This book is a good look at India and some of its customs. It also is a gentle tale of self-discovery as Samar falls in love and then finds out the hurt you can open yourself up to when your love is not returned. This is not a plot driven book but a kind of story that can settle your soul and give you a sense of peace. It is a beautiful written story by first time author, Pankaj Mishra, and one I would recommend highly.