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One Hundred Shades of White
This novel is a story about Truth, unraveled through the mystical art of cooking. It is about telling a lie to save the vulnerable, only to have it resurface with unforeseen consequences.Maybe there are one hundred shades for explaining truth, a spectrum from light to dark. Things are not always clear-cut, they are not either black or white, life just isn’t like that.Satchin and Maya enjoy a carefree life in India with their mother Nalini, who concocts magical recipes with their grandmother. Unexpectedly, their father Rahul sends for them to join him in London where he is working. Having uprooted his wife and children, he ruthlessly abandons them leaving behind a trail of debt and deceit.Left penniless in an alien culture, Nalini is determined to preserve her children’s sense of self-worth and tells them that their father died in a fatal accident. As their fight for survival begins, whole realities are bult on this one lie.
294 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
18 people are currently reading
966 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 24, 2017
While the book started on a ho-hum note, the story picked up nicely from 2nd chapter. The characters were drawn well and I formed an emotional connect with them. This is the story of a homemaker who was ditched by her errant husband in a foreign country. How the lady survives with her two children and their continued saga of trials and tribulations is interesting.
On the con side, the food descriptions went wrong on basic stuff twice at least. There were parallels (almost too many) between the grandmother, mother and daughter. The son was made so inconsequential in the story that he doesn't find a place even in the granny's death note.
But still the story pulls you in and it was a nice few hours spent with this book.
PS I found the comparison to "Bend it like Beckham" in the blurb misleading.
On the con side, the food descriptions went wrong on basic stuff twice at least. There were parallels (almost too many) between the grandmother, mother and daughter. The son was made so inconsequential in the story that he doesn't find a place even in the granny's death note.
But still the story pulls you in and it was a nice few hours spent with this book.
PS I found the comparison to "Bend it like Beckham" in the blurb misleading.
June 6, 2008
This was a wonderful story of a girl born in India, traditional family, then moved to London, her life in london, then her return to India and back to London. All the while learning about her life, cooking, indian culture, and enjoying the story.
May 28, 2011
Reminiscent of The Mistress Of Spices.
August 11, 2011
Another suprising read - I really enjoyed this and I wasn't really expecting to. It was well written and a lovely story.
May 25, 2017
2.5
Decent story. Good writing style.
Descriptions on different spices inducing various characteristics was good. Read it with Inny, and as she rightly pointed in her review, there were quite some inaccuracies related to cooking and menu.
Overall a pleasant read. But not something I'd recommend.
Decent story. Good writing style.
Descriptions on different spices inducing various characteristics was good. Read it with Inny, and as she rightly pointed in her review, there were quite some inaccuracies related to cooking and menu.
Overall a pleasant read. But not something I'd recommend.
January 30, 2020
Am Anfang noch etwas langatmig und langweilig besticht dieses Buch später dann doch durch seine sich entfaltende Handlung, seine bunten Farben und exotischen Gerüche und vor allem durch seine wunderbaren Lebensweisheiten. Kein pageturner, aber solide 3-4⭐
February 13, 2026
It was a lovely book, but quite sad for my taste. The story is beautiful and the way everything is described from both, the mother and the daughter's POVs makes it even more special.
Probably not a re-read in the future, but definitely a book that will stay with me for many years to come.
Probably not a re-read in the future, but definitely a book that will stay with me for many years to come.
July 31, 2020
Eine wundervolle und tatsächlich sehr sinnliche Geschichte.
Es wird abwechselnd aus der Sichtweise von Mutter und Tochter geschrieben und somit erhält man unterschiedliche Wahrnehmungen auf dieselben Ereignisse, geprägt durch Emotionen, Wissen, Halbwissen und Spekulationen.
Ebenso wird sehr schön dargestellt, wie sich die beiden Hauptprotagonistinnen ihrem jeweiligen Leben stellen. Oder eben versuchen davor wegzulaufen, nur um sich letztlich doch damit auseinanderzusetzen.
Mir hat das Lesen viel Freude bereitet und hier und da musste ich tatsächlich ein Tränchen vergießen, oder vor Empörung schnauben. Dennoch haben beide Frauen auf ihre eigene Weise Stärke gezeigt.
Es wird abwechselnd aus der Sichtweise von Mutter und Tochter geschrieben und somit erhält man unterschiedliche Wahrnehmungen auf dieselben Ereignisse, geprägt durch Emotionen, Wissen, Halbwissen und Spekulationen.
Ebenso wird sehr schön dargestellt, wie sich die beiden Hauptprotagonistinnen ihrem jeweiligen Leben stellen. Oder eben versuchen davor wegzulaufen, nur um sich letztlich doch damit auseinanderzusetzen.
Mir hat das Lesen viel Freude bereitet und hier und da musste ich tatsächlich ein Tränchen vergießen, oder vor Empörung schnauben. Dennoch haben beide Frauen auf ihre eigene Weise Stärke gezeigt.
January 6, 2019
When 100 shades of white was published it was highlighted on the New In shelf at my local library. This was 2010 and way before I'd heard of Goodreads! I read it in one sitting spellbound. I've never forgotten the book although I had forgotten the title, other than it had the word white in it. A few years ago I eventually located it and bought a copy. It's been on my tbr pile for a while. Picked it up a few days ago and started. I had forgotten all the storylines apart from Maya being discontent and her mother cooking with spices and how the different colours were important. I had forgotten so much it was like reading a new book and a brilliant book it was. Did it bring back memories of the first time I'd read it, not really, but the paragraphs describing Nalini's preparation of her mixtures, her spices and the vibrant colours described for both spices and Maya's fabrics evoked that feeling of magic. The storylines are both warm and tragic. Adversity and discord losing to love and finding oneself.
May 20, 2016
Very well written, with two protagonists - mother and daughter, telling their stories, giving their own perspectives to the same situation. A beautiful concept wonderfully executed!
It is about culture conflicts and how one adapts oneself to changing cultural environments depending on ones upbringing. It also establishes a relationship between aromas with memories and attitudes. All this is beautifully delineated in the characters uniquely woven.
It is also about women empowerment and how when the going gets tough women get tougher and their capability to cope and own the situations.
A book that brings out the Devi or Goddess in every woman who can work miracles, also how the woman is responsible for being the glue for families to stay together despite adversities.
A must read for a joyful, insightful roller coaster ride of emotions.
It is about culture conflicts and how one adapts oneself to changing cultural environments depending on ones upbringing. It also establishes a relationship between aromas with memories and attitudes. All this is beautifully delineated in the characters uniquely woven.
It is also about women empowerment and how when the going gets tough women get tougher and their capability to cope and own the situations.
A book that brings out the Devi or Goddess in every woman who can work miracles, also how the woman is responsible for being the glue for families to stay together despite adversities.
A must read for a joyful, insightful roller coaster ride of emotions.
December 4, 2014
Just how as adults we realize that the world is not always black and white, Preethi Nair weaves a beautiful story to portray that there are several shades of ‘white’ and innumerable aspects in life contributing to joy and sadness. Forced by circumstances in life, Nalini uproots herself and her two children (Maya and Sachin) to move to London leaving behind her mother in hometown Kerala. The trials and tribulations and the success and failures in these lives of Nalini and Maya and how they overcome all odds are well described. And if you are a foodie, you will enjoy this book even more!
January 6, 2013
Ein sehr gutes Buch, was das Leben einer indischen Familie über 3. Generationen hinweg beschreibt und das Buch abschnittsweise von anderen Personen/ Erzählperspektiven weitererzählt wird. Ich fand vor allem den Umzug von Indien nach London spannend (Beruf des Vaters macht den Umzug erforderlich) und wie der "Kulturschock" beschrieben wird. Der Vater verlässt die Familie, als die Kinder noch klein sind und die Mutter muss die Familie nun allein versorgen. Ein sehr ergreifendes Schicksal und sehr emotionales Ende.
August 29, 2011
a life story of hindu-english girl which describes sentimental objects quite well
March 11, 2011
I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee this book!
January 3, 2013
One of the best books ever read!
March 24, 2026
A multigenerational story spanning decades, this novel follows a Malayali family through love, loss, and resilience. As a Malayali myself, I’m naturally drawn to such stories, so this book had been on my radar for quite some time before I finally picked it up.
Nalini grows up in a village with her mother, after her father abandons the family during her childhood. The two of them share a close bond and are renowned in their community for their exceptional cooking. Her mother, in particular, stands out as a deeply generous and principled woman—someone who not only imparts valuable life lessons but truly lives by them. When Nalini falls in love with a wealthy man and decides to run away with him, her mother, despite her reservations, never stands in her way. I found this restraint and quiet strength remarkable.
Nalini goes on to have two children, Maya and Satchin, with her husband. While he appears loving and attentive when present, he is often away, and there’s an undercurrent of control in his personality that becomes more evident over time. For a brief period, Nalini’s mother joins them while they are in Mumbai, but her husband soon relocates the family to London, effectively separating Nalini from her again. The children initially struggle with the move but eventually adjust, remaining especially fond of their father—largely because he conceals his harsher side from them.
In a painful repetition of history, he eventually leaves the family. What follows forms the heart of the story: Nalini’s journey of picking up the shattered pieces of her life and staying strong for her children. At this crucial juncture, Tom and Maggie enter their lives like guardian angels, offering support and stability. Ravi, too, becomes an important presence, bringing Nalini a sense of peace and happiness she had long thought impossible.
Interestingly, the men in the story are not given much depth or significance. Even the positive male characters, like Satchin and Tom, are not explored in detail. Instead, the narrative focuses primarily on Maya and her journey of survival and self-understanding.
That said, I found Maya’s character extremely frustrating. Even as she grows older and gains the maturity to understand her parents’ perspectives, she takes far too long to extend them any empathy or grace. This made it difficult for me to connect with her.
Another aspect I struggled with was the book’s connection to Malayalam culture. Beyond the occasional use of words like Mon, Mol, Makkale, Achan, Amma, and Ammamma, the story doesn’t feel particularly rooted in Kerala or Malayali identity. The repeated references to Onam, in particular, felt excessive and somewhat unnecessary—I found myself skimming those sections after a point. There’s also a factual inconsistency: Mahabali was the asura king, and it was Indra, the deva king, who grew insecure and sought Vishnu’s help. I couldn’t quite understand why Onam was emphasized so heavily throughout the narrative.
Despite these issues, I appreciated Nalini’s character arc the most. Like a phoenix, she rises again and again in the face of adversity, embodying resilience and quiet strength. Her journey is, without a doubt, the most compelling part of the book.
Nalini grows up in a village with her mother, after her father abandons the family during her childhood. The two of them share a close bond and are renowned in their community for their exceptional cooking. Her mother, in particular, stands out as a deeply generous and principled woman—someone who not only imparts valuable life lessons but truly lives by them. When Nalini falls in love with a wealthy man and decides to run away with him, her mother, despite her reservations, never stands in her way. I found this restraint and quiet strength remarkable.
Nalini goes on to have two children, Maya and Satchin, with her husband. While he appears loving and attentive when present, he is often away, and there’s an undercurrent of control in his personality that becomes more evident over time. For a brief period, Nalini’s mother joins them while they are in Mumbai, but her husband soon relocates the family to London, effectively separating Nalini from her again. The children initially struggle with the move but eventually adjust, remaining especially fond of their father—largely because he conceals his harsher side from them.
In a painful repetition of history, he eventually leaves the family. What follows forms the heart of the story: Nalini’s journey of picking up the shattered pieces of her life and staying strong for her children. At this crucial juncture, Tom and Maggie enter their lives like guardian angels, offering support and stability. Ravi, too, becomes an important presence, bringing Nalini a sense of peace and happiness she had long thought impossible.
Interestingly, the men in the story are not given much depth or significance. Even the positive male characters, like Satchin and Tom, are not explored in detail. Instead, the narrative focuses primarily on Maya and her journey of survival and self-understanding.
That said, I found Maya’s character extremely frustrating. Even as she grows older and gains the maturity to understand her parents’ perspectives, she takes far too long to extend them any empathy or grace. This made it difficult for me to connect with her.
Another aspect I struggled with was the book’s connection to Malayalam culture. Beyond the occasional use of words like Mon, Mol, Makkale, Achan, Amma, and Ammamma, the story doesn’t feel particularly rooted in Kerala or Malayali identity. The repeated references to Onam, in particular, felt excessive and somewhat unnecessary—I found myself skimming those sections after a point. There’s also a factual inconsistency: Mahabali was the asura king, and it was Indra, the deva king, who grew insecure and sought Vishnu’s help. I couldn’t quite understand why Onam was emphasized so heavily throughout the narrative.
Despite these issues, I appreciated Nalini’s character arc the most. Like a phoenix, she rises again and again in the face of adversity, embodying resilience and quiet strength. Her journey is, without a doubt, the most compelling part of the book.
July 13, 2024
"From letting it go comes peace and a love that is impossible to buy or have anyone else give to you"
This is a story of forgiveness and letting it go. The storyline is warm and tragic revolving around Maya and Nalani. Switching between dual POVs, this book offers an intimate look into their lives. Maya's father brings them to London and leaves them up and dry, forcing Nalini to raise her two children, Maya and Satchin, alone in London. The struggle of a single mother and the pain of the children were vividly depicted in the book. All the conversations with Ammamma were beautiful. It teaches you the art of handling your emotions, letting go of your pain and freeing yourself from the clutches of the past.
If you are struggling with something and want to let it go, pick this book up.
I got this book during the lock-the-box sale. I just picked the book wanting to read an Indian author. It lived on my shelf for a year or so. I just wanted to complete my books before buying new ones so I picked this book up. (I did buy more books before finishing the books. Guilty as charged). In the beginning, it was very slow and I DNFed it. Then I picked it back up again after a few months. Despite having a slow start, this book offers a powerful message on healing and forgiveness.
*** Spoilers and Rant ****
I hate how they killed Satchin and he didn't get a goodbye note from Grandma.
This is a story of forgiveness and letting it go. The storyline is warm and tragic revolving around Maya and Nalani. Switching between dual POVs, this book offers an intimate look into their lives. Maya's father brings them to London and leaves them up and dry, forcing Nalini to raise her two children, Maya and Satchin, alone in London. The struggle of a single mother and the pain of the children were vividly depicted in the book. All the conversations with Ammamma were beautiful. It teaches you the art of handling your emotions, letting go of your pain and freeing yourself from the clutches of the past.
If you are struggling with something and want to let it go, pick this book up.
I got this book during the lock-the-box sale. I just picked the book wanting to read an Indian author. It lived on my shelf for a year or so. I just wanted to complete my books before buying new ones so I picked this book up. (I did buy more books before finishing the books. Guilty as charged). In the beginning, it was very slow and I DNFed it. Then I picked it back up again after a few months. Despite having a slow start, this book offers a powerful message on healing and forgiveness.
*** Spoilers and Rant ****
I hate how they killed Satchin and he didn't get a goodbye note from Grandma.
July 21, 2023
Koriandergrün und Safranrot ist eine schöne interkulturelle und generationenübergreifende Familiengeschichte. Im Mittelpunkt steht eine indische Frau, die in Indien aufwächst, aber nach der Heirat mit ihrem Mann und den Kindern nach England zieht. Der Ehemann verschwindet eines Tages spurlos und die Familie lebt fortan in ärmlichen Verhältnissen. Um den eigenen Schmerz zu lindern und um Indien auch in der Fremde zu spüren, kocht die Mutter, wann immer sie kann mit indischen Ingredienzen. Dabei geht es ihr nicht nur um die intensiven Düfte, sondern vielmehr auch um die in den einzelnen Zutaten innewohnenden seelischen Qualitäten. Preethi Nair schreibt einfühlsam und in einem Stil, der es einem leicht macht, an der Lektüre dranzubleiben. Insgesamt ein schönes Buch, dessen Inhalt für mich aber ein bisschen gar trivial war und die guten Sätze erinnerten mich manchmal an Insta Posts, kurz, plakativ, irgendwie schön und wahr, aber ohne die dazugehörenden tiefen Wurzeln.
April 23, 2019
Ein schönes Buch für zwischendurch. Preethi Nair schreibt die Geschichte aus der Sicht von Maja und dann von Nalini. Im Laufe der Handlung bekommt man manche Situationen aus beiden Sichten erzählt. In dem Hörbuch wird manchmal nicht genau klar wann genau welches Geschehnisse passiert ist. Nach der Beendigung des Hörbuches wird einem erst klar,wie die Geschichte eigentlich aufgebaut ist. Ich hab eine richtige Wut auf den Vater von Maja bekommen. Er beeinflusst sie schlecht und erzählt ihr falsche Dinge.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin war sehr angenehm und besonders die Stimme der Sprecherin zog mich in den Bann. Eine Hör- und Leseempfehlung für alle Leute die eine tragische Familiengeschichte mögen. Der Hauch der indischen Kultur verleiht dem Buch Würze. Der Ortswechsel nach Spanien kam mir sehr willkürlich und überhaupt nicht weiterführend für die Geschichte vor.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin war sehr angenehm und besonders die Stimme der Sprecherin zog mich in den Bann. Eine Hör- und Leseempfehlung für alle Leute die eine tragische Familiengeschichte mögen. Der Hauch der indischen Kultur verleiht dem Buch Würze. Der Ortswechsel nach Spanien kam mir sehr willkürlich und überhaupt nicht weiterführend für die Geschichte vor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2022
This was one of the few reads in 2021 that I undertook considering my chaotic work schedules. There was something about the cover art, the book title and story blurb that pulled me in the first glance. There were some beautiful heart warming moments described with an emotion that truly felt real. I lived the events that Maya and Nalini go through their life in England. I must say, after a long time did I come across a story that tugged at my heart through the writing and characters. It's a good read to remember as a warm evening companion.
October 7, 2017
This was a really lovely book. The subtle change of povs between mother and daughter and they story woven through their eyes was well done. Loved Maya's self realization. Travelling all over only to realize your feet always lead you home. Spluttering and smoking with the delicateness of South Indian cooking, is the right amount of tempering treatment given to the story.
August 29, 2023
So glad I read this book. Although it was a bit slow to start, once it got going I enjoyed it more and more.
The characters were slowly revealed with all their human frailties exposed, analysed and brought to life.
As the title suggests, when the context of a decision is explained, one understands how things aren't always black and white.
The book was mostly well written, sometimes the descriptions were excellent but the changes of POV happened in strange places at times.
It makes me want to visit India to experience the culture and be amongst its people (and enjoy its food!)
3.5 stars rounded up.
The characters were slowly revealed with all their human frailties exposed, analysed and brought to life.
As the title suggests, when the context of a decision is explained, one understands how things aren't always black and white.
The book was mostly well written, sometimes the descriptions were excellent but the changes of POV happened in strange places at times.
It makes me want to visit India to experience the culture and be amongst its people (and enjoy its food!)
3.5 stars rounded up.
June 23, 2024
I picked this book up at a book giveaway box at work. A quick read about family, love, loss and culture. An enjoyable read, but not revolutionary. The writing style was simple and sometimes the author over explained.
November 2, 2025
anfangs bisschen langatmig, aber es wurde immer besser! sehr schön geschrieben, mit vielen bunten eindrücken - hätte noch ewig weiterlesen können. fand die 2 povs von maya & nalini sowie das ende toll
July 31, 2017
A wonderful book that shows the reader lies don't remain hidden.
October 17, 2017
Captivating narration ! Reading this book was like tasting a wonderful recipe cooked to perfection. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it !
May 5, 2019
It's a heart warming story.. one to keep and re read at a later point as it warms up the soul... I would certainly recommend this book to anyone...
May 31, 2019
There are no words to describe this book! I felt so much, I‘m completely overwhelmed. I cried of happiness, sadness, laughter and so on. I could FEEL this book! Definitely one of my favorites!
June 30, 2019
Beautiful
Read
March 16, 2020One of my favorites
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews