Amitav Ghosh's book Smoke and Ashes, about the opium trade brought to the Indian sub-continent and China by the British government, is an integral part of history and details how the British were able to wield power over other countries by making them weak. Opium use was a huge downfall of China and brought about the resulting communism.

Ghosh has done extensive research for the writing of this book and the story is fascinating.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.

So this one was a bit out of my normal genre, but I was intrigued by the topic, so l gave Smoke and Ashes a listen. For me, it dragged at certain points, but then there were other parts where I was super intrigued and wanted to know more! A lot of it was very eye opening, and I would definitely recommend if this is a topic that is up your alley. I probably won't be revisiting it though.
Thank you to @netgalley for a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC

4.5/5

I gotta say I found this book fascinating! You can tell there's substantial research behind it. Ghosh shows how opium changed the course of global history and how it affected economies, societies, and cultures. The book argues convincingly about opium's huge impact on today's world. I loved the reflections on greed, capitalism, and how history repeats itself

The narrator makes it easier to understand and follow. Great job keeping things interesting and moving along! I had a few issues getting into it at the beginning, but may be a personal issue because I'm mostly a fiction reader. But the audiobook was compelling enough to get me interested and even search for more books by the same author.

Totally recommended!

An exceptionally thorough piece of research, and the deep enthusiasm the author has for the subject really comes through and has a significant impact on the reader’s interest in a book that has some moments that are riveting and some that are tough to engage with.

In the interest of transparency, I have no interest in nonfiction covering the present opioid epidemic, and tried this book primarily for the more historical aspects, primarily those dealing with the impact of colonialism on the opium trade. Ghosh does an admirable job of balancing that information with information on its modern day consequences, and while I was more interested in the former than the latter, the structure is there for both.

Because this is a long book and not completely enthralling at every turn, audio format feels like a good way to go if you’re able. The narrator does a wonderful job of pacing and of keeping the listener engaged.

This was a powerful and expertly researched book about a subject I knew next-to-nothing about [and now want to read every book I can find on the subject as well as reading every book this author, who is an exceptional writer, has ever written]. If you know nothing about poppies and Opium, it's best to go into this book blind as then you will learn from page one and what a teaching it will be. So well done.

The narrator for this book was really good and really added to the story and I will be looking for other books he narrates to listen to. He does an excellent job of telling this difficult story and all that it involves and I highly recommend listening to this story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amitav Ghosh, Ranjit Madgavkar - Narrator, and RB Media for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I had not anticipated learning deep world history in the context of the opium trade. Amitav Ghosh seems to provide “Smoke and Ashes” as a non-fiction pairing to his fictional Ibis Trilogy (that I have not yet read), enlightening us in the decades of research he invested in to write his stories.

"Smoke and Ashes" pulls apart the complex history of the opium trade and its wide-ranging impact on global history, particularly between Britain, India, and China. Ghosh navigates the British Empire's colonial exploitation, revealing how a single commodity—opium—reshaped the economic, social, and cultural landscapes of empires and individuals alike. Through personal anecdotes, historical depth, and cultural insight, the book presents a compelling case for the profound, often devastating influence of opium on the modern world. Ghosh's investigation not only educates but also provokes a deeper reflection on the repeating patterns of greed, capitalism, and the complexities of historical accountability.

The narration was very well done and helped clear the denser parts of the book, I highly recommend it.

“Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories” – Amitav Ghosh (narrated by Ranjit Mdgavkar)

My thanks to @rbmedia and @netgalley for my copy of this audiobook

Amitav Ghosh is most familiar to me, and I imagine many others, for his Ibis trilogy of books, focused on the opium trade and the various ways that said trade boosted 19th century imperialism and colonialism. In the course of his research into these books, however, Ghosh discovered that his family history had connections to this very trade, leading him to write this book, in parts memoir, history essay and travelogue.

Ghosh is obviously a fantastic writer, and I was swept along through the narratives told here whilst learning a lot. For instance, I was unaware just how dependent the British Empire’s coffers were on my island’s obsession for tea - 40% of ALL tax revenue came from tea tariffs at one point, and most tea came from China, a nation singularly uninterested in British wares. Until, that is, the opium option was offered to Chinese merchants.

What I was also unaware of was how deeply the trade affected India, and how huge swathes of India were converted by Britain into, effectively, a narco-state. Areas around modern-day Bihar and Mumbai were handed over to the Opium department of the East India Company, leading to grimly oppressive rules on production and local farmers. It makes for grim reading, especially when you learn that these farms and manufacturing plants still exist in India today, creating the opioids that have ravished America in the last few decades.

I can’t praise this book enough for its powerful prose, emotional insight and clarity of information. Although I got this audiobook for free, I’m probably going to go out and buy the paper copy – that’s how enamoured I was. Highly, highly recommended.

First of all praise for the narrator, I loved the narration by Ranjit Mdgavkar. At times , it felt like he himself was enjoying reading smoke and ashes and that's the first time I experienced that which felt exhilarating. I have listened to many audiobooks and this stands out because of this.

Although not my favorite non fiction, this is very well researched book about opium trade history which has influenced East India company and india and china trade and the country people along the way. Ghosh's efforts are evident throughout and one has to stop and admire it. I did too that's why it took me so long to finish this book which I would have finished quite fast if not for the contents that make you think and the narration that I immensely enjoyed.

It is a perfect read for those who are interested in history and how opium trade evolved over the years. Ghosh also tells us about the tea trade, how British established it in India and I was surprised to know that tea history does not go back too long.

Smoke and Ashes can be considered as a travelogue, a memoir and an excursion into the history, both economic and cultural. In the book, Ghosh traces the transformative effect the opium trade had on Britain, India and China, as well as on the world at large.

Thank you Netgalley and RB media for the amazing audiobook in exchange of an honest review.

Audiobook : 4.5 stars
Book : 4 stars

4.5 stars
I haven’t read the author’s other books but was intrigued by the topic. The current opioid epidemic in the US is just the latest iteration in history of the poppy. It was fascinating to explore all of the machinations and moving pieces fueled by opium. The British colonial interconnections from the tea trade with China and how that had a direct impact on the introduction of opium to China, to the role of the subcontinent in the Opium Wars and other issues of British imperialism was so well researched and presented. It did get bogged down a bit in the middle with all of the tentacle issues to explore (Canton) but it all came back together as we moved forward in time. The concept of a plant not only having a history but also playing an active role in the course of human history as a whole for centuries was 🤯. I’m glad the author decided to return and complete this project. Definitely a must read/listen!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really liked it, stuck with me & would recommend

When Amitav Ghosh began the research for his monumental cycle of novels the Ibis trilogy ten years ago, he was startled to learn how the lives of the nineteenth-century sailors and soldiers he wrote about were dictated not only by the currents of the Indian Ocean but also by the precious commodity carried in enormous quantities on those currents: opium. Most surprising of all, however, was the discovery that his own identity and family history were swept up in the story.

It's part travelogue, memoir, and an essay in history. I was shocked at the effects opium had on not only Britain, India, and China but also the greater world through colonization and contemporary addiction. It was fascinating and Ghosh artfully connected it all together in an easily understood way. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in history, especially geopolitics of the past and present.

The narrator, Ranjit Mdgavkar, did a fantastic job. I had no trouble understanding what was happening.

Thank you to RB Media, NetGalley, and author Amitav Ghosh for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Smoke and Ashes: Opium's Hidden Histories is out February 13, 2024.

This was a fascinating, accessible and incredibly well written examination of the role of opium in history. I thought the focus on the role of India in this global history and the way in which colonisation led to the wide promotion and production of opium in India was intriguing and thought provoking. I also thought the comparison between this and the insistence of big pharma that Oxycontin was a safe alternative opioid to increase their profits was particularly impactful. Overall this was an excellent and compelling read that I would highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Smoke and Ashes by Amitav Ghosh is a captivating blend of travelogue, memoir, and historical exploration, shedding light on the opium trade's profound impact on global history and contemporary society. Ghosh skillfully unravels the intricate connections between colonialism, capitalism, and the transformative power of one small plant, offering a compelling narrative that illuminates the roots of modern globalism and the looming challenges it faces.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC

3.5/5 ⭐️ I can tell there was a lot of work and research that went into the book but I’m just not sure this book was for me. I do find the topic interesting and international trade even more so, I still found it difficult for me for want to pickup to listen more. The narrator told the history with passion, which I appreciated but I just found myself losing focus. If opium history, like way back when history is what you are seeking, this is your book! Like I said this was well researched, easy to listen to I just think the topic wasn’t for me even though I hoped it was.

Posted to Goodreads already.

Readers fond of non-fiction, historical tales, and the captivating narratives of colonial eras, will enjoy immersing themselves in the enchanting world within these pages. This is more than just a book; it’s a personal odyssey through time.

“Smoke and Ashes: Opium’s Hidden Histories” is a captivating journey through time and history that left me enthralled. It’s an absolute gem that I wholeheartedly recommend diving into!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and RB Media. This review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

As entertaining as the book is, it is insightful to yet another level. The level of research that has gone into the background of this book, is reflected in its filtered content. The book has a powerpack that starts with details on the origins of so many addictive substances that progress into a powerful narration of Opium's history and its formidable yet compulsive trading practices by the Britishers towards the world.

I recommend this book to people who crave information and have the capacity to digest unfiltered and unsweetened truths. Opium has created empires and destroyed cities and how it all came to be, is what the book discusses.

This was surely a mood pick by me to tickle that inner researcher in me craving novelty. The author is famous for delivering bitter pills on this topic and he certainly meets the expectation on this topic. I was a bit sceptical about the ending of the book, but then again I am not too sure how one could possibly wrap up this extensive piece. Overall, a little overwhelming but an insightful experience.

Thank you @netgalley @fsgbooks @amitav_ghosh1 for the Digital ARC.
Genre: #nonfiction #history #multicultureinterest
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️

5 stars.*

I have read Sea of Poppies and The Glass Palace and though I didn't LOVE either, I greatly appreciated the research and depth of knowledge displayed by Amitav Ghosh.

This book was the ideal way for the author to really tell a story. His depth of knowledge and detailed associations lend themselves to this type of anthropological deep-dive.

Narration by Ranjit Madgavkar was wonderful.

Smoke and Ashes dives into the history of Opium, how the Western powers have wielded the natural addictive power of the Opium Poppy to build fortunes, cripple other races and cultures , and ultimately control everything. I knew the British Colonial history of Opium trading and the Opium wars but I was not at all familiar with the parallel history of the American Barons of the 1800s claiming puritanical high ground while making fortunes selling Opium to "bararian countries".

I found this story fascinating. I will definitely be recommending it.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for this honest review.
Expected publication date Feb 13, 2024.

An absolutely fascinating delve into the history of the opium trade in China and India. Which, for me, proves the existence of karma. Britain and other colonial powers used India and China as a great stream of revenue by cultivating opium poppies and creating a monster that they could not get back in the box.

This book doesn't just look back to the opium wars and the beginning of the trade, it follows it through to its logical conclusion of the opioid epidemic in the US and the damage that prescription opioids have caused.

Nobody really comes out of this well but, as it should, the greatest ire is reserved for the British and their "do as I say and not as I do" attitude. The disgust is reserved for those who deserve it ie. those who have profited most from the opium trade.

Amitav Ghosh draws lots of parallels between the monetarisation of the opium trade/big pharma with the fossil fuel crisis and the oil companies. It's chillingly true that profit comes before everything for these companies (going back to the East India Company and forward to the Sacklers). They don't care who gets hurt and what devastation they cause to the planet as long as the money continues to roll in.

This is a damning look at the way the world works and the word opium could easily be replaced by slavery or fossil fuels. It is sad that we seem to be condemned to repeat rather than learn from history. I'd highly recommend this well-researched and well written history.

The narration was excellently done by Ranjit Madgavkar. He has a beautiful voice, which reminded me of the dulcet tones of the late Irrfan Khan.

Thankyou to Netgalley and RB Media for the audio advance review copy.

What a great book this was. I honestly didn’t had any expectation when I got the audiobook arc. But was such a brilliant surprise find this book. Let’s start saying is A well-written book about colonialism and how opium was used as a weapon in the story of humanity. How ghost lead us throughout the story of the opium, the economic cost but the human cost for me was breathtaking and so informative without getting boring. I learned SO many new things and So much things about the treading of opium and the story of it. This book is so well written and I do Belive everyone should give it a chance because is a important matter in our times. Thank you very much to NetGalley, the author and the audiobook narrator because this book was a brilliant read.

Amitav Ghosh artfully spins together the threads of colonialism, diplomacy and trade to weave a tapestry depicting the history of opium. From its roots as an ancient and traditional medicine to the highly addictive recreational drug we know today. Ghosh leads us through a journey of tea leaf cultivation, spice trade, massive revenue boosts, rebellions, war, and Big Pharma. Opium, described by Ghosh as an opportunisitic pathogen, takes on a life of it’s own as it works to bring down societies.

I learned so much from this book about the sheer quantity of change driven by the opium trade before I’d even gotten 20% of the way through. It made me apprehensive to think about what could possibly be in the remaining 80% but I was fascinated and desperate to learn more.

So much extensive research was done by Ghosh for the historical setting of his Ibis Trilogy, a fictional saga set across the Indian Ocean as the First Opium War approaches, that he chose to use this book as a way to bring that research to light. Ghosh has not only done research into the facts regarding the social, economic and natural impacts of the Opium trade, he has also looked into the how the individual perceived the impacts of the Opium. He achieved this through incorporating representations of opium and its impacts being prevalent within the arts; whether that be through poetry, novels, memoirs, photographs, paintings or more. Comparisons between tales written by white individuals, such as Rudyard Kipling, and Indian individuals, including Nobel prize winner Rabindranath Tagore, emphasise the clear difference in individual perceptions about the Opium trade.

As a Brit I often read about the atrocities committed by my country, both past and present, and I went into this expecting it to almost exclusively place blame, not undeserved, on Britain for the expansion of Opium. It was a pleasant and disturbing surprise to learn about the sheer quantity of nations who had an input into this expansion. Yes, Britain has a lot to answer for in aiding Opium on it’s all-consuming path, but the Dutch were apparently the first to use Opium for trade in exchange for nutmeg, Germany developed Heroin as a non-addictive substitute for morphine, the Americans developed Oxycontin in a very similar way, and Afghanistan is currently the biggest producer of illicit opium while Tasmania is the largest producer of licit opium. This is a worldwide issue.

A powerful ending to a poignant read. Ghosh ends the story of Opium with what amounts to a call to action. Should we wish to reduce the spread and impact of Opium around the world, we cannot only place blame and consequences on it’s consumers, we also need to place blame on the producers. Blame may not have much impact in reducing the production of opium while governments continue to benefit from profits, but as with fossil fuels, shame may be the answer. Unless we can make the production of opium a social stigma, rather than just the consumption of opium, then companies will continue to churn out this deadly drug and play to opiums tune.

My only issues with the book are minor and more in relation to the audiobook format in which I read it. The book provides such a sheer influx of information that it’s hard to keep track of what’s happened when listening in this form. I took many notes while listening but this still didn’t help all that much. The chapters in my format (which was an ARC so may be different on publishing) did not have titles and as such I couldn’t place myself or refer back to earlier sections. Locations, dates or themes for each chapter as a title might have helped with my understanding of the history told. I think this may have also been part of the reason as to why my attention dropped a little in the third quarter.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

This book is unique and well worth the listen/read because it contributes such a wealth of information that most people don't know about. While centered around the opium trade, this book also covers the history and culture of the cultures involved. I've studied these areas individually but not in how they relate to each other, and I had never thought of how India and China were tied together.
The narrator does a great job, and I would recommend audio over print because this is the kind of story that is really suited to an audio narrative, with all its details.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this