‘Radiantly delightful’ Evelyn Waugh

This highly entertaining and moving journal chronicles J.R. Ackerley’s five-month stay as the Private Secretary to the Maharajah of Chhokrapur.

Knowing almost nothing of India, he discovers Hindu culture, festivals and language, and reveals the fascinating attitudes of the Palace staff

themselves depicted with humour and occasional infuriation

on women, marriage, the caste system and death.

Also here are mocking portraits of the Maharajah’s British guests, who gravely warn Ackerley not to ‘go indian’.

But at the heart of Hindoo Holiday is the wonderfully unpredictable figure of His Highness the Maharajah Sahib who, ultimately, just wants ‘someone to love him’.