It is early 1956. The British Empire is crumbling. There are monumental changes in the world. But in Peshawar, Pakistan, a small corner of traditional Britain continues apace - with all its nuances of class, snobbery and racism intact.
Nine year old Ellis lives in this society, but looks on perplexed as the hypocrisy of the adult world co-exists with the magical charms and beauties of Pakistan.
With its fascinating detail and rich depiction of time and place, this is both an entertaining satire on contemporary sexual mores and a touching portrait of a woman's search for self-respect.
