J.G. Farrell – The Siege of Krishnapur

The Siege of Krishnapur is a novel by J. G. Farrell, first published in 1973. Inspired by events that purportedly took place before the mutiny of 1857 such as the sieges of Cawnpore and Lucknow, the book details the siege of a fictional Indian town, Krishnapur, during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Wikipedia

Originally published: 1973

Author: J. G. Farrell

Genres: Novel, Historical Fiction, War story

Followed by: The Singapore Grip

Ah, you're referring to The Siege of Krishnapur, a novel by J.G. Farrell. It's the second book in his Empire Trilogy, which examines the decline of the British Empire through the lens of historical fiction.

The Siege of Krishnapur is set in 1857 during the Indian Rebellion (also known as the Indian Mutiny), focusing on a British garrison in the fictional town of Krishnapur. The story revolves around the siege of the town by Indian rebels and the disintegration of the British colonial system in India.

The novel explores themes such as British colonialism, the clash of cultures, and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. Farrell's writing is known for its wit, its deep philosophical insights, and its critical stance on British imperialism. The Siege of Krishnapur won the Booker Prize in 1973, and it’s often praised for its rich historical detail and the complex, multifaceted characters.

Is there a specific aspect of the book or its themes you're interested in discussing?