Monsoon Memories

Travel Guide

The contrast of countries, times and settings make for a poignant tale of homesickness and secrets. Shirin leads a rather empty life in London that she always compares to the colour and vibrancy of life in Bangalore. Even the rain is different:

“English rain smelt and tasted of nothing at all. It had none of the fury, the passion of the monsoons. Instead, it was weak; half-hearted.”

The secrets are wrapped up in the evocative and spectacular scenery and vibrancy of India. A faded photo is discovered by Reena who because of her love of Nancy Drew, is quick on the case of the mystery behind it.

And the story of Reena, the photo and Shirin’s past come to light slowly like layers of a sari, each fluttering in the warm Indian breeze. For Shirin India represents colour, exotic fragrances and warm fond memories. Oh the fabrics, the dusty streets, the children running along the dirt tracks, the humidity, and best of all the food. Food forms so many memories and home cooking in India is set out here as if you could just scratch the pages and breathe it in.

London in comparison is black and white and devoid of the heat and passion in the India scenes. As Shirin’s story of how she became an outcast come out, the lack of colours are even more pronounced. The cultural issues and traditions which are portrayed in the book are sensitively dealt with

As an overall look at India and its culture, family issues and the relationships between women, this is a table spread with delicacies of every kind.