Between The Covers : Conversations with Writers in Fiction, Nonfiction & Poetry cover image

Between The Covers : Conversations with Writers in Fiction, Nonfiction & Poetry

Amitav Ghosh : Smoke and Ashes

Jun 1, 2024
Join acclaimed writer Amitav Ghosh as he discusses the opium trade, colonial legacies, and the rise of realism in fiction. Explore themes of plant intelligence, climate change, and the intertwining history of opium trade and resource exploitation. Discover the parallels between historical events and modern challenges, and the role of writers in addressing urgent environmental issues.
01:34:23

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The opium trade reflects colonial legacies, plant intelligence, and climate change strategies.
  • Realist literary novels are shaped by forces similar to opium and fossil fuel addiction.

Deep dives

Unseen Influences: Exploring the Ubiquitous Yet Unseen Chinese Presence

The podcast episode delves into the concept of China being both ubiquitous and unseen in various aspects of life, despite its significant influence. It narrates the revelation experienced by the host upon visiting China, realizing the extensive Chinese presence in everyday items and history. This invisibility is attributed to China's impact being outside traditional language and concepts, paralleling the host's family's resettlement linked to the opium economy.

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