What roles does faith play in the characters’ lives? How is their situation unique in an Indian context?

What is the role of caste in Indian society as depicted in this novel? How does its prevalence impact characters such as Joppan and Lenin?

Compare and contrast the character of Big Ammachi with that of her granddaughter and namesake, Mariamma. How are they similar? How are they different? What influence does Big Ammachi have on her granddaughter?