Author Interview – John Baillie – Five Brothers In India

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, author John Baillie talks about his new book, Five Brothers In India.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed John Baillie about his new book, Five Brothers In India, with a longer version available on YouTube.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is John Baillie and I am a finance man who has turned to writing.

What is your latest book called?

My latest book is called Five Brothers In India – Personal Remembrance Of Bengal And The East India Company 1795-1909.

About Five Brothers In India

“Five Brothers In India” is a multifaceted book that blends personal memoir, family history, and a deep dive into 19th-century colonial India. It’s structured in three distinct parts, offering a rich and layered reading experience.

Part One: Personal Memoir: The book begins with author John Baillie sharing his own life story. He recounts his experiences as a naval aviator and later as a successful businessman, establishing a personal connection with the reader before delving into the historical narrative.

Part Two: Family History and the Balliol Connection: Baillie then shifts focus to his family’s history, particularly their strong ties to India. He explores the Balliol family’s Scottish roots and their association with the East India Company, providing context for the brothers’ later involvement in the region. This section establishes the historical foundation for the core narrative.

Part Three: The Five Brothers in India: The heart of the book lies in the stories of five brothers who served in British India during the peak of the Empire. Baillie draws heavily from the brothers’ own letters, written to their family back in London’s Poplar, to vividly portray their experiences. These letters offer a unique and authentic perspective on their lives, including their involvement in significant historical events like the Indian Mutiny and the Crimean War, as well as their daily lives in places like Karachi. The letters reveal their bravery, perseverance, and the challenges they faced, offering a compelling glimpse into the realities of colonial life.

Overall Themes and Impact: “Five Brothers In India” is driven by themes of resilience, ambition, and familial loyalty. By combining personal reflections with meticulously researched family history and firsthand accounts, Baillie creates a compelling narrative that offers a rare and authentic window into the lives of those who played a role in shaping modern India. The book provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of British colonial history, emphasizing the human stories behind the grand historical events.

What Inspired you to write it?

This could be described as a slow follow u to my first book since the publication dates are thirty-one years apart. Since the first one touched on family history, the inspiration for the second is an attempt to finish the job.

What was your research process like?

It was very long, stretching over most of my life, but primarily enjoyable. It was in down in downtime since I had to earn my living so that it was not always popular domestically. This aside was fun.

What do you love about writing?

The peace of mind it can bring. Of course, not always and not immediately, but usually eventually.

What is one piece of advice you would give to anybody else who wants to write a book?

Make a careful plan of the structure and collect every envelope that comes your way so that all your thoughts may be scribbled down.

Where can we buy your book?

The book may be purchased from Amazon and from Troubador Publishing.

Find more from John Baillie now:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CQzA0h

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