| Plot Summary of Olivia and Jai |
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"In 1848, Olivia, a young American woman, goes to Calcutta to visit relatives. Her aunt tries to break her of her "tomboyish" ways and plans to match her up with a man from high-class society. In the meantime, Olivia is more interested in her uncle's business and she would prefer to return home to America's wild west where she can be herself. Soon, however, she meets Jai – a half-caste bastard. Olivia's aunt faints upon hearing his name, and Olivia is forbidden to see Jai. Of course, Olivia sees him anyway. At times Jai is tender and loving toward Olivia. At other times he is downright offensive. In spite of his often cruel behavior, Olivia falls in love with him. Ignoring all the warnings from friends and relatives, she pursues a most volatile relationship."
Vinland Dreamer, Resident Scholar
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"Olivia and Jai is set in early 19th century Calcutta, India during the British occupation. We follow Olivia O'Rourke, an American girl raised with little of the social restrictions put on women of the time. Olivia is sent to India to visit her deceased mother's family, the Templewoods, whose sole goal it is to find Olivia respectably married to a proper, titled Englishman. While Lady Bridget Templewood's hopes are set on Freddy Birkhurst, a weathly, titled and good-hearted man who is also considered the buffoon of Calcutta, Olivia has had a chance encounter with Jai Raventhorne, the "black thorn" in Calcutta's business district. A half-caste son of an Englishman, Jai is despised and feared but also secretly admired for his business savvy and his shockingly good looks. He is also the sworn enemy of the Templewoods, though the precise reason for the enmity is unknown to most of Calcutta.
From that chance encounter, Olivia and Jai soon find themselves irristibly drawn to one another and secretly meet in the alleys, forests and bazaars of Calcutta. Olivia soon gives her love to Jai with absolute loyalty and no expectations. However, Jai has an obsession with destroying the Templewoods at any cost. He sets into motion a plan that will decimate everyone in his path, including Olivia.
Crushed, Olivia slowly strings her life back together through of haze of despair. However, in the course of self-preservation, Olivia is forced to dual Jai in a battle of wits."
Alyssa Burns, Resident Scholar
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