. The work is a reflection on the author's experiences and observations during her time in India, making it both a personal and deeply insightful read.
