The irony of competence
The goal of the novel is not to cast stones or to judge, but obviously, there is a moral lesson in the plot. Rani struggles to prioritize herself appropriately. Given the comfort of her situation, she has become unlikely to do the hard work of self-love, not because she doesn't love herself, but because it is hard to put one's self first and to do an honest day's work to be fulfilled. Being fulfilled in life is challenging, which is why Reshma is more suited for the task. She finds her life fulfilling even though she doesn't have any choice but to work.
Reshma's path
To a Western person or to a person of wealth, it seems obvious that anyone would be happier with more choices, but Reshma is the happiest of the three women but has the fewest options. Why is this? The novel predicts that having more freedom and choice is not helpful if luxury and privilege make a person poorly motivated. Reshma has no misgivings. She understands why she must do what she does and she enjoys it when possible, but mostly she thrives because of her humility.
Anorexia as an irony
Rani realizes that she is anorexic after a long time of denying it, and the question arises in her, "How did I even get to this point?" She realizes that the physical ailment is a symptom of a psychological imbalance. Ironically, she struggles to give herself the approval she craves. This irony is dark, because it points to a possibly that she can't deny. Perhaps she is starving herself because of self-hatred. In this realization, she panics, because she can't understand how she could be her own antagonist. Now that she understands what victory might look like, she wonders if she is even capable of self-love.
Ruth's irony
Ruth is a Londoner with her own life and her own responsibilities. Then, one day, she meets Rani and identifies so deeply with Rani's confused state and her poor health that Ruth puts her own life on the side. This is irony for Ruth, because she is experimenting with true altruism, and this is confusing to her. It is ironic for Rani, because the universe is proving to her that she is worth love with the gift of an unlikely, serendipitous friendship.
Gender and struggle
There is an idea that is subtly criticized by the novel that suggests that women are perhaps weaker and less capable. For instance, Reshma's story is clearly ironic. She is thirteen and her husband is thirty, but she is the responsible one. This is an ironic contrast to the idea that men are automatically leaders and heroes. Also, through Rani's story the irony is depicted another way. It isn't true that women's issues are less painful or intense, and it certainly isn't true that women have less fortitude.
