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I feel like I went to school with Cyrus Readymoney (in fact, I may have), which contributed in no small way to my enjoyment of this book. Vakil's portrait of St. Mary's is dead on, down to the kheema pao in the canteen, sadistic principal, and Tickly Father selling lunch coupons. Beyond that, he captures the varied flavors of life in Bombay with a sympathetic eye. Cyrus gives us a compelling, richly detailed account of his struggles with family, the interactions with his neighbors, and the frenzy of the city, speaking with a voice more advanced than his eight years of age. Above all, this is a novel about dealing with loss and grief in a society where emotions are supposed to be expressed openly and with attendant dramatic effect. Highly recommended reading for anyone who likes Indian fiction.