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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Adventurous / Bittersweet / Fantastical

Amitav Ghosh

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Glass Palace and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Glass Palace Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

The Glass Palace Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Parts 1-2

Parts 1-2, Chapters 4-6

The Glass Palace Parts 1-2, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 7-9

The Glass Palace Part 2, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-12

The Glass Palace Part 2, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Parts 2-3

Parts 2-3, Chapters 13-15

The Glass Palace Parts 2-3, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 16-18

The Glass Palace Part 3, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Parts 3-4

Parts 3-4, Chapters 19-21

The Glass Palace Parts 3-4, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 Part 4, Chapters 22-24

The Glass Palace Part 4, Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 25-27

The Glass Palace Part 5, Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 28-30

The Glass Palace Part 5, Chapters 28-30 Summary & Analysis

Parts 5-6

Parts 5-6, Chapters 31-33

The Glass Palace Parts 5-6, Chapters 31-33 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapters 34-36

The Glass Palace Part 6, Chapters 34-36 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapters 37-39

The Glass Palace Part 6, Chapters 37-39 Summary & Analysis

Part 7, Chapters 40-48

The Glass Palace Part 7, Chapters 40-48 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Glass Palace Character Analysis

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Themes

The Glass Palace Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Glass Palace Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Glass Palace Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Glass Palace Essay Topics

The Glass Palace

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Glass Palace?

Reading Age

Book Details