This is what happens when an accomplished novelist is also a brilliant historian as well as a noted columnist; essays mixing all these different elements to present us with a nuanced view of South East Asia.
The namesake of the book titled ‘Dancing in Cambodia’ takes up to the tiny Buddhist nation of Cambodia; neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam but still preferring to look west. The interesting and common factor between the erstwhile Royal family and revolutionaries- their love for France. Whereas Royal Family is enthralled by the cultural and linguistic aspects of French; the revolutionaries are more focused on the Communist views. Amitav Ghosh gives us different points of views of Cambodia – from the erstwhile Royal family, commoners and ex-revolutionaries. The underlying issue of losing the arts, history and traditions while seeking independence from France but then being pushed under the thumb of Pol Pot regime. Even though, the past and present are so complex to address in a single article; Ghosh shines through.
The subsequent essay is also about Cambodia but more focused on the tourist attractions of the famous Angkor complex and other such heritage sites.
On a personal note, I found his essay on Burma to be more nuanced and interesting; perhaps, it’s to do with us being neighbors. Still, that Myanmar/ Burma Indians knew and the current conditions under the continuous ruling of military, essentially makes it two different countries. The continuing of Gorilla warfares, parallel economy along the Thailand border and the role of a Noble Laureate among all this chaos. Ghosh presents such an humane but objective views of this saga.
The last two essays are real life experiences of coming face to face with two of the important events in modern history – one natural and other not. Even though the nature, case and aftermath of these tragedies are vastly different; what ties them together are human endurance. Here we see the nuanced views of an author who can make such history presentable. Just the facts, people and the consequences of those facts on those people; that’s it.
After being an ardent fan of Amitav Ghosh for very long time, mainly for his fictional worlds; here, discovering his non-fictional writing was such a welcome addition. Recommended for those who love history or want to a bit of modern history of South East Asia or simply you are a fan of Mr. Amitav Ghosh.