BETI

by Daphne Rooke ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 2, 1959

A tale of the East, almost the core of a musical, involves a double disappearance, abductions, the routing of wrong by right -- and has a childlike delight in the telling. Larki is a well brought up Indian girl whose cousin Beti, kidnaped, in 1947 during the riots, together with a boy, Rammohun, is her beloved, imaginary companion. When Beti is returned she is nothing like Larki's picture, for her years with Jai and his kingdom of thieves and charlatans in Asia and Africa, have thoroughly corrupted her and Larki becomes her fearful target. Mistaken for Beti, Larki is forcibly taken from her home, by way of the ruined city of Kunapur to the Pool of the Octopus, Jai's strong-hold. There she assumes Beti's place in the household, keeps Jai's death a secret and is prepared for marriage. She holds to her faith in Rammohun even after Beti's arrival, cruel treatment and threats, and is finally saved by him -- and Beti's last decent act -- before she pays for her impersonation and deviation from family teachings. A world, which is still far away, takes hold in an intimate atmosphere that mitigates against its melodrama.

Pub Date: March 2, 1959

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1959

Categories: FICTION