pickInformative. Mostly focuses on India and China (and colonialism) but also covers a lot of time and a few other places.
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pickInformative. Mostly focuses on India and China (and colonialism) but also covers a lot of time and a few other places.
pickA well researched book on the opium plant and its impact on all aspects of society during the eighteen and nineteenth century. It was this plant that provided a lion share of the capital needed for European colonization. A lot of the wealthiest Americans made their fortune from this trade before they diversified into other ventures.
I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join in if you want!
#ABookADay2023
pickMust read for history enthusiasts.
pickI adored this trilogy. Beautiful, lush, historical fiction. This one is set in China in the lead-up to the Opium Wars. Great characters & rich, propulsive story told with warmth from Bengal, Indian & Chinese perspectives. A real insight into the time. Evokes the colours, food & mix of cultures in Canton as a thriving port city. A wonderful immersive read.
pickAs the first book in the series, I enjoyed how Ghosh set the scene with this book and delved into the characters.
I have the second book on hand (though I don't know when I will get to it) but I have read some reviews and am unsure if I will like how the series continues....
pickA Black sailor from the US, a Hindu widow, a disgraced Raja, an orphaned French girl, a Muslim boatman, a Chinese pirate, just a few of the characters brought together by fate and opium on board the Ibis as it sails from Calcutta to Mauritius in 1838. How they come together is the premise of this first book in a trilogy, which is full rich back stories, sailor jargon & Indian dialects. A compelling read. Has anyone read the series? I'm undecided.
