A company of planters
by John Dodd

Cover and details monsoonbooks

Started reading 25 May 2007
Finished reading 5 June 2007

A planter's memoirs of his days in Malaya during the late 1950's. The book starts from the period just before Malaya gained its independence.

The matter of fact style gives an insight into his life as an inexperienced assistant in a rubber plantation until the end of his four year contract. During that period, he managed to overcome his first few hesitations about the job by concentrating on the work at hand as well as having an active social life. The new environment gave him an opportunity to savour a different culture and people.

The author's description of his fellow planters and the local populace comes alive with his sometimes detailed picture of each person. The foibles of each as well as the humdrum routine in a plantation are given equal treatment. Some of the people are dull but there is always something in each person that makes an impression on the page.

Reading this book conjures images of the days gone by when the British were still in power. But this was the period that saw the last moments of their presence in the country as the masters. By the time the planter leaves for his long awaited home leave, the country was embarking on a different path.

A period that might be nostalgic for some but disheartening to others.