Book: Staying On

"Staying On" by Paul Scott is a poignant exploration of the twilight years of an English couple, Tusker and Lucy Smalley, residing in the Indian hill station of Pankot after the fall of the British Raj. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing India, the novel delves into themes of colonial legacy, nostalgia, and the bittersweet nature of aging. Tusker, a retired British Colonel, and his wife Lucy navigate their isolated existence, grappling with a world that has moved on from the colonial era they once knew. Scott masterfully captures the nuances of their relationship, marked by tender affection, unspoken resentments, and the quiet dignity with which they face their dwindling days. The book offers a richly detailed portrait of post-colonial India, contrasted with the couple's clinging to the vestiges of a bygone era. Through his keen insight and lyrical prose, Scott crafts an intimate and deeply moving narrative about identity, belonging, and the complexities of love and memory.