In this scholarly work, Maryam Mirza examines ten novels in English by women writers from the Indian subcontinent. She explores the role of power and desire, and of emotional and physical intimacy in cross-class relations. Striking similarities in how gendered and classed identities are lived in India and Pakistan are revealed in this book.

Table of contents

Foreword by Tabish Khair

Acknowledgements

Introduction: Writing Class, Writing Intimacy

1 Ayahs and Playmates in Ice-Candy-Man, The Hope Chest, and The End of Innocence

2 The (Im)possibility of Female Solidarity Beyond Class? The Binding Vine and The Space Between Us

3 Loving Class Others in The God of Small Things and Salt and Saffron

4 Domestic/Employee Seduction in The Hottest Day of the Year, The Space Between Us, and The God of Small Things

5 National or Class Allegories? Romance in Rich Like Us and The Inheritance of Loss

6 Speaking Back: The Politics of Cross-Class Dialogue

Conclusion: Intimacy Across Class – Modes of Elitist Narration?

Bibliography

Index

About the Author