Virat and Latha named their son Ashish, for he is the light and glory of their world. Yet a simple drink of water changes all their lives forever. For Virat, Latha, and Ashish are Untouchables, members of a caste who must never contaminate the world of the other, higher, castes. When Ashish mistakenly drinks from the wrong cup, he's badly beaten. Knowing that his son needs a doctor-which takes money-Virat ventures into the dangerous realm of the high caste. He begs Mammen Samuel Varghese, the wealthy landowner and Christian, for money. He receives the loan-along with a life of slavery for himself and his family. But Mammen Samuel does not understand the strength of a father's love, the power of a young British nurse who could not forget a boy named Blessing-or the faith of a child. |
