If you're from India and parts of the book surprise you, you really should read more about contemporary Indian history, especially 70-80s. Even with possessing a knowledge of India through the 70s, this book is a moving read. It is what most people would agree is a "sad read".

I enjoyed the writing a lot; the emotions came through strongly and even though there is a sense of detachment, of helplessness throughout the story, I found myself re-reading sentences.