Mariam Pirbhai Boeken

Focusing on 'indenture history,' this book explores how local literary and cultural influences have shaped novel-length fiction by South Asian diaspora writers across various nations, including Mauritius, South Africa, Guyana, and Fiji. It delves into the unique historical contexts and experiences that inform these narratives, highlighting the diverse cultural landscapes from which these authors emerge.

Exploring the connection between plants and people, the author reflects on her journey of gardening in Waterloo, Ontario. Through her experiences with local flora, she draws parallels between plants' adaptability and human experiences of uprooting and belonging. The essays delve into themes of nostalgia, cultural ideals, and the interplay of tradition and nature, while highlighting specific plants that symbolize her quest for home. Ultimately, the work reveals how gardens encapsulate personal and collective histories, intertwining family, culture, and heritage.