River of Smoke
River of Smoke
Book Brief
521
Novel • Fiction
Canton, China • 1830s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set against the backdrop of 1838's turbulent opium trade, River of Smoke follows convicts Ah Fatt and Neel as they escape the ship Ibis and navigate the dense commercial and political landscape of Canton. Their journey intertwines with Bahram, a Parsi merchant, caught between personal ambitions and the Chinese crackdown on opium, exemplifying the era's complex economic and social dynamics. The narrative includes sensitive topics such as substance abuse and political conflict.
Informative
Mysterious
Gritty
Adventurous
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
13,322 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Amitav Ghosh's River of Smoke captivates readers with its richly detailed portrayal of the opium trade in 19th-century China and vibrant, diverse characters. Critics praise its historical depth and vivid prose but note that the intricate plot sometimes becomes overwhelming. Engaging yet dense, it's a rewarding read for patient and detail-oriented audiences.
Who Should Read River of Smoke?
River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh will captivate readers who relish intricate historical narratives, especially those fond of exploring the socio-economic and cultural threads of 19th-century trade networks. Fans of David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas or Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall will find Ghosh’s richly woven tale equally enthralling.
13,322 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
River of Smoke is the second novel in Amitav Ghosh's Ibis Trilogy, which explores the opium trade between India and China in the 19th century.
The novel features diverse characters from various parts of the world, showcasing the cultural exchanges and clashes during a time of significant historical upheaval.
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Amitav Ghosh conducted extensive research on historical documents and archives to authentically capture the atmosphere and intricacies of the period in River of Smoke.
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521
Novel • Fiction
Canton, China • 1830s
2011
Adult
18+ years
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