Michael Korda, the writer of this novel, is the nephew of the main character, Queenie, or as we know her, the actress Merle Oberon.  His uncle, Alexander Korda was her first husband.

Queenie Kelly is Anglo-Indian growing up in Calcutta. She is not accepted by the British or by the people of India. The story begins in the early 1900’s. Her struggle to reach her goals and to help her family in such an exotic climate made the book very exciting reading. The biggest struggle money and the need to find work, but were often turned down due to racial discrimination. Queenie did what she had to do survive using what she had to make her way.

On May 10, 1987 ABC aired a two part mini-series which told the story of the novel starring Mia Sara, Joss Ackland, Kirk Douglas, and Topol. I couldn’t help but want to watch the movie. Although it did not win any awards, the story brought out even more of the exactness of the character. Mia Sara, who played the title role of Queenie Kelly, was best known for her role in movie, Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.

The movie made quite a smash despite the fact it did not win any awards showing how Queenie was able to overcome obstacles and to later become a model and actress. This is what makes the story so extraordinary, let alone that Queenie does what she does for her family and for herself.