Set in a typical Parsi Family this novel tells the tale of endurance. Sera is the hoarder, the mother who must always be prepared. She dare not run out of anything in the home. Sam is the dreamer, a banker with dreams of aircrafts and escape. He is the true backbone of the family. Dolly is the practical soul, with dreamy parents and an invalid brother to care for, she had no choice. Yet her escape was sanctioned by Brit. Brit is the key figure around all the lives revolve. the narrator of the tale, who is struggling with Osteo and the challenge of life from a wheelchair.
Then there are the aunts and the cousins and the episodes that occur. The book presents the Parsi society with all its quirks and eccentricities. Mrs Maneksha the spinster who looked after her mother, then married an aging rich bachelor. Who considers charity her right. The frigid Jeroo who feels that all men around her are potential rapists. The fear that causes her to lose her daughter Tina to her worst nightmare. The sexy Ruby who is as good as family but has hormone driven Brit drooling over her.
And then there is Cyrus. Dashing, handsome young law student with a body that women loved. All the things thatBrit would like to be and knows never can be. It is this that causes him to love Cyrus, hero worship being confused with homosexuality. Yet he is not a homo and it is a girl, Amy who proves that to him. The ongoing losses of sister, father and mother are embeded into the story in a very natural manner. In the end it is only Brit, trying to grow…
Fantastic read. Must get the book.
