Brick Lane by Monica Ali

An oblique introduction to Bangladesh, through the eyes of Nazneen, wife of an ineffectual Bangladeshi immigrant to London. An arranged marriage, which neither flourishes nor founders, through Nazneen's submission to fate. Submission to fate however, cannot save the life of her first-born son, nor prevent her from having an affair with an activist delivery-boy.

As constant backdrop to her life is her sister's fate in Bangladesh: elopment, battery, divorce, labour, prostitution, servitude.

[Nazneen] said, 'But you can't skate in a sari.'
Razia was already lacing her boots. 'This is England,' she said. 'You can do whatever you like.'