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

- The Glass Palace explores the interconnectedness of Indian, Burmese, and Malayan histories, reflecting Ghosh's keen interest in colonial and postcolonial themes.
- Amitav Ghosh spent years conducting research across multiple countries to provide an authentic representation of the settings and historical backdrop featured in the novel.
- The book received significant international recognition, including winning the Grand Prize for Fiction at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2001.

**Rajkumar Raja**  
An Indian orphan who moves to Burma and rises from modest beginnings to become a wealthy businessman, embodying themes of ambition and the complexities of colonialism.

**Uma Dey**  
An activist and writer who evolves from the wife of a British bureaucrat to a prominent voice for Indian independence, influencing other characters with her political insights.

**Dolly Sein**  
A former handmaiden to the Burmese royal family, known for her quiet strength and beauty, who navigates personal struggles and relationships throughout her life journey.

Amitav Ghosh

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Before You Read

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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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The Glass Palace Themes

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The Glass Palace Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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The Glass Palace

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