B. M. (Bithia Mary) Croker
The Road to Mandalay: A Tale of Burma
"The Road to Mandalay: A Tale of Burma" by B. M. Croker is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative opens in an English village setting, introducing the lives of two elderly sisters, Miss Jane and Miss Mitty Tebbs, who are concerned about their wealthy neighbors, the Shafto family, particularly after the blinds at their home have been drawn down—a sign that something is amiss. The story intricately explores themes of social status, familial relationships, and the impact of sudden tragedy on people's lives. At the start of the book, the Misses Tebbs speculate about the strange behavior of the Shafto family, particularly the demise of Mr. Shafto, who has just passed away suddenly, leaving a complex web of family dynamics and financial woes. As the sisters gossip and reflect on the Shaftos' past, including Edward Shafto's abrupt move from Oxford to their village, we are drawn into a community full of intrigue. Details begin to emerge regarding Mrs. Shafto's extravagant lifestyle, her strained relationship with her husband, and their son Douglas's new responsibilities following his father's death. This sets the stage for the exploration of Douglas's character and future, hinting at themes of loss, change, and possibly the journey towards Mandalay, which may symbolize both a physical journey and a deeper quest for identity and belonging.