‘The Glass Palace’ : An Interweaving Tale of History and Fiction
To use the past to justify the present is bad enough—but it's just as bad to use the present to justify the past. Introduction : Amitav Ghosh’s ‘The Glass Palace’ is a monumental work of historical fiction that spans over a century, traversing the complex and tumultuous landscapes of Burma, India, and Malaysia. Published in 2000, the novel is not merely a historical chronicle but a profound exploration of the human condition under the pressures of colonialism, war, and displacement. Ghosh, known for his richly textured narratives and deep historical insights, creates in ‘The Glass Palace’ a tapestry where personal lives and historical events are inextricably intertwined. This review critically examines the novel’s exploration of colonialism, identity, and displacement, while also analyzing Ghosh’s narrative techniques and his ability to blend fact with fiction. ‘The Glass Palace’ is not only a reflection on the past but also a commentary on the present, inviting readers to con