Dear Mr Ghosh,
My name is David, I am a middle-aged Englishman, and an avid reader.
I recently, for the first time, bought a couple of your books.
I started reading The Glass Palace a couple of weeks ago (I only ever have time for a good read at the weekends) and was fascinated by the story.
I certainly learnt a lot of the history of the Indian/Burmese/Malay region and from a new perspective.
So on Saturday now I was reading the final chapters, those dealing with the post-war history of Burma, the movement of General Aung San, and the military dictatorship.
At the same time the news media was full of the news of the elections and of Aung San Suu Kyi.
I almost felt that I was racing to read the final pages alongside the election news.
This was really quite an emotional experience, and to be honest I had quite a lump in my throat at the end.
Let’s hope that this first step will eventually lead to a new and free Burma.
It won’t be easy and expectations will be colossal, especially for Aung San Suu Kyi.
Fingers crossed for Burma.
I don’t know why, but I felt that I had to share this with you.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful and engaging novel.
And now I’m looking forward to reading The Sea of Poppies.
Best wishes,
David Hammond