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Sandra Wagner-Wright
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Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
Literature & Fiction
Author Insight
This is Wonderful
William Hastie and Rev. Gillan are at Col. Walker's house for the New Year celebration of Hogmanay. The table is set with ivy greens running down the center. The modified Cock-a-Leekie soup Rev. Hastie of being home in Scotland. But there's more - a piper and something that looks like haggis. Hastie tells Miss Smail she's given him taste of home. Holiday times remind people of childhood magic and the closeness of family and friends. Nothing could be farther from Rev. Hastie's home than Calcutta, yet his hosts prepare a meal that brings back nostalgic joy. The turning of the year is a magical time.
Book Excerpt
Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
“Colonel Walker,” I say. “The opportunity to eat food from home, however modified, is a rare privilege.”
After the soup plates clear, we sit for several minutes. Suddenly bagpipes are heard producing their unique sound, excessively loud in a small space. The durwan holds open the door to the drawing room. A piper enters and walks around the table playing Scotland the Brave.
I haven’t felt so joyous since I arrived in Calcutta. “Colonel Walker,” I shout, “this is wonderful.”
Behind the piper, the khitmutgar carries a large platter above his head. When the piper departs, the khitmutgar places the platter between Miss Smail and Colonel Walker. The khitmutgar and his assistant begin serving our plates.
I look at the brown minced meat on my plate, hardly daring to define it. “Can it be haggis?”
“Depends,” Miss Smail says quietly.
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