and so-called independence of both the nations, India and Pakistan. Her slow turn towards nationalist politics of India, the confused state of the "secular" Muslim in post-independence India is symbolized by her subtle acceptance of Asad, her cousin. The novel is open-ended and we never know what she finally decides, though. References Novels about orphans 1961 novels Novels set in Lucknow Chatto & Windus books 1961 Indian novels