A previous reviewer had been disappointed by this book, expecting a romance. It is definitely not a romance--it is a book of ideas, with a deep insight into the spiritual and political programs that Gandhi established in India that led to independence. I found it fascinating, since it showed a side of Gandhi not generally written about. Do not be confused--this book is not history, it is fiction, but is based on historical documents and is so convincingly written it is difficult to remember this. The third character, the first person narrator who takes a different path, is fully as interesting as the two primary protagonists. I do recommend it if you are interested in modern history.