I received this book from Library Thing earlier in the summer and have been slow to review it, although I read it immediately and thought this was a fantastic first novel– well written and executed. If this is Currimbhoy’s first attempt, I can’t wait to read her next.!
The story was compelling– a who-done-it set in 1970′s small town India at a private English run boarding school– and well drawn. The characters are numerous but intriguing. I did not expect to like the 1970′s time period but it was compelling as well.
The main character, Charu, is a new teacher away from home for the first time, who becomes involved with some shady locals (hippies) and an increasingly unpopular rebel English teacher, Miss Prince, from the school. Charu’s taste for love and adventure expands beyond anything she ever imagined but she finds herself torn apart after the death of her lover, Miss Prince. There is an array of suspects from the school and community and yet no easy or particularly obvious answer.
I savored this book. It’s an unexpected gem! A 4 star book for sure.
