Nikki has been caught between feeling like she’d let her family down by walking out on her legal education and feeling resentful that they’d tried to control everything in her life. She couldn’t imagine letting her family arrange and control as much as her sister did – even going to the extreme of seeking a possible arranged marriage! – but then again, here she was, working in and living above a bar. Was this a better option? When an opportunity arises to teach women in an Indian cultural center to write stories about their lives, Nikki applies and gets the position. Little does she know that these women have stories to tell that will shock and amaze her. And as she comes to know these women, she comes to also uncover the mystery surrounding a single voice that has been stifled forever…
This book was surprisingly engaging and ultimately suspenseful. What started out quite innocent and almost superficial grew into a much more complicated plot and twisted and turned quite unexpectedly. Characters that one would have guessed would have been staid and traditional showed not only a cheekier side, but actually true, deep-seeded bravery. This made a book that I initially felt nonchalant about become much more meaningful to me.
I am still unsure if the sexually explicit scenes in this book are totally necessary. I am not prudish and I do not shy away from this. I know why they are here. But I felt they were a bit too long. (I almost got a little bored with the off -shooting they provided.) I’d be interested to hear what others think about this.
A worthwhile read, in the end, though. Please add comments – I’d really be interested to hear what you all think about my issues with this book!
kindread spirits 