The Mercy of the Lord

"The Mercy of the Lord" by Flora Annie Webster Steel is a novel set in colonial India during the early 1900s, capturing a world of intricate relationships and brewing frontier conflicts. The story begins with glimpses of longing and duty, showing the impact of mixing cultures on people's lives through the eyes of young Bertram as he faces many challenges in a society full of both opportunities and dangers. Initially, the story introduces Craddock, a railway worker, and young Bertram, who represents youthful hope, as they experience a gathering in a beautiful garden where a pending military conflict hints at a sense of dread. Bertram's interactions show his charm and innocence, while the introduction of a snake charmer adds a mystical layer to the plot, creating a captivating story filled with both tragedy and love, all vividly set against the complex backdrop of colonial India.