The Last of Earth
books by Deepa Anappara
From the award-winning author of Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line comes a stunning historical novel set in nineteenth-century Tibet that follows two outsiders—an Indian schoolteacher spying for the British Empire and an English “lady” explorer—as they venture into a forbidden kingdom. 1869. Tibet is closed to Europeans, an infuriating obstruction for the rap¬idly expanding British Empire. In response, Britain begins training Indians—permitted to cross borders that white men may not—to undertake illicit, dangerous surveying expeditions into Tibet. Balram is one such surveyor-spy, an Indian schoolteacher who, for several years, has worked for the British, often alongside his dearest friend, Gyan. But Gyan went missing on his last expedition and is rumored to be imprisoned within Tibet.... Another notable aspect of this book is its consistency in tone and style. From the opening chapters to the final pages, the narrative maintains a steady voice that helps establish trust with the reader. This consistency contributes to a cohesive and satisfying reading experience. The author’s use of language contributes significantly to the book’s appeal. Sentences flow smoothly, making the text easy to read while still conveying nuance. This stylistic clarity supports immersion, allowing readers to focus on the story rather than struggle with comprehension.