The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh (Hardcover)

Description

“The Glass Palace” is a novel written by Amitav Ghosh, an acclaimed Indian author known for his richly detailed historical fiction. Published in 2000, the novel spans several generations and traverses the vast landscapes of Burma (now Myanmar), India, and Malaysia, weaving together a tapestry of historical events, personal stories, and cultural insights.

At the heart of “The Glass Palace” is the story of Rajkumar, a young boy who escapes from Mandalay, Burma, after the British annexation of the kingdom in the late 19th century. Rajkumar’s journey takes him to India, where he becomes entangled with the lives of various characters, including Dolly, a young woman from an affluent Indian family, and Arjun, an Indian soldier fighting for British colonial forces.

As the narrative unfolds, Ghosh skillfully explores themes of identity, displacement, colonialism, and the interconnectedness of cultures. Against the backdrop of historical events such as the British colonization of Burma, the Indian independence movement, and World War II, the characters in “The Glass Palace” navigate personal and political upheavals, forging relationships that transcend borders and boundaries.

Ghosh’s prose is lush and evocative, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the colonial era. From the opulent courts of Mandalay to the bustling streets of Calcutta and the lush jungles of Southeast Asia, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era.

“The Glass Palace” has received widespread critical acclaim for its ambitious scope, meticulous research, and compelling storytelling. It has been praised for its ability to illuminate complex historical events through intimate human stories, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of colonial Southeast Asia.