Each story in this collection illuminates a particular universe, completely authentic in texture and detail, giving us writing that is not only pleasurable, but finely-crafted as well'-Indian Review of Books In 'A New Year's Party', Geoffrey finds all his attempts to throw a successful party come to naught as his inappropriately chose guests make their dislike for each other very vocal, the wonderful camaraderie that can exist between a four-year-old and his ancient Nana is explored in 'Song of Innocence and Experience', two men's lives follow a similar pattern in 'A Diagnosis of Destiny'-and then one of them dies to the other's horror, in 'The Taste of Almonds', a senile but endearing Nawab finds himself at odds with the changed times. As each exquisite story unfolds we are introduced to characters as varied and colourful as the parts of India to which they belong.