Jadu is twelve when his parents are burnt to death in front of his eyes, innocent bystanders in the struggle for power between the East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal. By a quirk of fate, he is drawn into the whirlwind of events that follow, till at last he stands face to face with the architect of his misfortune—Job Charnock himself.
Set in the later part of Aurangzeb’s reign, this work of historical fiction charts the turbulent history of an insignificant hutment that becomes one man’s unyielding obsession. It sets the stage for its subsequent metamorphosis from a humble trading post into a bustling city.
A poignant tale of the common folk, both homegrown and foreign, who watch unheeded while destinies are shaped by whims. Interwoven with verifiable historical events and many notable characters from history, it is above all the story of one innocent boy who navigates the maelstrom into which he is flung and emerges victorious and hopeful.
Behind-the-book
A long-awaited novel about the prenatal days of the British Raj. Good pace, well researched, eminently readable. Strongly recommended to fans of good historial fiction or indeed for any one who wishes for a good time-pass read.
-- Raja Menon
I picked up this book at a book store because it's cover caught my eye, reminding of Pirates of the Caribbean, a favorite mine. Job Charnock and the Potter’s Boy is a fascinating blend of history and fiction that brings alive a rather forgotten slice of Bengal’s past. The book situates us in the 17th century, during the early days of the British East India Company, and weaves together documented history with the author’s imaginative storytelling.....
....Overall, this book is both an entertaining read and a thoughtful reminder that history is not a fixed script—it’s a tapestry of voices, silences, and interpretations. For readers interested in colonial Bengal, or anyone who enjoys historical fiction that respects research without losing warmth, this book is a rewarding pick.
-- C. Singh
Writing about Job Charnock and the Potter’s Boy feels like revisiting the roots of a familiar landscape, especially when the book is so close to home. I’ve seen this book from its launch, and it’s hard not to feel a deep connection with a story that intertwines with the history of Kolkata and its lesser-known players.....
-- Deotima Sarkar