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Book Review
Sep. 26th, 2010 12:28 amI discovered Amitav Ghosh through Yuletide. He is a very talented Indian-Bengali writer who writes mainly history and colonalism.
Amitav Ghosh - Sea of Poppies
Synopsis: Sea of Poppies is the first part of Ibis Trilogy. It tells a story of a 19th Century ship journey across Indiana Ocean, and people aboard came from different walk of life, thrown together by fate. I really like how it tackles colonisim and imperialism. The characters all try to find a new life despite the huge obstacle and I enjoy reading about their complex relationship. . However, I can't finish it because it deals with the Opium War, which is too painful for me to read. For those who want to see the ugly side of the Age of Sail, characters you wuld care and cheer for, it is a very good book.
Amitav Ghosh -The Glass Palace
The story spans a century from British colonization of Burma, through the Second World War to modern times. It follows a three generation family, whose fate intervines with the national fate. It is epic in the scope, but it never forgets the humanity in it. If you want to know about Burma modern history, or to see how history shapes invidual fate, it is a must-read.
Amitav Ghosh -The Hungry Tide
Sundarbans is a labyrinth of tiny islands, a place of danger and strange beauty, and it links the fate of three people together. An Indian American marine biologist in search of an endangered dolphin is rescued by a quiet fisherman. They are strangely drawn to each other despite,or perhaps because of the language barrier. She hired a young successful merchant as translator, who returned to discover a story of politics, love and tragedy. It is a story of language, identity and beauty.
Bonus rec:
Cindy Pon – Silver Phoenix
I hesitated to read it at first because I was scared it did not live up to my expectation, but the worry was rootless. The China-inspired fantasy is very refreshing and feels authentic. There is a culturally appropriate strong female protagonist with secret power, and she started a quest to save her father. I love her quiet strength and determination. There is tender romance plot, but it is secondary to the saving the world plot. I read that there is a sequel coming and I really look forward to it. Warning though: (Highlight to see spoiler) - There's an attempted rape scene
Amitav Ghosh - Sea of Poppies
Synopsis: Sea of Poppies is the first part of Ibis Trilogy. It tells a story of a 19th Century ship journey across Indiana Ocean, and people aboard came from different walk of life, thrown together by fate. I really like how it tackles colonisim and imperialism. The characters all try to find a new life despite the huge obstacle and I enjoy reading about their complex relationship. . However, I can't finish it because it deals with the Opium War, which is too painful for me to read. For those who want to see the ugly side of the Age of Sail, characters you wuld care and cheer for, it is a very good book.
Amitav Ghosh -The Glass Palace
The story spans a century from British colonization of Burma, through the Second World War to modern times. It follows a three generation family, whose fate intervines with the national fate. It is epic in the scope, but it never forgets the humanity in it. If you want to know about Burma modern history, or to see how history shapes invidual fate, it is a must-read.
Amitav Ghosh -The Hungry Tide
Sundarbans is a labyrinth of tiny islands, a place of danger and strange beauty, and it links the fate of three people together. An Indian American marine biologist in search of an endangered dolphin is rescued by a quiet fisherman. They are strangely drawn to each other despite,or perhaps because of the language barrier. She hired a young successful merchant as translator, who returned to discover a story of politics, love and tragedy. It is a story of language, identity and beauty.
Bonus rec:
Cindy Pon – Silver Phoenix
I hesitated to read it at first because I was scared it did not live up to my expectation, but the worry was rootless. The China-inspired fantasy is very refreshing and feels authentic. There is a culturally appropriate strong female protagonist with secret power, and she started a quest to save her father. I love her quiet strength and determination. There is tender romance plot, but it is secondary to the saving the world plot. I read that there is a sequel coming and I really look forward to it. Warning though: (Highlight to see spoiler) - There's an attempted rape scene
