Roy deftly investigates gender dynamics, cultural hybridity, socioeconomic inequality, and social hierarchies. Roy reflects society's struggle with its colonial past via the microcosm of individuals' lives. Roy weaves a tale that mirrors Indian awareness by using both conventional and unconventional methods. Women in India were considered second class citizens for a long time. Some readers may find some elements of the narrative very inappropriate. On the other hand, if untouchability hadn't existed and everyone had been treated equally, one can only speculate as to the result. It was a normal occurrence, men told themselves, and that was the rationale for partner bashing.