You know that feeling when you pick up a book, not expecting much, and it completely takes you by surprise? That’s exactly what happened to me with In The Wake Of Small Lies. Historical fiction isn’t always my go-to genre, but this debut by Anindya Ghosh hooked me from the start. Set in early 1900s India, the story blends suspense, history, and a whole lot of moral complexity in a way that feels fresh and engaging.
The story follows James Small, a man running from his dull, privileged life in England, hoping to make it big in India. Let’s just say James isn’t your typical protagonist—he’s sly, greedy, and definitely no stranger to bending (or breaking) the rules. As his lies pile up, so do his problems, and watching him navigate a high-stakes job, a steamy affair, and the looming shadows of his crimes is pure nail-biting fun. The backdrop of pre-independence India adds this rich, immersive layer that really sets it apart from your usual thrillers.
Anindya Ghosh has a way with words that feels almost cinematic. His descriptions made me feel like I was right there—in a bustling colonial-era street or in the middle of James’s tense moments of deceit. The humor sprinkled throughout was a pleasant surprise, breaking the tension just enough to keep things enjoyable without losing the suspense.
James Small is such a fascinating mess of a character. You won’t love him, but you’ll be glued to his every move. He’s one of those morally gray protagonists who makes you question your own boundaries—how far would you go for ambition? And then there’s Delnaz, his boss’s daughter, who brings a whole lot of emotion to the story. Together, they’re dynamite, but also a ticking time bomb.
The plot moves at a steady pace, building suspense without overwhelming you. And let me tell you, the ending? It completely blindsided me—in a good way! It’s one of those rare endings that make you sit back and think about everything you just read.
The book does a great job of digging into greed, ambition, and the consequences of our choices. It’s not just a thriller—it’s a reflection on how far people are willing to go to get what they want, and the cost of losing themselves along the way.
This book made me feel everything. I was amused by the humour, stressed by James’s constant scheming, and genuinely intrigued by the twists and turns. And the historical setting? It felt like I was stepping into a time machine—so vivid and real.
What really stood out for me was the detailed world-building. Ghosh’s research shines through, and it’s such a treat for anyone who loves historical fiction. Add to that a protagonist you can’t ignore and an unpredictable ending, and you’ve got a winner.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say some of the side characters could’ve been fleshed out more. And for readers who prefer fast-paced thrillers, the slower moments might feel like a bit of a drag.
Overall, In The Wake Of Small Lies was a surprising gem of a read. It’s smart, suspenseful, and filled with layers that keep you hooked till the very end. Whether you’re into historical fiction, thrillers, or just love a morally complex story, this one’s worth checking out.
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