"Sea of Poppies" by Amitav Ghosh
One word review: Comprehensive!
Did you know?
Poppy is a plant that contains seed capsules and are sources of drugs such as morphine, opium etc.
Sea of Poppies is the first book of The Ibis Trilogy. The story continues in River of Smoke and ends with Flood of Fire. Set in the nineteenth century British colonized India, the story describes the lives of myriad characters in the different classes of society. The book is simply a conglomeration of diverse set of personalities delineated with commendable characterization.
One outstanding aspect of this book is in it's explication of each and every character. There is a strong exposition for every character and the author has narrated each and every backstory in a beautiful way, leaving an everlasting impression. Most of the characters have a sympathetic background through which you develop a predilection towards them. Even months after reading the book if you recall any character you will immediately get reminded of the character's demeanor and traits. Such has been the impact of the backstories for every single character that reigns over this book.
Furthermore, the dialects and vernaculars used in the book are laborious and praiseworthy. It may be incomprehensible for some readers while beginning to read but over time you will get used to it. The story portrays imperial politics, sea voyage, Karma's play, and much more. There is a point of time in the story wherein all the characters come together and you are thrilled to experience the exciting interactions between them and provoked to find out how events are going to roll out henceforth.
Sea of Poppies is an interesting and empathetic drama which revolves around a multitude of characters who stand out in their own peculiarities.