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Critique of Literature | Exploring Fabrications of Colonialism, Climate, and More

A literary career resembles a maestro settling down for a performance in the realm of Hindustani classical music, with the similarities being apparent in the progression of events.

Examination of Literature | Exploring Wild Fictions about Colonialism and Climate Change
Examination of Literature | Exploring Wild Fictions about Colonialism and Climate Change

Critique of Literature | Exploring Fabrications of Colonialism, Climate, and More

Amitav Ghosh, the acclaimed author known for his novels as well as his academic writing, has released a new book titled "Wild Fictions: Essays." Published by Fourth Estate India, the book is a compilation of decades of Ghosh's writing on the subject of "the myth-making of modernity."

The essays in the book cover a wide range of topics, including climate, travel, correspondences, past presentations, and archival research. One of the standout pieces is an eloquent essay on climate change and migration, acting as a companion piece to Ghosh's previous work.

"Wild Fictions" also contains an essay on the dark power of opium on a global scale, titled "Rauch und Asche" ("Smoke and Ashes").

However, the book is an uneven compilation, with some essays repeating each other and others oscillating across ideas with decades in between. Some readers may find it more a tape-cassette remaster than a live album.

Regardless, the book may prove richly rewarding for those interested in Ghosh's process as a novelist. The book may provide insights into his methods and thought processes, offering a unique perspective on his work.

"Wild Fictions" contains a total of 496 pages and is priced at Rs 799. It is available now from Fourth Estate India.

Despite some criticisms, Amitav Ghosh's latest work is a must-read for fans of his novels and those interested in his academic work. The book examines interconnections across nature and the sociopolitical present, offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the world we live in.

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