autumnalia 's review for:

A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee

3.75

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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I haven’t read much about the Raj, and aside from being a fairly gripping whodunnit with political intrigue and classic noir overtones, this story does a wonderful job immersing the reader in the historical setting. The characters chosen to advance the narrative put the focus mainly on the experience of the colonized and oppressed, which I appreciated, as well as the  complexity of Bengali and broader Indian culture. I did have a hard time believing the self-awareness of the main character when it came to his ability to observe, analyze, and criticize the racist dynamics of the Raj. But even though it felt like a reach to me in terms of what someone inured in the mores of that time would be capable of, I appreciated the nuance present in the relationships between British and Indian characters and the examination of the constant tension there. Sam Wyndham not only navigates a minefield of crime and political corruption. Throughout the story, he is also working his way through relentless moral conundrums. In all, an enjoyable exploration of geopolitical history and personal conscience. I’m looking forward to further books in the series.