Fran Forsyth feels she has India in her bones, and her love of that country shines through this thoughtful and absorbing memoir.

She grew up in Madras and Kodaikanal, in the south of India, and writes with great warmth and compassion of her childhood experiences there and the loving bond she had with her Indian ayah. But at the age of just eight, Fran had to leave Madras behind and return to England and a new life at boarding school.

Years move on and, away from India, life's rich tapestry - 'the messy middle' - plays out. Decades of change and travel, good and not so good choices. Loss.

Eventually Madras becomes Chennai and, uncertain of her future, Fran returns there to be close to the memories she has always held in her heart. The feel of India is familiar; there is a time-warp sensation, and the strongest sense of connection to places and people from her past. In her beloved India once more, she starts looking forward - maybe good things are in store? New memories are waiting to happen, and they are still unfolding today.

What people say:
"[Fran Forsyth has] a wonderful way with words, capturing childhood angst and loneliness and wondrous experiences and beautiful people."
"I was completely absorbed in it ... It felt a privilege to read it."