Heat and Dust

Written in 1975, this book won the Booker prize of that year.

Set in ‘modern day' (of 1975), but with over half the novel recounting events which happened fifty years prior, this books covers two very different times in India. It is set in Sitapur, in Uttar Pradesh.

Our main character in modern day is unnamed, but is visiting India to investigate the story of her step-grandmother (her fathers, fathers first wife - her father was the child of the second wife).

The story of Olivia Rivers (in 1923), is a family embarrassment - she crossed cultural lines and shocked society when she had an affair with an Indian Prince (the Nawab), and falls pregnant. Olivia feels smothered by the social restrictions of a colonial wife, with her husbands stuffy British colleagues and friends, and is befriended the charismatic Nawab, spending her spare time with him and his live-in British friend Harry.

The characters are well defined, especially the stuffy British wives, who live up to the colonial stereotype, the Indian characters remain interesting and traditional. The story is well woven, with plenty of overlap between the two time periods.

An easy and excellent read. 4 stars.