The Calcutta Chromosome
A Journey Through Science, Mystery, and History
Format:Paperback
Publisher:John Murray Press
Published:3rd Feb '11
Should be back in stock very soon
Amitav Ghosh's The Calcutta Chromosome blends science, history, and adventure, following L. Murugan's quest for a scientific mystery in India.
In The Calcutta Chromosome, Amitav Ghosh weaves a captivating narrative that traverses both time and genre. The story begins in an unspecified future and journeys back to the late nineteenth century, inviting readers to explore the life of L. Murugan, a scholar deeply engrossed in the legacy of Sir Ronald Ross. Ross, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, is renowned for his groundbreaking work on malaria in Calcutta in 1898. Murugan’s quest to uncover the mystery of the 'Calcutta Chromosome' serves as the central thread of the novel, leading him on an extraordinary adventure rife with intrigue.
The novel introduces a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Ghosh skillfully blends elements of advanced computer science with the complexities of religious cults, creating a multifaceted exploration of human experience. The portrayal of both Victorian and contemporary India adds depth to the story, as readers encounter the cultural and scientific landscapes that shape the characters and their motivations.
The Calcutta Chromosome not only challenges traditional storytelling but also expands the boundaries of the novel itself. Ghosh takes on the role of a science thriller writer, merging historical facts with speculative fiction. This innovative approach captivates the reader, making for an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience that lingers long after the last page is turned.
PRAISE FOR SEA OF POPPIES * - *
'Sea of Poppies Boasts a varied collection of characters to love and hate, and provides wonderfully detailed descriptions of opium production ... utterly involving and piles on tension until the very last page' * Peter Parker, Sunday Times *
'A glorious babel of a novel ... marvellously inventive ... utterly involving ... The next volume cannot come too soon' * Sunday Times *
'An utterly involving book' * Sunday Times *
'This is a panoramic adventure story, with a Dickensian energy and scope' * Sunday Telegraph *
'Ghosh's narrative is enriched with a wealth of historical detail ... as well as intricate characterisation that makes interaction among the diverse group truly absorbing' * The Times *
'There can be fewer more exciting settings for a novel than a sea-tossed sailing ship ... Ghosh piles detail upon detail in a rumbustical adventure' * The Times *
'Ripping post-colonial yarn ... Ghosh spins a fine story with a quite irresistible flow, breathing exuberant life ... an absorbing vision' * Guardian *
'A remarkably rich saga' * Observer *
'Each scene is boldly drawn, but it is the sheer energy and verve of Amitav Ghosh's storytelling that binds this ambitious medley' * Daily Mail *
This is a corker * Spectator *
Ghosh turns the ship into something robustly, bawdily and indelibly real . . . a plot of Dickensian intricacy * New York Times *
'A master of fiction' * Economist *
'A richly drawn cast of characters ... gilded with expertly-mined historical detail' * Sunday Business Post *
'The fantastic Anglo-Asian language they speak is infectious, and the sombre yet uncertain conclusion leaves one eager for the second novel in the trilogy' * Daily Telegraph *
'A captivating cast ... Ghosh's saga is enriched with a blizzard of Laskari- and Hindi-derived words that add irrepressible energy to the narrative' * Metro *
'Beautifully written, this totally absorbing novel will leave you eagerly awaiting a second instalment' * She Magazine *
'...this first volume in a promise trilogy is a gem.' * Guardian *
ISBN: 9781848544154
Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 22mm
Weight: 248g
320 pages