M.J. Carter’s dazzling novel set in 1837 Calcutta, when India was under the sway of the East India Company, follows the structure of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. It’s the story of William Avery, a young, innocent, and supremely arrogant young officer in the “Company.” He’s tasked to find and bring back to base one rogue agent, Jeremiah Blake. Once located, the dirty, disheveled, and rude Blake refuses to meet with Avery’s commander, claiming he’s through serving the crown, and Avery feels sure his career is doomed. Blake relents, however, and he and Avery are taken to a secret meeting in the “political” department and asked to find Xavier Mountstuart, a writer who has disappeared and left Calcutta buzzing about his scandalous work. Mountstuart had written a great deal about the Thugee culture, and the higher-ups in the Company are eager to hear what he knows. Some think he is a genius (Avery included); some think he is insane.
Together, the reluctant partners are to make an 800-mile trek through India to find Mountstuart as part of a very small group of just four men. Avery’s arrogant reluctance to learn anything about the culture he’s now immersed in causes him a great deal of trouble. He speaks none of the native languages, so understands little of what his traveling companions are discussing. Avery at least makes himself invaluable as an excellent shot, a very useful skill on the road.
As with any great quest, the journey is broken up by incidents and escalating danger and intrigue along the way, as the intimacy of travel brings Avery and Blake together in an uneasy truce, and eventual friendship. Avery’s provincial attitude plays against Blake’s embrace of India’s language and culture, as well as the agent’s refusal to play along politically. The contrast between the two men strengthens the story, as does their growing companionship.
This is a wonderfully told tale with a gorgeous backdrop, rich characters, and a look into 1837 India that will make readers feel they’ve really been there. A terrific read all around.
