Although the book is considered fiction, Shaila portrays each woman "like it really is" living in a South Asian country where societal rules prevail. In one of the stories she talks about matriarchal control over the daughter-in-law where the daughter-in-law is expected to do all the work, where the daughter-in-law is not able to eat rice because money is short but she has to cook it for her husband because he is the only one that can embellish in the luxury of eating rice. In another narrative, Shaila tells us how the bride, who is not able to produce a male offspring within a short time of an arranged marriage, is ostracized and blamed.

Life for many women, especially in the rural areas, becomes an existence that many of us in the Western world cannot relate to. Yet, deep inside these women clash with the realities of their existence and the knowing that things are different outside their realities, often yearning for a different way of life but being trapped within their culture.

Shaila writes each story with passion and soul, drawing the reader deep into the feelings of the women. Reading Beyond the Cayenne Wall gave me an insight and understanding that regardless of where women live, they have the same feelings that I would have if in the same situation. After reading each story, I found myself contemplating and comparing my life to theirs, being grateful for my freedom.

Irene Watson is the Publishing Editor of Reader Views, a book review service that specializes in book reviews, for readers, by readers. http://www.readerviews.com