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One Hundred Shades of White: A captivating historical literary fiction novel
A magical mixture of East meets West, and mothers in conflict with daughters – for anyone who enjoyed ‘Bend it like Beckham’ but prefers food to football…
There's East. There's West. And then there's Maya…
Maya, her mother Nalini, and her brother Satchin have left a carefree life in India to come to England. But when Maya's father disappears, leaving only deceit and debt behind, they are left to fend for themselves in a strange, damp land.
Maya, though, doesn't know of her father's betrayal. Nalini, determined to preserve her children's pride, tells them that their father died in an accident and, as their struggle to make a life begins, whole realities are built on this lie. While Nalini cooks exotic pickles which enchant all who eat them, Maya begins to adapt to her new home – the unfamiliar food, the language, the music – and then to explore and make bold plans, plans that her mother does not understand.
But even a white lie cannot remain hidden forever – and when the truth resurfaces, it changes everything…
There's East. There's West. And then there's Maya…
Maya, her mother Nalini, and her brother Satchin have left a carefree life in India to come to England. But when Maya's father disappears, leaving only deceit and debt behind, they are left to fend for themselves in a strange, damp land.
Maya, though, doesn't know of her father's betrayal. Nalini, determined to preserve her children's pride, tells them that their father died in an accident and, as their struggle to make a life begins, whole realities are built on this lie. While Nalini cooks exotic pickles which enchant all who eat them, Maya begins to adapt to her new home – the unfamiliar food, the language, the music – and then to explore and make bold plans, plans that her mother does not understand.
But even a white lie cannot remain hidden forever – and when the truth resurfaces, it changes everything…
294 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
18 people are currently reading
957 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 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⭐
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
April 17, 2020
Amazing!!!
Preethiji has outdone herself once more. I love she deals with a range of themes affecting us as a family and individually. I cried towards the end.
Preethiji has outdone herself once more. I love she deals with a range of themes affecting us as a family and individually. I cried towards the end.
May 31, 2020
Waste of time and money, a very immature write, I wasn’t expecting to be so disappointed, but I was.
I have decided to read a few paragraphs before committing myself to buying a book.
I have decided to read a few paragraphs before committing myself to buying a book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews