.jpg) First US edition | |
| Author | Rumer Godden |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Peter Davies (UK) Little, Brown (US) |
Publication date | 1939 (UK) |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
Black Narcissus is the third novel by English writer Rumer Godden and was published in 1939.[1] It was adapted into a 1947 film Black Narcissus. The title refers to the French perfume under the label Caron, Narcisse Noir.
A group of English nuns travel to Mopu[a] (near Darjeeling) to set up a convent school.[4] They are situated in a palace at the top of an isolated mountain above a valley in the Himalayas. The palace has ancient and erotic artwork on the walls and was once a harem. Although the sisters' intentions are noble, they understand little of the area's people and culture.
Mr. Dean, a local agent, predicts the failure of their mission. Sister Clodagh, the Sister Superior of the group, is ambitious but questions her capabilities. She presses on, sometimes clashing with Mr. Dean. Sister Ruth becomes increasingly emotionally unwell.
The sisters often clash with Angu Ayah, the building's caretaker, as well as the local population. A young local girl called Kanchi becomes involved with "the Young General" who has begun to attend classes at the convent. He wishes to understand Western culture better and improve his English. As each sister begins to suffer emotionally due to her situation, Sister Ruth becomes jealous of Sister Clodagh and obsessed with Mr. Dean.
A 1939 book review by Kirkus Reviews called the book "Not a book for headline reviews and big sales, but a book whose popularity will spread by word of mouth publicity, a book that discerning readers will make their own. It is a strange and fascinating book." and summarized: "The sort of book that should be read to be sold; definitely a booksellers' find type of book. Don't miss it".[5] Reviewing Godden's India books in 2013 for The Guardian, Rosie Thomas wrote, "For all its convent setting, the novel thrums with sex, portrayed with a subtlety that seems only to intensify its power. The story is simple, but the narrative takes an unshakeable hold, building to a climax involving sexual obsession, insanity and tragic death, which, despite the gothic elements, is handled with masterful restraint."[6]