Ascl itibaren Vaki Kh, Maharashtra 422306, Hindistan itibaren Vaki Kh, Maharashtra 422306, Hindistan

Mumbai, India, 1975ish during "The Emergency" (more government, less civil liberty). Four characters - Dina, Ishvar and nephew Om, Maneck, are very different but end up living together and developing a friendship. Dina is a from a good family but her father died young, leaving her at the mercy of her well-meaning but selfish and clueless brother. Money is tight for her as she tries to avoid having to go to her brother. Ishvar and Om are untouchables who have been taught to sew to help them move up the ladder. They're hired by Dina. Maneck is a friend of Dina's son, comes to stay with Dina to get out of the crazy college dorm. Very depressing ending - things don't go too well for anyone. Themes: vulnerability vs. fortitude, corrupt gov't that doesn't understand, class issues, a little bit of love Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, despite the general unhappiness in the end. I love this sort of epic novel that covers a large cast and time span and goes through so many themes. It feels like real life.