Stunning! Set in India shortly before WWII, in a time where tension was building between Muslims and Hindus and the threat of war in Europe was increasing.

Orphaned at birth and raised by her grandmother, rebellious and headstrong Bindu loves to cook, creating sumptuous dishes with expertly blended spices. Renita D’Silva’s writing is sublime; I could taste the chilli on my tongue and smell the cardamom in the air, as I pictured the village and heard the children playing outside while Bindu and her Ajji tempered their spices,

Bindu wants to make a difference in the world. She wants an education and to create a better life for her grandmother, the villagers and those she loves.

When she makes the heartbreaking decision to marry the village landlord’s son, Guru, in order to save her grandmother’s life, Bindu is shunned by the villagers. Trapped and alone in an unhappy marriage, Bindu finds solace in writing her recipes and sending them to British journalist, Laurence Elliot. I had so much admiration for Bindu’s unwavering determination to make a difference to the villager’s lives, despite their rejection of her. Nothing could break her spirit and she fought tirelessly. An incredible character, Bindu inspired me with every page. Although Guru was cruel to Bindu at times, his character was so well written and realistic in relation to the time and setting of the book. I could feel his love for Bindu and sense his strong internal battle as his love for her came up against his upbringing and societal expectations.

The story switches between Bindu’s story to 1980, Eve’s heartbreak over the tragic death of her husband Joe and daughter Issy. As the two women’s stories start to connect, Eve is drawn to India, intrigued by the recipe book she was gifted by her adoptive father.

An important story that embraced my heart as I learned of the social and gender struggles faced by Bindu, Guru and Sunitha, Bindu’s childhood friend and “sister of her heart”.

Nikki Patel narrates this brilliantly. She captures every character perfectly, from four year old Bindu and her elderly Ajji, in India, to Eve in London, many years later.

5⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Renita D’Silva and Bolinda, for an ARC in return for an honest review.