"If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it, that surfeiting the appetite may sicken and so die." - Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare
The theme of love in all of its manifestations is at the core of this novel. Set against the political and cultural backdrop of India, during the time just before Indira Ghandi's State of Emergency in 1975, it is a historically accurate depiction of Indian life at the time. The role of women in society, the hierarchy of social classes, arranged marriages, the importance of family, political scandals and illicit love affairs are some of the issues explored.
Music played a big part in the book and I could relate quite easily to this since I myself studied music in university. Sarika's love for Kirana, spurred by her admiration of her guru or teacher, is not uncommon. I remember many students who had crushes on teachers they admired or amazing performers. Musical expression endears itself to our souls and can be confused with stronger emotions. Sarika and Kirana's love has built over the years as they have developed their musical relationship. They admire each other's talent as they express themselves through music. When, eventually, they give in to their feelings disastrous results occur for all involved.
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