The Hungry Tide. Amitav Ghosh.
A very well researched book. Although the setting of the novel is in Lusibari and Garjontola, both fictitious places - the very depiction of tide country (Sundarban, WB) and details pertaining to the environment, the description of people living in the area and the constant fear they are subject to (primarily arising both from crocodiles and tigers) makes one realize that the author has spent a substantial part of his life studying and familiarizing himself with the area.
A mesmerizing paragraph from the novel:
"Then the noise of the storm deepened and another roar made itself heard over the rumbling din of the gale, a noise like that of a cascading waterfall. Stealing a glance through her fingers, Piya glimpsed at something that looked like a wall, hurtling toward them from downriver. It was as if a city block had suddenly begun to move: the river was like pavement lying at its feet, while its crest reared high above, dwarfing the tallest trees. It was a tidal wave sweeping in from the sea; everything in its path disappeared as it came thundering toward them. Piya's mind went blank as disbelief yeilded to recognition. Up to this time there had been no time for terror, no time to absorb the reality of the storm and to think about anything other than staying alive.But now it was if death had announced its approach and there was nothing to do but to wait for its arrival."
Yet another surprising fact is the issue of refugee rehabilitation and the research that went into it including references to articles found in Journal of Asian Studies, theses and unpublished manuscripts validating the historical treatment of the subject. Dolphins have also been studied in some detail and the author's note at the end of the book confirms his communication with world renowned cetologist Professor Helene Marsh of James Cook University.
The references to the writing of Rainer Maria Rilke are well worth yet another investigation -- particularly, for those like me, with little or no exposure to lyricism in German literature.
A very well researched book. Although the setting of the novel is in Lusibari and Garjontola, both fictitious places - the very depiction of tide country (Sundarban, WB) and details pertaining to the environment, the description of people living in the area and the constant fear they are subject to (primarily arising both from crocodiles and tigers) makes one realize that the author has spent a substantial part of his life studying and familiarizing himself with the area.
A mesmerizing paragraph from the novel:
"Then the noise of the storm deepened and another roar made itself heard over the rumbling din of the gale, a noise like that of a cascading waterfall. Stealing a glance through her fingers, Piya glimpsed at something that looked like a wall, hurtling toward them from downriver. It was as if a city block had suddenly begun to move: the river was like pavement lying at its feet, while its crest reared high above, dwarfing the tallest trees. It was a tidal wave sweeping in from the sea; everything in its path disappeared as it came thundering toward them. Piya's mind went blank as disbelief yeilded to recognition. Up to this time there had been no time for terror, no time to absorb the reality of the storm and to think about anything other than staying alive.But now it was if death had announced its approach and there was nothing to do but to wait for its arrival."
Yet another surprising fact is the issue of refugee rehabilitation and the research that went into it including references to articles found in Journal of Asian Studies, theses and unpublished manuscripts validating the historical treatment of the subject. Dolphins have also been studied in some detail and the author's note at the end of the book confirms his communication with world renowned cetologist Professor Helene Marsh of James Cook University.
The references to the writing of Rainer Maria Rilke are well worth yet another investigation -- particularly, for those like me, with little or no exposure to lyricism in German literature.
