Title: Jessie’s Will
Author: Virginia Wells
Publisher: XlibrisAU
ISBN: 978-1-6641-0257-6
Pages: 352
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda

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Jessie’s Will is a story about a woman of Anglo-Indian descent, Myra Stevenson, a single mother and teacher in Bombay, India. Myra lived with Thomas, her son, and his ayah (nursemaid), Shanti. Myra had a difficult childhood that included losing her mother at an early age to a raging fire and facing rejection from her father for years after her father re-married an egocentric and vain woman, Sonia. Her father, who was constantly absent in Myra’s life because of his work demands, even before her mother’s death, led Myra to seek solace in her mum’s best friend, Jessie, an Englishwoman, living in opulent comfort, who had given her word to her mother that she would always take care of Myra upon her demise.

Myra ends up having a child with Giles Cortell, Jessie’s grandson who is not aware that he fathered a child until shortly after his grandmother’s death. Jessie writes it all in a letter to her grandson including asking her grandson to marry Myra so that Thomas, their son could have legitimacy according to the Legitimacy Act of 1926. She additionally gives much of her wealth to Myra creating a rift between Myra and Giles, who believes Myra, wormed her way into his grandmother’s heart using Thomas as bait so she could be included in Jessie’s will. This is the story of one woman’s struggle to vindicate herself from years of accusations, blame and suspicion – while trying to affirm herself against the backdrop of ostracism in India towards those born of mixed marriages. Whilst doing that, she is on her journey to make an arranged-marriage work with a man who she despises and who abhors her as well.

Author Virginia Wells does a beautiful job intertwining historical events, such as the growing climate of Anglophobia in India, and taking us through the life of Myra, the main character in the story. She interweaved previous events and present events in such a captivating matter and at times it felt as if I was in a helicopter ride flying across Myra’s life. Jessie’s Will also gives us a glimpse into the lives of Anglo Indians and the struggles they faced in India in the early 90s.

Although the introduction of numerous characters at the beginning can be confusing, the story’s events were easy to follow, and slowly, the characters became memorable. The author describes Myra’s emotions so well – making it easy to feel her confusion, determination, fear, love, and pain. Furthermore, readers will enjoy the oriental themes that explore the Indian cuisines, traditions, and culture that the author has mentioned, albeit scarcely. I could hardly wait to know the details of Jessie’s letter to Myra that the author keeps suspended from readers till the end.

Jessie’s Will brought out the themes of resolution, selflessness, and change quite well. It was endearing to see how Myra was willing to sacrifice her freedom for the sake of her son, Thomas, so that he could gain legitimacy according to the law. Lovers of historical fiction and family drama will enjoy reading this book.