Nariman is a widower who lives with his stepson and stepdaughter, his dead wife's children from her previous marriage. Wanting to save his own daughter, Roxanna, from 'this house of unhappiness' he has spent all his money to give her husband, Yezad, a place of their own. Now, beset by Parkinson's disease, he falls and hurts his ankle and, after a brief stay in hospital, comes home more needy and cantankerous than ever. He goes to live with Roxanna and Yezad and their two sons, setting in motion a series of events which do nothing to assuage growing family conflict and the unravelling of affections . . .

Once again Rohinton Mistry has created a beautifully realised world with all too human characters. This novel has all the richness, the compassion and the narrative sweep that have earned Mistry the highest of accolades and prizes around the world. It is a stunning achievement.