Southall

Arvinder says that Indian immigrants built Southall because they "didn't know how to be British" (145). The Punjabi community of Southall supports new immigrants, and rushes to the aid of any expatriates that are struggling to build a life for themselves in England, especially when the British are harsh or unwelcoming.

The close-knit nature of the borough can also prove to be dangerous; out of fear of being judged by the British, people in Southall keep quiet about the honor killings and other forms of oppression that come from toxic, sexist adherences to outdated traditions and notions of duty and shame. The widows at the temple start to change the conversation, and begin to transform Southall from the inside out by sharing their stories.

The Classroom At the Gurdwara

Nikki's classroom becomes a place where the widows can be their most honest selves without fear of being judged or...