Seeta: Ordeals and Tribulations of a Widow in 1857 Mutiny

Seeta is a novel set during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, narrating the story of a widow and her husband, with authentic and creative incidents. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the book is free of prejudice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 442 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2023
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

Seeta is an eponymous novel set against the backdrop of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence. The novel is the third and final installment in a series, following "Tara" and "Ralph Darnell." Written by Philip Meadows Taylor, the novel tells the story of the widow Seeta and her husband, a British civil servant, and their experiences before, during, and after the uprising. While some incidents, such as the dacoity that opens the novel, are authentic, others are the result of Taylor's creativity. The characters and locations are well-drawn and relatable, and the book is free of the prejudice often seen in novels of that era.

The novel begins with the dacoity, which Taylor himself was engaged in its trial in the district court. The story then moves to the events leading up to the uprising, including the political and social tensions that existed in India at the time. The characters include Seeta, her husband, their friends, and their family, and their experiences during the uprising are vividly portrayed. The novel also explores the aftermath of the uprising, including the aftermath of the trial and the impact it had on the lives of the characters.

One of the strengths of the novel is its portrayal of the characters. Taylor does a great job of creating characters that are complex and relatable. Seeta is a strong-willed woman who is determined to survive the uprising and protect her family. Her husband, Ralph Darnell, is a British civil servant who is loyal to the British Empire but also has a sense of duty towards India. Their friends and family are also well-developed, and their experiences during the uprising are heart-wrenching.

Another strength of the novel is its historical accuracy. Taylor does a great job of researching the period and the events that took place during the uprising. The novel is filled with historical details, and the characters' experiences are based on real-life events. This makes the novel a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of India.

However, the novel does have some weaknesses. One of the main weaknesses is its pacing. The novel can be slow at times, and some of the events can feel repetitive. This can be frustrating for readers who are looking for a fast-paced read.

Another weakness is the lack of depth in some of the characters. While Taylor does a great job of creating complex characters, some of the characters feel flat or one-dimensional. This can be particularly true of the villains in the novel.

Despite these weaknesses, Seeta is a well-written and engaging novel. The novel's historical accuracy and its portrayal of the characters make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of India. The novel's pacing and lack of depth in some of the characters are minor flaws that can be overlooked.

In conclusion, Seeta is an eponymous novel set against the backdrop of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Written by Philip Meadows Taylor, the novel tells the story of the widow Seeta and her husband, a British civil servant, and their experiences before, during, and after the uprising. The novel's historical accuracy and its portrayal of the characters make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of India. While the novel does have some weaknesses, these weaknesses are minor and can be overlooked.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 149 x 227 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789390729326