Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows

Nikki’s view of the women in Southall is very negative at the start. She thinks that “all of the women seemed to end up the same…weary and shuffling their feet” (63). At what point in the story does Nikki’s opinion of temple women begin to change and why? How does this view contrast with her view of the women at the end of the novel?

Nikki and Kulwinder’s daughter, Maya, contrast greatly with Nikki’s older sister, Mindi. What is the author trying to say with this contrast? Consider the juxtaposition of these characters in terms of The Challenges of Hybrid Identity.

Recent Netflix shows such as Indian Matchmaking or Married at First Sight suggest that the West is interested in the concept of “arranged marriages,” which are not uncommon within the Sikh community. Nikki is appalled by the idea, but Mindi points out that internet dating and nightclubs pose their own problems. Discuss the range of options available to the characters in the novel for finding a life partner. What benefits and risks do each pose for women in particular?