The difficulty of living in a caste-based society, for those towards the top, and those near the bottom, is the focus of this novel. The family around which the novel centers, descendants of the Reverend Ipe, are at a comfortable level in society. The family is comprised of all ages and attitudes, from the twins, Estha and Rahel and their mother Ammu and her brother Chacko, to the strict Baby Kochamma, to Pappachi and Mammachi at the head of the family.
They maintain a certain level of decorum and have become even better known with the creation of their company, Paradise Pickles and Preserves, based on the natural culinary abilities of Mammachi. The existence of the company itself demonstrates the opportunities afforded to higher class members, as they are able to move in and out.....
