The Hungry Tide

A Novel

Paperback, 352 pages

English language

Published June 7, 2006 by Mariner Books.

ISBN:
978-0-618-71166-6
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Off the easternmost corner of India, in the Bay of Bengal, lies the immense labyrinth of tiny islands known as the Sundarbans, where settlers live in fear of drowning tides and man-eating tigers. Piya Roy, a young American marine biologist of Indian descent, arrives in this lush, treacherous landscape in search of a rare species of river dolphin and enlists the aid of a local fisherman and a translator. Together the three of them launch into the elaborate backwaters, drawn unawares into the powerful political undercurrents of this isolated corner of the world that exact a personal toll as fierce as the tides.

8 editions

Relationships, nature, personal discoveries and dolphins

This book describes the discoveries made by two very different characters as they visit the tide regions of Bengal. The scientist and the translator navigate other new relationships and ways of living as they make deep personal discoveries. There is much rich description of the tide countries, flora and fauna and one can't feel feeling you've take a trip out to sea too. Local politics, religion and traditions are all touched on in a gentle but sometimes stark way. The story line intertwines present time and a historical narrative and the drama continues right to the last few pages. Really enjoyable read, so pleased I picked it up.