The Jungle Girl

"The Jungle Girl" by Gordon Casserly is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story is set in India and follows the adventures of Frank Wargrave, a young adjutant in the British Indian Army, as he navigates the challenges of military life, the thrill of hunting, and the complexities of social relationships, particularly with Violet Norton, a beautiful and lonely wife of a resident officer. The beginning of the novel immerses readers in the picturesque yet remote setting of Rohar, where we meet Frank Wargrave and his comrade Raymond. As they prepare for a pigsticking outing, we learn about their camaraderie, the local culture, and the peculiar dynamics of colonial life. The narrative introduces Violet Norton, who is depicted as an attractive yet lonely figure, yearning for more in her life as her husband, Major Norton, is absorbed in entomology. The stage is set for an exploration of friendship, attraction, and the inherent tensions within the relationships defined by social norms in a distant land. As Wargrave becomes embroiled in a dramatic incident involving Violet and a crocodile, it hints at a growing connection and potential romantic tension that will evolve throughout the story.