THE WIDOWS OF MALABAR HILL
by Sujata Massey
If you like historical fiction, especially India in early 20th
century, and learning about different cultures and ways of life, you will like
this book. While it is a murder mystery, it is also an exploration of the
various cultures active in India from 1915 to 1922. The heroine is a young
woman Parisi (Zoroastrian) who has trained to be a solicitor (lawyer) at Oxford
and is working in her father’s firm when three widows, Muslims who live in
Purda or complete seclusion from men, need a lawyer. A murder occurs, and Perveen, the untried female
lawyer, is the only one who can enter the widows’ seclusion.
The situation of women of all faiths becomes integral to the
plot, as do marriage customs, inheritance,
family practices, the law, the role of the English in India, Indian
independence, class strictures and even education and employment for
women. While the plot moves slowly, the descriptions
of a way of life unknown to most Americans, keeps the reader interested and
reading. Besides a murder, there are
also two kidnappings, financial shenanigans, jewelry theft, families in
crisis, and other plot devices to keep interest
high.
The noises, smells and flavors of Bombay and Calcutta set
the scene. Clearly drawn characters and lively writing add to a tale well worth
spending time with tea, curry and Perveen as she navigates the path forward
with three widows who are clearly not sisters of the heart.
4 of 5 stars
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