A Passage to India is a famous old novel by E.M. Forster, which delves into the prickly subject of the British Raj in India & the hosts’ growing calls for independence during the start of the twentieth century. In particular, the story focuses on the assault of a colonial by an Indian on a trip to the Malabar Caves and the tensions which arise, accentuated by the bigger racial & political issues of the era. It’s based on Forster’s own experiences in 1920’s India & it provides an interesting insight from both sides of the debate, notably certain British characters who don’t want to be in India & many Indians, who don’t want them to be there. I personally never heard a bad word about the British from the locals from my time in India, instead I often received gratitude for the gifts of democracy, railways & whisky! Maybe feelings have simply mellowed over time.

A Passage to India was also made into an epic film during the 1980’s, featuring stars such as Sir Alec Guinness & Peggy Ashcroft. It was also the last film by director David Lean, creator of many stunning films including Laurence of Arabia & Doctor Zhivago and this movie is no less beautiful.