Gun Island: A spellbinding, globe-trotting novel by the bestselling author of the Ibis trilogy

Gun Island is a novel by Deen Datta that follows the journey of a dealer of rare books, Deen, from India to Los Angeles and Venice. It is a story of displacement, transition, and hope, and is told through the memories and experiences of those he meets along the way.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: John Murray Press

Gun Island is a novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, cultural identity, and the search for meaning in life. It is the story of Deen Datta, a dealer of rare books who is used to a quiet life spent indoors. However, as his once-solid beliefs begin to shift, he is forced to set out on an extraordinary journey that takes him from India to Los Angeles and Venice via a tangled route through the memories and experiences of those he meets along the way.

The characters in the novel are diverse and well-developed, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. Piya, a fellow Bengali-American, sets the journey in motion and provides Deen with a sense of purpose and direction. Tipu, an entrepreneurial young man, opens Deen's eyes to the realities of growing up in today's world and encourages him to embrace change and opportunity. Rafi, a desperate man who attempts to help someone in need, adds depth and complexity to the story. Cinta, an old friend who provides the missing link in the story they are all a part of, adds a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the narrative.

The journey that Deen takes is one that will upend everything he thought he knew about himself, about the Bengali legends of his childhood, and about the world around him. He encounters a range of people and experiences that challenge his beliefs and worldview, forcing him to confront his own prejudices and assumptions. Through his journey, Deen learns to appreciate the beauty of diversity and the importance of empathy and compassion.

Gun Island is a beautifully realised novel that effortlessly spans space and time. It is the story of a world on the brink, of increasing displacement and unstoppable transition. But it is also a story of hope, of a man whose faith in the world and the future is restored by two remarkable women.

One of the remarkable women that Deen meets is Piya, a fellow Bengali-American who has a deep connection to her cultural heritage and traditions. Piya introduces Deen to the Bengali legends of his childhood, which provide him with a sense of identity and belonging. She also encourages him to embrace the beauty of the natural world and to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things.

Another remarkable woman that Deen meets is Cinta, an old friend who has a profound understanding of the human condition and the complexities of relationships. Cinta provides Deen with the missing link in the story, helping him to understand the significance.

Gun Island is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, cultural identity, and the search for meaning in life. It is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, and it is a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire and transform.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473686687