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johnk 's review for:
The Glass Palace
by Amitav Ghosh
What a wonderfully creative author.
To me, this book reads like a symphony; from a gentle and benign beginning in the late 1890's and early 20th century rising to a crescendo of violence, mayhem and unrest during the Japanese war and the events surrounding Burma's independence.
It contains many passages of evocative prose, two of which in particular stand out for me; firstly, in his description of the teak trade and its elephants, and secondly, the ruined chandis on the slopes of Guning Jerai.
His poignant characters epitomise the upheavel,misery and fortitude of so many unfortunates born at the wrong time and ending up in the wrong place.
Without question, the best book I have read this year. If you like historical novels set in Asia, you'll love this one.
To me, this book reads like a symphony; from a gentle and benign beginning in the late 1890's and early 20th century rising to a crescendo of violence, mayhem and unrest during the Japanese war and the events surrounding Burma's independence.
It contains many passages of evocative prose, two of which in particular stand out for me; firstly, in his description of the teak trade and its elephants, and secondly, the ruined chandis on the slopes of Guning Jerai.
His poignant characters epitomise the upheavel,misery and fortitude of so many unfortunates born at the wrong time and ending up in the wrong place.
Without question, the best book I have read this year. If you like historical novels set in Asia, you'll love this one.