Her senses became overwhelmed with the colour of [the women's] kameezes, the sound of fabric rustling and pencils tapping, the smell of perfume and turmeric. Her purpose came into sharp focus. 'Some people don't even know about this place,' she would say. 'Let's change that.'"
-- Narrative focalization on Nikki's perspective (chapter 1 paragraph 1)

Importance: This passage is significant, as it marks the moment Nikki finds her raison d'être. Though Nikki initially dreads coming all the way to Southall to post her sister's personal ad at the gurdwara, returning to the district reminds Nikki of the neighborhood's significance to her and her family while growing up. The subtle beauties and richness of the smells and colors inspire her, and she imagines herself at the head of a classroom, giving voice to the women who walk these streets regularly. When her British friend Olive asks her where Southall is, Nikki realizes that a whole swath of the London...