An excellent insight into life in this time and place not only for an Indian girl, but for a British one. Was very informative and clearly very well researched, and did not pull back on any punches, plot-wise, to convey how difficult it was for some. At some points, it felt like the author did value conveying research and information over writing believable emotions or loveable characters, and the writing was a little corny at times. I found it hard to connect with the main gals. Also, Isabel's not helping the young boy (suffering from Jonathan), infurtiated me! But again, beautiful descriptions, even if the phrase 'worn from too many washes', was itself, worn from too many uses. ( )