River of Smoke transports readers to September 1838, when a sudden storm on the Indian Ocean traps three ships—the Ibis, the Anahita, and the Redruth—and sweeps you toward the bustling harbor of Canton, China. This sweeping historical novel, the second book in Amitav Ghosh's Ibis trilogy, blends maritime adventure with a vivid portrait of cross-cultural exchange. It is a generous, immersive read for fans of historical fiction who crave a grand, emotional journey that centers on loss, ambition, and the search for freedom.
Written in a panoramic, multi-voiced style, River of Smoke follows a diverse cast—sailors, merchants, clerks, and families—each navigating the storm’s aftermath and the lure of Canton as they seek new identities in a foreign land. Though part of the Ibis trilogy, this novel stands on its own, offering a complete, powerful arc of its own as characters confront pasts and forge futures amid trade winds and cultural upheaval.
River of Smoke follows a group of lives intertwined by sea routes and markets, its pages moving with a cinematic pace as shipboard routines, bustling docks, and intimate reckonings come to life. Thematically, the book explores loss, ambition, and the quest for freedom within a world of cross-cultural encounter and change, presenting a rich tapestry of people navigating tradition and transformation.
- A sweeping historical fiction set in 1838 across the Indian Ocean and Canton, anchored by a storm-struck voyage
- Interwoven perspectives from sailors, traders, and families who shape Canton’s harbor and beyond
- Rich, atmospheric prose that renders sea spray, urban bustle, and intimate moments with clarity
- Exploration of enduring themes—loss, ambition, identity, freedom, and cultural exchange—without sacrificing emotional immediacy
- Standalone in spirit yet connected to the Ibis trilogy, ideal for new readers and longtime fans alike
After finishing River of Smoke, readers gain a deeper sense of 19th‑century trade and migration, and a lasting appreciation for those who build new lives across oceans. The book leaves you contemplating identity and belonging, while inspiring curiosity about history’s wider currents and the people who navigate them.
