Title: The four quarters of the night :
Authors: Bains, Tara Singh,; Johnston, Hugh J. M.,
Date: 1995
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press,
Physical description: xviii, 275 pages, 7 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, portraits ; 23 cm.
Language: English
LC classification: C
Abstract: "Tara Singh Bains is one of those rare people who sees the hand of God in every facet of his life. Identifying himself as both an Indian and a Canadian but first and foremost a Sikh, Tara Singh is man of strong convictions who has consistently refused to compromise his own truth. He recounts his difficult childhood in India, his emigration to Canada, and the racism that he encountered even from within his own cultural community." "The Four Quarters of the Night is more than one man's life story: his single voice reveals much about the collective experience of immigrants. Tara Singh's compelling narrative presents an evocative picture of a newcomer's experiences in a land of foreign customs, culture, and religious beliefs. Hugh Johnston, who recorded and edited this story, has created a unique and invaluable study in immigration and ethnic history."--Jacket.
Contents: Pahrei (The Quarters) -- Foreword -- A word from the Amanuensis -- Acknowledgements -- Illustrations -- Pt. I. A Punjabi -- 1. In father's house -- 2. Army service -- 3. A disabling illness -- 4. Going to Canada -- 5. Keeping my faith -- 6. A lumber worker -- 7. My birthplace village -- 8. My wife's birthplace village -- Pt. II. A Canadian -- 9. Modern Sikhs -- 10. Community strife -- 11. Community service -- 12. White Sikhs -- 13. Living with physical injuries -- 14. On a pilgrimage -- 15. Trouble in Punjab -- 16. Retirement -- Pt. III. A Sikh -- 17. Following Sikh discipline -- Postscript by the Amanuensis.
Subject headings (LCSH): Bains, Tara Singh, 1923-; British Columbia--Biography.; Immigrants--British Columbia--Biography.; Immigrants--India--Punjab--Biography.; Sikhs--British Columbia--Biography.; Sikhs--Ethnic identity.