The Pool in the Desert

by Sara Jeannette Duncan

"The Pool in the Desert" by Sara Jeannette Duncan is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story centers on the life of a woman navigating the challenges of motherhood and societal expectations while living in British India. The protagonist, Mrs. Farnham, reflects on her relationship with her husband, John, and their daughter, Cecily, revealing the complexities of familial bonds against the backdrop of colonial life. The opening of the novel introduces Mrs. Farnham's struggle to manage her household's finances while caring for her family in a foreign land. She recounts the early days of her daughter's life and especially the difficulties posed by her husband's military duties and her eventual separation from Cecily. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Mrs. Farnham's relationship with Cecily is marked by distance, both physically and emotionally, as Cecily grows up with her aunts in England, creating a sense of alienation between mother and daughter. This dynamic sets the foundation for the exploration of maternal instincts, societal pressure, and the impact of separation on family ties in a colonial context.