During a trip to India, retiree Annie and her friend Leila hire Amarnath as their driver in Rajasthan. Having fallen in love with India's colours, aromas, sights, sounds, and people, the friends return for another vacation. This time, Annie's and Amarnath's lives become linked in unexpected ways. Annie travels to India many more times and acquaints herself with the unknown, exotic culture in the circle of Amarnath's family and clan. She chances upon the most unusual adventures - unusual for a western, middle-class woman. The novel is, in equal measure, a testimony to love and a fascinating evocation of Indian culture, seen through Annie's eyes. It brilliantly captures love's triumph over inevitable culture clashes, embedded in narratives about Rajasthan's architecture, legends, art, festivals, and ordinary family life.