简介：1954,theMalabarCoast.BritishandAnglo-IndianidentitiesblurwhenanEnglish-womanwithaneglectfulhusbandbirthsasicklybaby.CottonMary,ahospitalaideandmoralizingAnglophilewhoclaimsherfatherwasaBritishofficer,takesovertheinfant'scareand,withoutawordtothemother,takesthebabydailytohersistertonurse.MarymovesintotheEnglishhousehold,takingovermoreandmoredutiesassheplaysonthemother'sfatigueandlackofspousalcounsel:ineffect,MarycolonizestheEnglishhouseholdwhileshepilfersitsstoresandtellstalltalestoherownfamily.ForhowlongcanMarysustainherrulebeforetheEnglishwomanstandsonherownfeet?…