“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.