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57 pages 1 hour read

Gun Island

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Amitav Ghosh

Gun Island

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

313

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Bengal, India • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Gun Island by Amitav Ghosh follows Deen Dutta, a rare books dealer of Bangladeshi descent living in New York, as he embarks on a journey inspired by a Bengali folk legend involving the Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi. His travels connect him with a diverse cast and different cultures, exploring themes of human-nature conflict and the politics of movement. This narrative intertwines past and present through storytelling and historical events.

Mysterious

Informative

Adventurous

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.9

7,374 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Amitav Ghosh's Gun Island is lauded for its lush prose and timely exploration of climate change and migration, though some critics find its plot convoluted and character development lacking. The novel's blend of myth and reality is praised for its originality, but pacing issues detract from the overall impact. Suitable for readers interested in ecological and cultural themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Gun Island?

Readers who enjoy Gun Island by Amitav Ghosh are typically interested in richly layered narratives that explore themes of migration, climate change, and folklore. Fans of Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things and Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior will appreciate Ghosh’s intricate storytelling and environmental consciousness.

3.9

7,374 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Dinanath “Deen” Dutta

An Indian rare books dealer originally from Kolkata, who narrates the story and lives in Brooklyn. His life intertwines with a legend that impacts his relationships and adventures throughout the novel.

An Italian historian and friend of Deen, whose expertise and curiosity about legends help steer the course of events. She provides intellectual and emotional support for Deen's journey.

A young Indian boy connected to Deen through past events, who migrates to Venice. His journey reflects themes of migration and identity, and he is closely linked to the story's legend.

A Muslim boy and companion to Tipu, who shares his experiences of migration and adventures. He plays a crucial role in the unfolding events, paralleling certain mythic elements within the story.

An Indian American marine biologist with ties to Deen and other characters, noted for her scientific approach and interest in dolphin research. Her relationship with Deen develops over the course of the narrative.

Book Details
Pages

313

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Bengal, India • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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