This follows the story lines from the previous two books. Kesri Singh, Deeti’s brother, is serving in a unit led by Deeti’s dead husband’s uncle. Because Deeti eloped with Kalua, Kesri is ostracized and nearly booted from the unit. But along his commanding officer, he sets up a new company to travel to Canton.
Zachary Reid has been cleared of all charges related to the events on Ibis in the first book. But he has to start at the bottom, as a carpenter restoring Raja Neel’s ship. He starts a very colourful affair with Mrs. Burnham while working on the ship. At her encouragement, her husband also brings Reid into the opium trade.
Against the wishes of her family, Shireen Modi decides to go to Canton and reclaim the share due to her husband because of the destruction of his consignment by the Chinese authorities. She also wishes to find her husband’s son by the Chinese boat-woman. She connects with her husband’s close friend, the Armenian merchant Karabidian to help her in her journey.
With the help of Baboo Nob Kissin, Raja Neel’s young son also makes his way to Canton, initially as Zachary’s page boy, and later, working with the British colonial armed forces.
The magnificent saga concludes with this installment, and the beautiful tribute to the English language in all its myriad variations and derivatives through the breadth of the British Empire is explored to the fullest. Absolutely riveting and gripping, the tale concludes as all the key characters come together one last time, with the Ibis.
Absolutely gorgeous and magnificent reading.