The Opium Clerk by Kunal Basu [in AsianWeek]
Born Hiranyagabha Chakraborti in 1857 during the time of the Indian Mutiny (when Indians rebelled against the ruling British) on the same day of his father’s death, Hiran (as he comes to be called) discovers he has the uncanny ability to read palms. Not quite 20, he begins work at an auction house, quickly becoming involved in the affairs of an evil boss and his opium-addicted wife, which takes him on a dangerous journey from Calcutta to faraway Canton.
Review: “New and Notable Books,” AsianWeek, September 26, 2003
Readers: Adult P
ublished: 2003 (United States)
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