17-year-old Karim Amir, born to an English mother and an Indian father, lives with his family in a South London suburb. He also has a younger brother, Allie (Aman). He yearns for excitement and adventure, because his home life is “gloomy, slow and heavy” (3). One day, everything changes. His father, Haroon Amir, comes home from work as usual, but by the time Karim goes to bed that night, his life is forever different.

Haroon has been asked to give a talk on Eastern philosophy by his friend, Eva Kay. Karim goes with his father to Eva Kay’s house. Margaret Amir’s refusal to go hear her husband speak is a turning point in their relationship, leading directly to its end. Karim, who clearly hates his suburban life, refers to the adults surrounding him as the “miserable undead” (10).

Eva Kay is a family friend, who knows Haroon and Karim well; she recommends books to Karim and talks to him like he’s a grown-up. Both Haroon and Karim seem fascinated by her. After the talk, which is taken seriously by the suburban, white, English people, Karim spies on his father and sees him and Eva having sex.