The Glass Palace

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh chronicles Rajkumar’s journey from an 11-year-old boy in Mandalay, Burma, in 1885 to a successful businessman, depicting how British imperialism, World War II, and social upheavals impact his family across three generations in Burma, Malaya, and India, weaving their lives with historical events and personal endeavors amidst love, loss, and survival. The story includes depictions of violence, war, and personal loss.

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Amitav Ghosh's The Glass Palace is widely praised for its richly detailed historical backdrop and intricate narrative spanning generations. Critics commend Ghosh's ability to weave personal stories with historical events, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a compelling read for those interested in history and family sagas.

Who Should Read The Glass Palace?

A reader who enjoys The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh is likely captivated by sweeping historical epics, colonial and post-colonial narratives, and intricate character studies. Fans of Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie or The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy will appreciate its rich storytelling and exploration of personal and national histories.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Family

Genre

Historical Fiction

Asian Literature

Indian Literature

Topics

Military / War

History: World

Period

Asian Literature

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