India Calling: The Memories of Cornelia Sorabji

by Cornelia Sorabji

India The Memories of Cornelia Sorabji by Cornelia Sorabji

At one of the many delightful visits which I paid in my youth to the Grant Duffs at York House, Twickenham—Sir Mountstuart said of me, making a necessary introduction, “A Friend who has warmed her hands at two fires, without being scorched.” . . . Yes—it is true that I have been privileged to know two hearthstones, to be homed in two countries, England and India. But though it is difficult to say which “home” I love best, there has never, at any time, been the remotest doubt as to which called to me with most insistence. . . . Always, early or late, throughout the years, it has been “India Calling.” . . .

Genres: Nonfiction

297 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2001

About the author

Cornelia Sorabji (15 November 1866 – 6 July 1954) was the first female advocate from India when admitted to Allahabad High Court. She was the first female graduate from Bombay University, and in 1889 became the first woman to read law at Oxford University, and also the first Indian national to study at any British university. Later she became the first woman to practise law in India and Britain. In 2012, her bust was unveiled at Lincoln's Inn, London. Her nephew, Sir Richard Sorabji, is Professor of Philosophy at Kings College, London.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Ojasvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a much-needed insight into the then lives of zanana/purdan-ridden women of India. Cornelia's journey of becoming a barrister is inspirational but the way she stands different, almost distant from the Indians and views herself more of a London-er feels discriminatory.