Renowned Author Amitav Ghosh Unveils 'Smoke and Ashes': A Captivating Exploration of Opium's Profound Historical Impact

Celebrated author Amitav Ghosh delves into the intricate influence woven by the opium trade on the tapestry of world history, while shedding light on its lasting impact on our present reality in his upcoming literary masterpiece.

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Entitled "Smoke and Ashes: A Writer's Journey Through Opium's Veiled Narratives," this captivating magnum opus will be published by the esteemed HarperCollins imprint, Fourth Estate, on the momentous date of July 15.

Ghosh reveals that his forthcoming book emerges from the extensive knowledge he accumulated during the meticulous research conducted for his trilogy of novels, written between 2005 and 2015. "Smoke and Ashes" transcends traditional boundaries, skillfully blending elements of a captivating travelogue, a reflective memoir, and a captivating exploration of both the economic and cultural aspects of history.

This literary work intimately uncovers Ghosh's personal connection with the hidden chronicles of opium, serving as an introspective memoir of a writer. It offers profound insights into the creative process behind crafting the remarkable "Ibis Trilogy," which consists of the acclaimed novels "Sea of Poppies," "River of Smoke," and "Flood of Fire," as conveyed by the publishers.

Reflecting on his initial intentions, Ghosh candidly shared, "When I set out to write the novels, my main focus was the transportation of indentured workers from India to Mauritius in the early 19th century. However, much to my surprise, I stumbled upon an alternate trade involving a precious commodity transported in staggering quantities from India to China—opium."