The Shadow Lines
A Journey Through Memory and Identity Across Generations
Format:Paperback
Publisher:John Murray Press
Published:6th Jan '11
Should be back in stock very soon
A boy's life in Calcutta intertwines with family secrets and historical events, leading to revelations in The Shadow Lines that change everything.
In The Shadow Lines, a young boy navigates the complexities of life in suburban Calcutta during the 1960s. Through his eyes, we meet a vibrant cast of characters, including an enchanting older cousin and a grandmother whose tales bridge the past and present. This rich tapestry of relationships reveals how interconnected lives can shape one's understanding of the world. The boy's innocent perspective offers a unique lens through which the reader can explore the nuances of family, culture, and memory.
However, the tranquility of his childhood is shattered by a sudden act of violence that forces him to confront the harsh realities of life. As he begins to piece together fragmented events, he uncovers hidden truths that challenge his perception of safety and belonging. The narrative takes the reader on a journey through Calcutta and London, reflecting on the impact of historical events, such as the Second World War, on personal identities and familial bonds.
Ultimately, The Shadow Lines is a poignant exploration of how our pasts shape our present and future. It delves into themes of memory, loss, and the intricate connections that bind us across time and space. Through lyrical prose and compelling storytelling, the author crafts a haunting tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Stunning . . . amusing, sad, wise * New York Times Book Review *
Ghosh has found his own distinctive voice - polished and profound . . . A compelling novel, wistful in its tone, assured in its achieved vision * Times Literary Supplement *
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: 9781848544178
Dimensions: 197mm x 143mm x 20mm
Weight: 232g
320 pages