80 pages • 2 hours read
The Calcutta Chromosome
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Calcutta, India • 1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Calcutta Chromosome, Antar, in a future New York, finds an old ID card that leads him to investigate Murugan's disappearance in 1995 Calcutta. The narrative shifts between timelines, uniting characters like Murugan, Urmila, Sonali, Ronald Ross, Phulboni, and the enigmatic Mangala and Laakhan, revealing an experiment blending science and mysticism aimed at achieving immortality.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
6,792 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A captivating blend of historical fiction and speculative narrative, Amitav Ghosh's The Calcutta Chromosome intertwines science, mysticism, and post-colonial themes. Praised for its intricate plot and rich detail, some readers find its complexity challenging. The novel excels in atmosphere and imagination but occasionally confuses with its ambiguous resolution.
Who Should Read The Calcutta Chromosome?
A reader who enjoys eclectic narrative styles and intertwining historical and scientific mysteries akin to Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose or Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code would relish Amitav Ghosh’s The Calcutta Chromosome. This book appeals to those who appreciate speculative fiction mixed with deep cultural insights.
6,792 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Calcutta, India • 1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
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