Capturing immense complexities around the opium trade of the nineteenth century, River of Smoke continues the amazing narration that was started in the first part of the Ibis Trilogy. One is indulgently involved with all the characters from the start to the end.
Sea of Poppies, part one of the series ended with the storm that separated Deeti from her husband Kalua, both of whom were escaping to Mauritius on-board Ibis, an indentured labour carrier.
After a short description about passengers on-board the Ibis, the novel begins to move towards the place of all action: Canton. Paulette begins her adventure with Mr. Penrose, a gardener and botanist from Britain, who is headed to China to find a fabled flower on Redruth, a customized brig which is known for the greenery on its deck.
Seth Bahramji Naurozji Modi is a Bombay opium merchant headed to Canton to sell his largest ever shipment aboard his three-master sleek and elegant vessel, Anahita. Neel adopts a new identity as Bahram's munshi.
Robin Chinnery, the illegitimate son of a famous British painter, contributes to the plot's silk fabric by his juicy letters to Paulette. He enjoys the company of his special Friend in Canton, where foreign women are barred entry.
The novel draws on the theme of good versus evil at various instances, mainly within the context of China trying to protect its citizens from the fatal pangs of opium and the foreign merchants who disguise their greed in the name of Free Trade. With numerous sub-plots and interesting story lines, the novel sets ground for the opium war of the mid nineteenth century.
The title of the novel is captured in a scene where opium is burnt by local men of Canton, and the black product flows like a river on fire, fuming with smoke. Throughout the book very lively imagery has been used to describe the picturesque locations of South China.
One of my favorite metaphors is when Robin laments for China. She gave the world so many beautiful flowers and all she got in return was the product of poppy, opium, that is set to destroy her people.
The book also does a very good job in laying out the industrial environment of that time, relating to the birth of capitalist mode of production.
Educative, well written, heart breaking, centrist and with a plethora of emotions, Amitav Ghosh has impressed and affected me deeply with this beautifully crafted book.
The title of the novel is captured in a scene where opium is burnt by local men of Canton, and the black product flows like a river on fire, fuming with smoke. Throughout the book very lively imagery has been used to describe the picturesque locations of South China.
One of my favorite metaphors is when Robin laments for China. She gave the world so many beautiful flowers and all she got in return was the product of poppy, opium, that is set to destroy her people.
The book also does a very good job in laying out the industrial environment of that time, relating to the birth of capitalist mode of production.
Educative, well written, heart breaking, centrist and with a plethora of emotions, Amitav Ghosh has impressed and affected me deeply with this beautifully crafted book.