This is a good book. Let me say that from the start. I read Sea of Poppies and I loved it. I loved it because it was engaging and filled with plot and twists and turns.

If that book is hot, then this one is thanda. There is less of plot and a lot of deliberation mostly on the philosophical aspects of trade. In between are (potentially) useful snippets on botany and painting and Amitav creates this illusion of Canton as the perfect city to be in in the 1800's before the Opium War.

The first ...

'River of smoke' is the second installment of the fabulous Ibis trilogy by Amitav Ghosh. It follows the lives of the 'jahaj-bhais' aboard the famed Ibis setting off on a migratory journey to Mauritius. Although the Ibis plays less of a role here than it did in the 'Sea of Poppies' much of the same cast of characters exist and are joined by a few more.

The book starts with the storm that ended the first book with Neel and Ah Fath escaping the Ibis under cover of the storm and eventually makin...

Finally bought this book in 2013' was wary of reading amitava ghosh since have only managed to read in full the glass palace ,but am enthralled by this book it is lyrical evocative and fascinating,as beautiful as its cover.

Nice book

This narrative starts from where the the first part of the trilogy ended with a few of the Ibis' occupants fleeing the carrier on a storm-pounded night. The story traces the "Afeem-yudh" (Opium-war) of China which was fought between the British and the Chinese in it's whole avatar, and how the erstwhile occupants of the Ibis and and a few others like Frederic "Fitcher" Penrose - a renowned horticulturist -, Napoleon Bonaparte - although I'm disappointed that he was not amply treated -, Bahara...

Have been following Amitav Ghosh for long and his masterpieces are just amazing. The details, the pictures painted by his words - they just stay with you for a long time. But the most important thing is the way his books have added and changed my perspective regarding the history of various things. Waiting for the 3rd part now!

Amitav Ghosh has done it again.River of smoke is equally entertaining and educational about the lives of india at british times.

Its a breath taking journey!

Absolutely absorbing and delightful

Another riveting masterpiece from Amitav.

Must Read.

It was a timely delivery in good condition! Although its time Flipkart should think giving some incentive to the returning & loyal customers. After all, competition is increasing day by day in online market too!