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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
This is a pretty sweeping epic, with lots of characters and an amazing period of history as a backdrop. I found it interesting, but not super engaging. It’s been a while since I read the first two books of the trilogy, which didn’t help I suspect. I did find it interesting how the author gradually brought all the characters to the same point in space, but it took a long time to get there.
I absolutely Love AGs books and would say he’s among my favourite authors…not his best book by a long shot!
It's not that this is a bad book at all, but by Amitav Ghosh's standards, it's not the best.
Much of the descriptive detail, for example, the conditions of the British v Indian troops, the pay, the access to the latest rifles and how they worked is impressive and, for the most part, adds valuable depth to the story.
On the other hand, the book feels too long for the story it's telling. In need of a bit of a trim in places.
The one aspect that bothered me rather more, was the development of some of the characters. I struggled to believe that some of the characters would behave as they did. That they might change I fully understand, but, and the most extreme example being Zachary Reid, that they metamorphosise into something unrecognisable I found hard to accept. For me that's an important flaw.
Much of the descriptive detail, for example, the conditions of the British v Indian troops, the pay, the access to the latest rifles and how they worked is impressive and, for the most part, adds valuable depth to the story.
On the other hand, the book feels too long for the story it's telling. In need of a bit of a trim in places.
The one aspect that bothered me rather more, was the development of some of the characters. I struggled to believe that some of the characters would behave as they did. That they might change I fully understand, but, and the most extreme example being Zachary Reid, that they metamorphosise into something unrecognisable I found hard to accept. For me that's an important flaw.
I thought Flood of Fire was an excellent work highlighting the opium wars from varied viewpoints. Ghosh really nailed both key aspects of excellent historical fiction - robust research and engaging characters. The seamless interweaving of story lines as well as the masterful storytelling from different point-of-views was enjoyable and exciting to read as characters crossed paths. I was impressed that Ghosh credibly depicted female/male, English/Indian/Chinese, and high social status/low social status stories. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a little drama!
Note: I read Flood of Fire without reading the two preceding novels in this trilogy and still found it excellent as a stand alone piece. There were some unfamiliar words that I needed to look up; however, Sea of Poppies (the first in the trilogy) has a glossary in the back that helped tremendously.
Note: I read Flood of Fire without reading the two preceding novels in this trilogy and still found it excellent as a stand alone piece. There were some unfamiliar words that I needed to look up; however, Sea of Poppies (the first in the trilogy) has a glossary in the back that helped tremendously.
This was my least favorite of the three although it is still very good. Overall, it felt unedited and a bit bloated in certain areas. The author's hand to get everyone from India to China felt heavy at times. But the characters are incredibly drawn and it's still very entertaining. I also finally really understand what the Opium Wars were about, so an added bonus!
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As usual, very fascinating story and offered an insight into the time period. Well written and thoroughly enjoyed!! Sad it's the end of the trilogy!
Must admit though the first two in the trilogy were much more "fun" to read. This one focused more on the battles and all the details but did in a third person and so never really pulled me in!
Must admit though the first two in the trilogy were much more "fun" to read. This one focused more on the battles and all the details but did in a third person and so never really pulled me in!
Initially hesitant to read the third and final part of the Ibis trilogy, as I was not impressed by the second book. However, I was proven wrong as the third book had a lot going on, with plenty of excitement, numerous characters and nail-biting sequences. Overall, I found it to be a satisfying conclusion to the series. Although, I did feel that the climax was brief.
A magnificent book and a fitting third in this amazing trilogy. This trilogy is the best historical fiction that I have ever read. It was a slow read but for me well worth every minute of it. I will miss these books.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated