Posted: Jan 05, 2021 9:49 am
by Blip
Beatrice wrote:
Blip wrote:1. The Calcutta Chromosome by Amitav Ghosh

Here's my review from my other club.

This is a convoluted and confusing work spanning three different times: the late 19th century, the late 20th century, when the novel was written, and an unspecified time in the then future. It mixes early research into malaria, a mystical Indian cult involved in the transmigration of souls, and a spot of digital sleuthing.

I read a review on Amazon which suggested the novel was rescued by Ghosh's characteristically marvellous story-telling but that there were too many plots which didn't really join up. That's about right.


I really enjoyed The Calcutta Chromosome, the plot is deliberately confusing to engender a feeling of being lost in a web of conspiracy. Then again I love anything by Gosh especially The Hungry Tides series.


I too love Ghosh's work, but this didn't quite work for me. I'm with you on The Hungry Tides though.