Thank You Mr Crombie: Lessons in Guilt and Gratitude to the British

Mihir Bose, born in Kolkata shortly before Indian independence in 1947, still feels enormous gratitude towards Mr Crombie of the UKs Home Office, who confirmed his permanent residents rights. After studying in Britain, Bose had dreamed of making a life and career there; now he could pursue it. Shiva Naipaul mocked him for reembracing the colonial lash, doubting Boses prospects as a writerbut he was wrong.

This absorbing account shows how Britain has changed dramatically for the better since the 60s. Then, Indian food was shunned, not adored; landladies wouldnt rent Bose a room; white women would not have relationships for fear of mixed babies; and he suffered several assaults, fearing for his life.

Bose could not imagine then that the British would take such great strides towards multi-racial harmony. Yet Britains complex, sometimes deeply shameful, imperial legacy must still be addressed. India, defying its doubters, has been coming to terms with its tortured past. Can twenty-firstcentury Britain grow once again and earn the gratitude of future generations?