Thinking About Being Good

Penny Rome's light-hearted and humorous memoir reconstructs a child's perspective as she grows up on a tea plantation in India's plains of Assam, bringing in an abundance of tales of adventure and, later, life in London. Born in India in the 50s after Independence, the days of the Raj remain evident as the white man is still very much in charge. The author reflects on life within a patriarchal society without the guidance of parents physically and emotionally close, and the impact on forming relationships.
Penny guides us through family generations conveying honest and unique accounts of others' misgivings, misfortunes, love, motherhood, repression and, finally, fulfilment with life in present-day Sussex. This charming memoir is sure to remain in mind for a while to come; she pulls us along in a satisfying motion, chatting throughout as a friend would. She will firmly make friends with you, the reader, too.