Great Eastern Hotel

"Great Eastern Hotel" by Ruchir Joshi is an epic novel set in 1941 in Calcutta, as the world descends into war. The book unfolds in the luxurious surroundings of the Great Eastern Hotel, where life is enjoyed to the fullest while the shadows of impending doom loom over the city. Joshi depicts the last days before the tragedy, as the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore passes away and the city plunges into mourning. The story follows four protagonists – a history student, the daughter of a British official, an aspiring painter, and a young pickpocket – whose fates intertwine with the hotel’s guests. Featuring a diverse cast of characters, including an American soldier, a French chef, and a European heiress, the novel offers a profound insight into life in India just before independence. The narrative is rich in detail and conveys a vibrant atmosphere that immerses readers in the bustling city.