Olivia in India

Olivia, a young Scotswoman, takes a trip to India to visit her brother, who is a civil servant. Through her letters, we follow Olivia's ocean voyage to India, her stay in Calcutta, and her visits to outlying posts. The letters are gaily written and offer amusing anecdotes about the journey, the people she meets, and impressions of India on a girl who has barely left Scotland before.

Anna Buchan (1877–1948), a distinguished Scottish novelist, wrote under the pseudonym O. Douglas. Born in Peebles, Scotland, she was the sister of the celebrated writer and politician John Buchan, author of 'The Thirty-Nine Steps'. Anna Buchan's work is often characterized by its vivid depiction of domestic life and keen insights into character and social nuance. Her literary style bears a gentleness and empathy that has endeared her work to readers seeking warmth and affirmation of human values in their narratives. One of her notable works includes 'Olivia in India', which provides an account of the protagonist's observations and adventures in India. While not as widely recognized as her brother, Anna Buchan contributed significantly to early 20th-century literature, offering a softer counterpoint to the era's more tumultuous tales. Her novels typically reflect her own experiences and the mores of Scottish middle-class life, showcasing her ability to capture both the humor and pathos of the world around her. Buchan's narratives often revolve around themes of family, community, and the subtleties of human relationships, marked by a gentle irony and a deep understanding of the social fabric of her time.