Set against the backdrop of newly-founded 1956 Pakistan, this book was enjoyable, and educational, but somewhat lacking overall. It tells the story of Ella, a 9-year-old girl living with her parents in the British High Commission in Peshawar. She struggles to understand the hypocrisy of the 'grown-up' world, and is witness to a murder - which nobody believes her about.

There are a few policital undertones shuffling about in this novel, expressed through the social standing and opinions of some characters. However, nothing is really shoved down your throat to the point that you lose the plot. The ignorance and heirarchy of the people in the British High Commission is expressed well, and seeing the story through Ella's eyes gives one a fresh naivite about why adults lie, sneak, and break promises.

The character progression was well written, sympathies shifted by the end. It was slow in some parts, and riveting in others - the constantly changing rhythm helped accentuate the tumult of the setting, too - you never really felt secure while reading.

The ending of the book felt a bit rushed, to me. It felt like the author had webbed out heaps of different character and plot threads, and then suddenly had to tie them all together to make a deadline or something. Everything just sort of... fell into place in the last chapter or so. Overall, it was sweet and very likeable... but not entirely unforgettable. ( )