Ruchir Joshi’s latest novel, Great Eastern Hotel, is a mesmerising journey through India’s evolving identity, framed by the storied walls of one of Kolkata’s most iconic establishments. Blending history, politics, and personal narratives, Joshi crafts a vivid tapestry of a nation in flux.
A Microcosm of Change
The Great Eastern Hotel, a colonial-era relic in the heart of Kolkata, serves as the perfect backdrop for Joshi’s exploration of India’s post-independence struggles and triumphs. Through a cast of richly drawn characters—from freedom fighters to corporate tycoons—the novel captures the contradictions and complexities of a society navigating modernity while clinging to tradition.
Joshi’s Narrative Mastery
Joshi’s prose is both lyrical and incisive, weaving together multiple timelines with effortless precision. His ability to balance intimate character studies with grand historical sweeps makes Great Eastern Hotel a standout in contemporary Indian literature.
Why This Book Matters
More than just a novel, Great Eastern Hotel is a meditation on memory, identity, and the relentless march of progress. Joshi doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of India’s past, but his storytelling remains infused with hope and humanity.
For readers seeking a profound, panoramic view of India’s journey, this book is an essential read.
