It is 1974 in the town of Penal, Trinidad--home to a colourful cast of cane farmers, rum-drinkers, scandal-mongers--and a bright 18-year-old schoolgirl named Vimla. After passing her A-levels with extraordinary results and accepting the coveted teaching post at Saraswati Hindu school, Vimla is caught with the village pundit's son, Krishna. At night. Holding hands. By morning, the Govinds and Narines find themselves at the heart of a most delicious disgrace.