"A Break with Charity" tells the story of Soraya, an Indian woman living in London with her English husband, Robert. As the novel begins, Soraya and Robert are moving to a new apartment, marking a fresh start in their relationship. However, the novel soon reveals underlying problems in their marriage.
Soraya struggles to adjust to life in London and faces feelings of loneliness and alienation. She finds solace in her friendship with a Pakistani Muslim woman named Hasina. Hasina introduces Soraya to the world of Islam, and Soraya begins to explore her own religious identity.
As Soraya becomes more involved in the Muslim community, her relationship with Robert becomes increasingly strained. Robert feels threatened by Soraya's newfound faith and worries that she is drifting away from him. The couple confronts their differences, and Soraya ultimately makes the decision to return to India with Hasina, seeking a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Throughout the novel, Jhabvala explores themes of identity, faith, cultural differences, and the challenges of cross-cultural relationships. The book provides insights into the complexities of navigating multiple identities and the search for spiritual fulfillment.