This book is set in India just prior to the exit of British rule in 1947. Nisha is a twelve year old who's deceased mother was Muslim and her father is Hindu. With the exit of the British, the religious factions are quarreling over representation and who will settle well. It is decided that they will partition India with the Muslims in part and the Hindu's in the other part. Thus is born India and Pakistan. Nisha's family, who practice Hinduism, will need to leave and travel to the "new India" in order to be safe. Fighting and unrest has preceding the partition and violence was the rule of the day.

Nisha tells her story as a series of letters written to her deceased mother about her life, their harrowing journey and her feelings as to what all is happening in her beloved country. This novel brilliantly represents the feelings and emotions of Nisha who is struggling to understand the world around her. Nisha's character narrates the tragedy around her and how it affects her.

My favorite type of book are those that educate me and this one certainly did that. I knew that the partition of India took place but did not realize the scope of the event. I had no idea so many millions perished or that it was fraught with so much violence, religion versus religion. It should be read not just for the historical value but the invaluable lesson that we are all truly the same and the tragic consequences that can occur when we refuse to see that.