This is not a light read- you will remember this book for years after you read it. It is a finely crafted, beautiful book- After I finished reading it I spent hours searching for information on India's geography, politics, social aspects, social policies... The author assumed the reader would know the details, or understand the action without all of the background, and it is very readable without understanding more than the basics about India. I was deeply moved by the book and inspired to spend a good deal of time researching the backstory when I was done, which enhanced my appreciation for both India and this novel. I highly recommend this book often, to many different types of readers.