Review: A compelling tale that crosses time and cultures.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 22, 2013
I bought this because I really enjoyed Ms Gandhi's debut novel, Freedom of the Monsoon, and I certainly wasn't disappointed.This book takes place in two time periods; the post-partition India of the late 1940s and the modern day.In the 1940s Anjali is rescued from a riot by the mysterious Mohan. Then his previous pre partition existence intrudes on their married life, making Anjali feel cast out and rejected. Things escalate into tragedy.In 2012 Arianna and her family journey to India for a relative's wedding. But the past intrudes and throws Arianna into a mystery. As she learns more about the mysterious Anjali; Ari realises she had a role in her story and she fights unsuitable romance, curiosity and tradition in order to find her role in both past and present.A beautifully written story; with well drawn believable characters, evocatively described and with engaging dialogue, Malika Gandhi draws us into the world of both modern day India and the turbulence of its history. A must read for anyone who has even the slightest interest in India's history. I really hope to see more from this author in future.