Coromandel Sea Change contrasts the attitudes of former British colonials and the Indian philosophy of tolerance and empathy with all things living. The juxtaposition of East and West at the hotel spans the entire spectrum of historical roles in the relationship between India and England. India is represented by the elderly Indian servants of the hotel who are straitlaced, very British, and very much "empire," as well as the young, progressive followers of Krishnan, the worldly, sensual young Kuku who longs for western things, and the spiritual and charismatic leader Krishnan himself who draws upon ancient philosophy and beliefs.

The European guests also display a variety of attitudes toward India — the upright, serious old timers like John and Lady Fisher, representing old colonial aristocracy, Blaise, the arrogant young Britisher who looks down on the primitive natives, and Mary, the sensitive young woman looking for a...