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The Call to India: A Novel of American in India
The Call to India A Novel of American in India Author:George H. McMurry This warm and penetrating novel about a missionary family in India half a century ago has as its timeless theme the frailty of man's illusions. It is Paul's story, the evocation of the world he knew when he came from school in the Himalayas home on holiday to the mission village of Murralla in the Plains. Here, escaped for a while from the mer... more »ciless ragging of British schoolmates, he wrestled with the normal trials of adolescence; caught up the threads of friendship with native servants; glimpsed some of the glories of empire by listening to Major Payne, the British District Commissioner whose life was India; reinforced his golden dream of America by soaking up his father's tales of Wisconsin, and pursued his own vivid secret life apart from the paltry affairs of his sisters and the all-consuming mission concerns of his mother.
It is a novel of depth and originality, simple and even hilarious on its surface but rich in texture as it encompasses the multileveled irony of many cultures, many warring temperaments. Though it is Paul's story, two of its most memorable characters are the Reverend and Mrs. Rugh, both devout of purpose and united in service to the Lord. To Mother Rugh, who was born with a caul, the heathen must be saved though she break heads and jeopardize her own unbending soul. Father Rugh, though his vision too was limited, was on easier with his God, and has the gift of laughter as well as courage and kindliness. As Mr. McMurry portrays them they are, in their dedication and fierce adherence to their faith, the stuff of saints, martyrs, and pitiable human beings.« less