The Inheritance of Loss – Kiran Desai

Set in India during the Ghurka uprising , there is much to enjoy in this book. There are many telling phrases and descriptions such as the Gymkhana library, slowly mouldering away.

The extreme poverty and difficulties of those at the bottom of the social scale and the impossibility of change are a constant theme.

Most of the characters are unsympathetic, any redeeming features quickly over shadowed by another instance of selfishness or callousness. It isn’t one to read as a bit of escapism. Look out for the endearing depiction of the dog Mutt, an uncomplicated joy in so much gloom.