Adela Florence Nicolson (1865–1904,) also known as Violet Nicolson, pen name Laurence Hope, was a British poet and writer. She was one of the notable voices of British-Indian literature, remembered for her poetry, which remains a testament to her complex relationship with India and her distinctive literary voice. Her works offer a glimpse into a woman who found both inspiration and heartache in the allure of a distant land.
Born in Stoke Bishop, Bristol, England, Nicolson displayed a keen interest in literature and art from a young age, finding solace in the world of imagination and creativity. Despite her passion, she faced challenges in her personal life, including the death of her father when she was only seven years old.
In 1889, Adela married Colonel Malcolm Hassels Nicolson, an officer in the Indian Army, and her life took a transformative turn when she moved to India. The subcontinent’s rich and vibrant culture captivated her, inspiring her to delve deeper into the customs, traditions, and emotions of its people. Under the pseudonym Laurence Hope, she began writing poetry that exuded a unique blend of sensuality, longing, and an exoticized vision of India.
Her poetry struck a chord with readers, and she soon gained recognition for her exceptional literary talent. Her most acclaimed work, The Garden of Kama (1901,) is a collection of love poems that became immensely popular both in England and India. Her verses, filled with intricate imagery and emotions, offered a glimpse into the beauty of India’s landscapes and the poignant sentiments of its inhabitants.
Despite her literary success, Nicolson’s personal life was marked by turmoil and dissatisfaction. The disparity between her romanticized vision of India and the harsh realities of colonial life took a toll on her mental health. She struggled with bouts of depression and a sense of isolation, seeking solace in her writing as an outlet for her emotions. She ended her own life in Madras (now Chennai.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Adela Florence Nicolson
Men should be judged, not by their tint of skin,
the Gods they serve, the Vintage they drink,
nor by the way they fight, or love, or sin,
But by the quality of the thought they think.
—Adela Florence Nicolson
Now that fate has brought me what so long I so desired, it is too late, I am too tired.
—Adela Florence Nicolson
Topics: Desires
For this is wisdom: to live, to take what fate, or the Gods, may give.
—Adela Florence Nicolson
Topics: Wisdom, Acceptance
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