I really enjoyed the story of Tony (we never learn his birth name), an Indian boy in the 17th century who travels from his home on the Coromandel Coast to London and then to Virginia as an indentured servant. The writing is atmospheric and authentic, there’s adventure and humour but also some deeper reflections on identity and some nice literary references.
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Copy from NetGalley

The blurb of this book describes it as a “Dickensian-style yarn”, and that is true in a number of ways – and in all the best ways! I like to think of this sort of book as a ‘fictional biography’, following one characters life and the things they experience. Through Tony’s eyes we got to experience life in 17th Century Virginia, and the hardships (and sometimes joys) that could be found there. There is a heavy dollop of social commentary too (furthering the Dickens comparison), which could feel preachy but is in fact poignant, moving, and angering.

The prose is so beautifully written that it’s impossible not to get swept up into the story. Tony’s life takes so many turns and corners, some much darker than others, and you can’t help but feel those emotional highs and lows alongside him.

It’s also a great insight into the world in that period. Many of our modern ideas about race date back to this time, and I think we can all benefit from thinking and learning about how these ideas came into being – and how they’ve affected communities of colour since. It’s a side of American history that is often erased, and this book very deliberately widens our view.

This was a very powerful read, and one that I hope will become a modern classic.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

An interesting historical novel portraying life in early colonial America for a young indentured servant brought to Virginia from India via England.

"The East Indian" by Brinda Charry is a vivid and engrossing novel that immerses readers in the rich tapestry of Indian culture. Charry's storytelling is evocative, creating a deep sense of place and a genuine connection with her characters. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes a compelling exploration of identity, tradition, and the complex interplay of family dynamics. A beautifully crafted and culturally rich read.

This is an engaging and powerful historical fiction story that follows Tony, the first East Indian to travel to America, from his boyhood into adult life.
I think the highlight of this book for me was Brinda Charry’s writing style - her prose is beautiful, her descriptions vivid and emotive. I would definitely be interested in more fiction from her.
The only thing about this book is that the story can be very slow at times - I typically read fantasy so maybe it’s just that I’m used to slightly faster paced plots, but I just found this to drag in places.
Overall though it’s a poignant tale, and the author’s writing shone. You can tell it’s also thoroughly researched, as the historical details really made it feel real.

An interesting novel for sure. Based on actual historical records The East Indian tells the story of Tony, an orphaned boy who is persuaded to go to England from where he finds himself shanghaied and on a longer voyage to a nascent America.

Tony's "adventures" reminded me a bit of Thomas Berger's "Little Big Man" in that he continually found himself in new surroundings with a new purpose due wholly to circumstances beyond his control.

Tony manages to carve a life for himself over the years and his story is horrifying at times but hopeful at others. Despite his determination to succeed there is always an underlying feeling of discrimination - Tony being the only East Indian he is looked upon with suspicion by both whites and Blacks.

This book is easy to read. It is interesting from a historical point of view. It didn't set my world alight but it was a good read that I would recommend for fans of historical fiction.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.