The story covers genres from history to a family saga told from one individuals perspective. Divya orphaned suddenly at seventeen, finds herself an outcast in her own village. Through very troubling circumstances she finds herself as a nanny to two young charges on a ship to England. Cheated of her fare home to India, she fortunately finds herself with nuns who send her to a home run by a compassionate girl who helps Divya to stand on her own feet.
More than Divya carving a niche for herself is the story of grit and determination not to give up against all odds of racism, language, lack of skills and a myriad disadvantages. Divya manages to establish herself as a cafe owner dishing out her own specialities. She builds up a loyal clientele including two men who fall in love with her.
The story was descriptive of life in the docks and of the people who inhabit it. Tough breed of people from every walk of life and every country who grew to call England home and who have made it the melting pot it is today. Set in the early 20th century and at the beginning of the WWII this story detailed how ordinary Britons faced hardship and loss.
Sent by Boldwood Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley
This sounds wonderful. Thanks for the heads up. :D
ReplyDeleteDivya sounds like a great character. I will have to look for this one!
ReplyDeleteThe perspective sounds very good. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteMary @Bookfan