A BACKWARD PLACE Author:Ruth Prawer Jhabvala In this Indian "Vanity Fair," Ruth Prawer Jhabvala draws a penetrating portrait of life's contradictions in "backward" India. — Bal, a young actor, chases illusions of becoming a movie star. He is certain that as soon as he moves to Bombay, all his financial problems will vanish and he will no longer need to be supported by his wife. Judy, his E... more »nglish wife, knows better,and is terrifed that if they move she may not be able to find another job. Etta is a sophisticated courtesan who fascinates every new acquaintance, but who is getting too old to hold on to her rich patron. Clarissa, an upper-middle-class drop-out from the British establishment, enthuses over the India's spiritual values, while sponging on her friends. Sudhir hates his meaningless job with the Cultural Dias and wants to do something for India, but isn't sure he wants to give up his comforts to teach literacy in impoverished rural India.« less