3.97
"The Glass Palace" by Amitav Ghosh is a sweeping historical novel that transports readers from the fall of the Konbaung Dynasty in Burma to colonial Malaya and India. The story begins in 1885, when Rajkumar, a poor Indian teenager, falls in love with Dolly, a young woman of royal Burmese descent. When the British invade Burma and the royal family is forced into exile, Rajkumar and Dolly are separated, and Rajkumar embarks on a journey that will take him to Malaya, where he becomes a successful timber merchant. The novel spans several generations and explores the lives of Rajkumar, Dolly, and their descendants as they navigate the complexities of colonialism, nationalism, and personal identity. Ghosh's vivid descriptions of the lush landscapes of Burma, Malaya, and India bring the story to life, and his portrayal of the diverse cultures and communities that inhabit these regions is both nuanced and insightful. At its heart, "The Glass Palace" is a story about the human cost of colonialism and the struggle for independence. Ghosh explores the ways in which colonialism shapes the lives of both the colonized and the colonizers, and how the legacies of colonialism continue to reverberate through the present day. The novel also delves into the personal lives of its characters, examining themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal. Ghosh's writing is both elegant and evocative, and his characters are complex and fully realized. "The Glass Palace" is a rich and rewarding read that will transport readers to a different time and place, while also offering insight into the enduring legacies of colonialism. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a captivating and thought-provoking novel, "The Glass Palace" is sure to delight...
Amitav Ghosh
Sea of Poppies
If you enjoyed the historical setting and richly drawn characters of 'The Glass Palace', you'll want to continue exploring Amitav Ghosh's Ibis Trilogy with 'Sea of Poppies'. This novel is set in the mid-19th century, and follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives become intertwined as they are swept up in the opium trade between India and China.
Learn MoreAmitav Ghosh
The Hungry Tide
If you enjoyed the vivid sense of place and exploration of colonialism in 'The Glass Palace', you'll want to check out 'The Hungry Tide'. This novel is set in the Sundarbans, a vast and remote region of the Ganges Delta, and follows a young woman who is researching the region's unique and endangered wildlife.
Learn MoreElizabeth Gilbert
The Signature of All Things
If you enjoyed the richly detailed historical setting and exploration of science in 'The Glass Palace', you'll want to pick up 'The Signature of All Things'. This novel is set in the 19th century, and follows a young woman who becomes obsessed with botany and the natural world.
Learn MoreKiran Desai
The Inheritance of Loss
If you enjoyed the exploration of colonialism and its aftermath in 'The Glass Palace', you'll want to read 'The Inheritance of Loss'. This novel is set in the Himalayas, and follows a young girl who is caught between the traditional ways of her family's past and the modern world of the present.
Learn MoreAravind Adiga
The White Tiger
If you enjoyed the exploration of social class and inequality in 'The Glass Palace', you'll want to read 'The White Tiger'. This novel is set in modern India, and follows a young man who rises from poverty to become a successful businessman, but at a great cost.
Learn MoreSalman Rushdie
Midnight's Children
If you enjoyed the sweeping historical epic of 'The Glass Palace', you'll want to read 'Midnight's Children'. This novel is set in India and Pakistan, and follows a young man who is born at the moment of India's independence and is endowed with special powers.
Learn MoreVikram Seth
A Suitable Boy
If you enjoyed the richly detailed portrait of a society in turmoil in 'The Glass Palace', you'll want to read 'A Suitable Boy'. This novel is set in India in the 1950s, and follows a young woman as she navigates the complex social and political landscape of the time.
Learn More