I have mixed views about this book. On the plus side, there are some strong themes. I liked the setting in Southall and the idea of the classes providing a voice to women who are defined by convention. There is mystery surrounding some suspicious suicides/deaths within the community. There is the oppressive nature of 'The Brothers' and their belief that they have the right to dictate what the women of their community can and cannot do. There is examination of new world versus old; marriage, arranged and otherwise; stigma around divorce; the pressures on women to conform to male definitions of gender-appropriate behaviour; the enforced loneliness of the widows who are not allowed to find love again. The downside for me was the erotic element, which felt as though it was really only there to attract more readers. The tales very quickly became quite predictable and, for me at least, not at all titillating. I felt that the story would have been improved with editing - to have fewer, briefer excerpts from the stories. I could certainly have done without all the throbbing aubergines and peaches! Another weak part, I felt, was Nikki and Jason's romance. Overall, it felt to me as if there is simply too much plot tied up in one book and none of the plots is done justice. This is a pity.
If the author is responding to questions, I should welcome her response to these reservations.
