Queenie Hardcover – January 1, 1985

Michael Korda, while writing this 1985 book, was not only a book author; he was the Editor-in-Chief (now Emeritus) at Simon & Schuster and also a columnist, so he knew about writing and crafting a good read. He has a history degree from Magdalen College at Oxford, UK and was also an intelligence officer in the Royal Air Force. At one time, he was also a nephew to actress Merle Oberon, by marriage to his uncle, producer-director, Sir Alexander Korda.In short, Korda had a lot of experiences and references that he could use in his writing.Although this book Queenie is fiction, it is loosely-modeled on the life of his aunt Merle, so some information is changed just enough for Korda not to be involved in a lawsuit. Both Merle and Queenie were born in India: while Merle was born in a poor area of Bombay, Queenie was born in a beach shack in Calcutta. Both were born to Indian mothers and British fathers, who were in India working as managers and overseers to build railways, water treatment plants, and infrastructure for the British Empire. Both had fathers who had ‘permanent’ first wives and children back in Merry-Old England and who may or may not have been aware of the 2nd families back in India, with biracial children that would never see their fathers again. Many received no money from their fathers after they returned back to the UK. These children were caught between 2 worlds in those times, unlike today, in which diversity is celebrated, single parenting is accepted, and fathers pay child support.The name Queenie was also a nickname of Merle’s when she was younger.Korda is very adept at painting words on the page to conjure up sensory images. His description of Calcutta makes the reader feel, smell, visualize, etc. what Korda puts on the page. For example, when he describes Calcutta, the reader can see, feel, and smell a rotting, humid and fetid coastline both during the day and at night. The safe neighborhoods and the unsafe ones, especially at night, created fear – especially for a teen who needed to provide money for her family in the nightclub areas.I couldn’t put this book down when I was reading it!How could Queenie develop the grit and resilience for working her way up from travelling from Calcutta nightclubs to going to England to lose her Indian identity in the dark, dank, cave-like London nightclubs, while pushing a ‘white’ identity? How could she navigate the world of men, especially her first real ‘encounter’ with a man? Was she able to blend in in London to disguise who she really was? Who did she befriend to help her?In England, where did she tell people that she was originally from? Why? How long did she go along with this ruse?How many husbands did Queenie have? Did any of them help her career? After some time, the world was her oyster; she felt at home almost anywhere.As Queenie became famous, how did she treat her mother?Who was she with at the end of her life? What is her legacy?To find the answers to these questions, you’ll have to read the book. But be careful, you won’t want to stop reading until you finish it. In so doing, you’ll also be able to appreciate Michael Korda’s writing style and know that he is truly a wordsmith. You may also want to read more of his other books –both fiction and non-fiction.

Book - I ordered the book - "Queenie" by Michael Korda from the used books section of Amazon. The seller listed the book "as good as new". However, when I received the book it was nowhere close to "as good as new". It was an obviously well used book.Delivery - I was advised when I placed my order that the book would arrive within 2 months! I was surprised that it would take that long to deliver but didn't really mind - as long as I got the book. About 10 days after placing the order my book arrived!!! Yippee!!!Story - I loved loved loved the book (story)!!! I had read "Fortune" and "Curtain" by Michael Korda and was not particularly blown away. But my regular "book dealer" told me I had to read "Queenie" before I wrote off Michael Korda and she was right. Mr. Korda hit it out of the ballpark. The ending was not 100% but I figured that the author probably had a deadline to meet. It would have been nice to know what happened to Madga, what exactly Charles Corsini was involved in, why Queenie married (thrice) after Corsini died if he was the great love of her life and some details about her relationships with the men she married after Corsini. But I guess a good book never gives you all the answers or neat endings - we can use our imaginations to fill in the blanks. All told - a terrific read!!! I don't regret the purchase at all.

Interesting novel shedding light on Indian -British interaction, former obsessions with female stars, a real page turner until the last segment that was anticlimactic.

The is an odd book, and strictly for old-movie lovers. Best part is the first section which describes Anglo-Indian culture of the early 20th century.

Was only expecting delivery around 6.11.09.Recd goods almost 1 week earlier. Which was outstanding.Although postage and shipping cost were prettyexpensive. Overall it was well worth it. I could not get a copy of thisedition anywhere in South Africa. Even though I hadcontacted all leading book sellers in the country.So thanks to Amazon I finally have a copy of my very own.regdsLoshnieSouth Africa

Had read this several years ago and wanted to re-read, especially as I had learned more abut Michael Korda and realized this was Merle Oberon, thingy disguised.

Read years ago & decided to read again. It was just as good, if not better, the second time around.

Read this years ago when it first came out and must have lent the original out. GREAT read

Given that Michael Korda was editor-in-chief of Simon and Schuster when he wrote this book, it seems likely that no one bothered/dared to edit this book. I read through to the end because I finish what I start but I was not gripped by the story telling and felt little empathy with the wannabee film star protagonist Queenie who became Rani then Dawn.

Brilliant old fashioned block buster book.

enjoyable story

very good read for a rainy day.