The novel is a poignant and deeply moving story set in London, narrated by Gopi, the youngest daughter in a family of three sisters. Gopi reflects on a pivotal period in her life, which revolves around the profound loss of her mother and the transformative power of the sport of squash. The story is a masterful blend of grief, coming-of-age, and the role of sports in the lives of its characters.
The narrative opens with Gopi recounting the death of her mother when she was just 11 years old. Her older sisters, Mona and Khush, stepped up to fill the void left by their mother’s absence, while their father initially seemed to be coping with the loss. However, the family’s dynamics began to change when their father took them to Edinburgh to visit his younger brother, Pavan, and his wife, Runjan. Gopi’s aunt, Runjan, offered to take one of the girls to live with them, but their father declined the offer.
Back in London, their father, an enthusiastic squash player, introduced his daughters to the sport, which had been a casual pastime for them until then. Gopi quickly emerges as the most talented and dedicated player among the sisters. She forms a connection with Ged, a talented player at Western Lane, the squash facility they frequent.
The story revolves around the intense and fast-paced world of squash, with Western Lane serving as the backdrop. The gym is managed by a divorcee, and her son, Ged, takes care of maintenance. Gopi finds herself drawn to Ged and watches him play, recognizing his skill. Her athleticism and aptitude for squash set her apart from her sisters, who primarily play to please their father and keep the family together.
As the girls’ father takes on fewer electrical jobs, and the family’s financial situation becomes increasingly strained, Mona assumes the role of a caregiver, preparing most of the meals. Money becomes a concern, and Mona takes after-school jobs to make ends meet. Gopi comments on their vegetarian Jain diet, which she believes doesn’t provide them with the necessary strength for the demanding sport of squash. Despite their challenges, the girls continue to attend Gujarati classes and observe their cultural traditions, keeping their mother’s memory alive.
Gopi’s talent in squash is evident, and she dedicates herself to the sport. She and Ged frequently practice together. A family friend, Maqwad, suggests that Gopi participate in a major tournament in Durham. Mona takes on more work to compensate for their father’s dwindling income, ensuring they maintain their membership at Western Lane. Mona even purchases a top-of-the-line squash racquet for Gopi, likely using her own savings. Despite financial difficulties, they continue to play and practice at Western Lane.
However, their father’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic. He starts talking to their deceased mother during the night and refuses to take on work. Concerned for his well-being, Mona and Khush contact their aunt and uncle in Edinburgh. They arrive to take Gopi away from the situation, as their father requests. Gopi agrees, feeling a mixture of guilt for the incident on the squash court and a desire to relieve the burden on her father.
The sisters remain in London with their father, while Gopi moves to Edinburgh. Her aunt insists that she gives up squash, believing it’s not in her best interest. The novel’s final section is an epilogue set a decade later. The girls’ father has passed away from pneumonia, and Gopi returns for the funeral. She reflects on the changing dynamics within the family since her departure, and her relationship with her sisters, Ged, and her aunt and uncle.
The novel beautifully explores the themes of grief and loss, coming of age, and the significance of sports in the characters’ lives. Gopi’s narration provides a unique perspective, allowing readers to witness her growth and understanding over time. The story offers a sense of inevitability, and the bittersweet melancholy adds depth to the narrative. The sport of squash is skillfully woven into the story, offering a fresh and compelling backdrop, with a focus on the Pakistani and Indian champions in the sport.
The family’s diaspora narrative, having been twice exiled from India and Kenya, resonates throughout the novel. The absence of their mother serves as the catalyst for the family’s gradual disintegration. The novel skillfully portrays the daughters’ fear and concern as they witness their father’s descent into a fragile mental state.
Gopi’s immersion in squash allows her to escape some of the emotional turmoil experienced by her older sisters. They play the sport to support their father and keep the family together, but they ultimately give it up after Gopi leaves, providing her with a sense of relief and independence. Her father’s decision to send her to live with her aunt and uncle, while also a form of punishment for the squash court incident, is understood in retrospect as an attempt to protect her and himself.