As the British presence moves inexorably into its last days, the fall of the Empire signals the end of an era, and a new beginning. For the Hindus and Muslims, the political reality signals inevitable post-war recrimination and future territorial wrangles. And for the Laytons, Merrick and Guy Perron, the final partings are swallowed into the great upheaval. A moving and fitting conclusion to a masterpiece of world fiction.