Reviews By Charline

“Naga Queen”

Author: Pauline Hayton

I just finished reading “Naga Queen” which is a fictional biography about Ursula Graham Bower. Some non-fiction facts about Ursula Graham Bower: she was a fiercely independent woman who became one of the pioneer anthropologists in the Naga Hills from 1937 – 1946 and, as if that wasn’t unprecedented enough for a woman in that day and age, she also became a guerrilla fighter in Burma against the Japanese from 1942 – 1945. Needless to say, Ursula was an amazingly complex and interesting woman and Pauline Hayton, the author of “Naga Queen” definitely did her justice with this manuscript.

We begin our journey through “Naga Queen” with Ursula who, having recently finished her schooling; feeling let down and unfulfilled, travels to India to visit her best friend Alexa in Assam. Ursula’s parents have approved this trip thinking that their daughter will find herself a suitable military husband while she’s there. Unfortunately for her parents, the only thing that Ursula desires is a life filled with excitement and adventure; finding herself chained in a suffocating marriage is certainly the last thing on her mind.

Ursula is given a one-time opportunity to travel into the inner depths of India’s jungles where she meets the Zemi Nagas. She falls in love with the untamed spirit of the Zemi, the wildness of the countryside and, with her heart breaking as she leaves; she vows to find a way to permanently return to the place that feels like her long lost home.

Needless to say, being as strong-willed as she was, Ursula found a way to do just that and while I won’t give away any more of Hayton’s story I will state that Ursula’s actions during World War II did result with her receiving the “Order of the British Empire Medal” and her fame earned her the nickname “The Naga Queen.”

In summary, I found “Naga Queen” to be a completely riveting read. Hayton’s writing style is impeccable and, even though this is a fictional biography, the reader will be hard pressed to figure out what is truth and what is myth. Throughout history it seems all heroes / heroines become larger than life: both because of their deeds and because of the storytelling prowess of those who recount their exploits. In this regard Hayton has gone over and above; she has skillfully woven Ursula’s amazing life into a rich tapestry that was truly a pleasure to read.

“Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps”

Author: Pauline Hayton

Having recently finished reading my copy of “Naga Queen,” written by Pauline Hayton, and having enjoyed that historical novel immensely; when I was subsequently asked if I would be interested in reviewing her book “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” I happily, and immediately, accepted.

Unlike the author’s previous book that I had read “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” is not a work of historical fiction. Instead it is a written accounting of Hayton’s experiences as she trekked through Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) attempting to make the same journey that her father had during his World War II tour of duty.

Having become a lot closer with her father during the writing of her books and having recently fought cancer and escaped its cold clutches Hayton decided to personally visit the lands she had heard so much about. With her husband Peter by her side, and a wonderful film crew to help her capture this trip on film for her grandchildren, Hayton explored remote regions rarely seen by outsiders; traveled the famous Ledo Road and followed in her father’s footsteps as closely as the various governments would allow. Unfortunately Hayton wasn’t allowed to completely follow her initial itinerary but she did see enough to gain a better perspective of her father’s World War II experiences and there were definitely some sad and somber moments. On the one hand it was wonderful to see, photograph, and travel on the still intact roads and bridges built during his time; on the other hand it was sobering to travel to cities and monuments where thousands had laid down their lives for both sides.

In summary, I would say that “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” is an interesting and well-written book. I also thought that the photographs Hayton included throughout the book were a nice touch. Truthfully I didn’t find “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” quite as interesting as “Naga Queen” but I do think that’s mainly because it seemed to be written more as a personal journal than a manuscript. Knowing that Hayton brought a film crew with her on this trip, and knowing that she was trying to preserve her experiences so that her children and grandchildren would know her father better also seems to point to this conclusion.

“Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” definitely garners a four-star rating and I would place it in the “books to read” category.