There are so many things I liked about the writing, aside from the story itself.

The main character, Lila, is realistic in the decisions and issues she faces and how she handles them.

The characters are believable and well-developed.

The story is about Indians living in India - but it doesn't let the "exotic location" take over. No purple prose or irrelevant detail. The story stays sharp and focused.

All of this pulls a long-ish novel (448pp) along at a steady pace and never lets you grow bored with the story.

An amazing first novel!