How does the relationship between Tara and Bim change throughout the book? What causes it to weaken and strengthen?

There are many recurring themes throughout the book, including the rose walk, the well, and Baba's preoccupations. What is the significance of these reoccurring images? How would the story be different without them?

The political situation in the country while the siblings are growing up is corrupt and unstable. However, the children seem to be sheltered from it in their home in Old Delhi, while the action all seems to happen in the city. How does the political situation affect the outcome of the story? Does it create any tension for the family? Would the story have been different had it taken place with a peaceful backdrop?

Raja seems always to be reading poetry, and much of it is quoted in the book. How do...