Golden Oriole

The Golden Oriole is the story of 200 years of the Trevelyan family in India. Trevelyan, born on the sub-continent, travels back five times to trace his ancestry and tour the country. His storied relations served the empire as soldiers and civil servants holding positions of power and influence. It is a charming book, enlightened, and not the least bit exculpatory. Trevelyan records his travels with wit and humor, takes an objective view of British rule, and catalogs the accomplishments and failures of his illustrious forefathers. Trevelyan's shift from past to present can be abrupt, which takes some getting used to. And, a peculiar omission of standard comma usage also requires some adjustment from the reader. However, these are but minuscule obstacles in what is an insightful, often touching, and highly interesting look at an amazing family and the country they loved. I recommend it highly.