Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars

by Protiva Gupta

Ink black seas. A scattering of islands far from the home country. Beautiful beaches, lush forests, strange tribes, a penal colony. And a few years ago, a devastating tsunami. That is usually the sum of knowledge that most people have about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Yet there is so much more that is wondrous and fascinating about these tiny bits of sea-encircled land. Green Islands . . . tells us the many stories of this unique archipelago - its history, its many mysteries, its folklore, and island life in the 1960s – in a captivating travelogue that grabs your attention right from the first page.

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Helen Shaw]

From the opening pages of Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars, Protiva Gupta invites the reader into a realm that feels at once distant and deeply intimate. This is not a book that rushes to impress; instead, it unfolds patiently, allowing the islands to reveal themselves layer by layer. The author’s prose is elegant, contemplative, and rich with sensory detail, transforming ink-black seas, dense forests, and scattered shorelines into living presences. One does not simply read this book, one inhabits it, absorbing its rhythms, silences, and quiet revelations.

What distinguishes this work is its remarkable balance between personal reflection and historical depth. Gupta’s exploration of the islands’ past, particularly the penal colony, colonial influence, and indigenous cultures is handled with a rare sensitivity. She neither romanticizes nor reduces these narratives; instead, she presents them with intellectual clarity and moral awareness. The sections detailing island life in the 1960s are especially compelling, offering readers a textured glimpse into a time shaped by isolation, resilience, and profound community bonds.

Emotionally, the book resonates with restraint and dignity. The author’s treatment of the devastating tsunami is profoundly moving, not because of dramatic language, but because of her focus on human endurance and collective memory. These passages linger long after reading, reminding us of the fragility of landscapes and the quiet strength of those who call them home. There is a deep respect in her voice, an acknowledgment that some stories must be carried gently.

Ultimately, Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a work of quiet brilliance. It is both an education and a meditation, offering readers not just information, but understanding. This book expands one’s worldview, encourages humility, and celebrates the power of attentive storytelling. A truly exceptional contribution to travel and cultural literature.

[Jennifer Sperry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is not merely a travelogue; it is a living, breathing archive of a place most of us think we understand but truly do not. Protiva Gupta dismantles the common clichés associated with the islands, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and isolation and replaces them with a far more textured and human portrait. From the very first chapter, the prose carries a quiet authority, inviting the reader not as a tourist, but as a thoughtful witness to history, culture, and lived experience.

What makes this book exceptional is its narrative intelligence. Gupta weaves together folklore, colonial history, tribal presence, and personal memory with remarkable balance. The chapters never feel encyclopedic or detached; instead, they pulse with curiosity and respect. Her depiction of island life in the 1960s is particularly evocative, capturing a time of transition without nostalgia clouding truth. Each island feels distinct, each story deliberate, as though the author is carefully placing stepping stones for the reader to cross into a deeper understanding.

The writing itself is elegant and restrained, allowing the subject matter to shine without unnecessary embellishment. Gupta’s observations are sharp, often poetic, yet grounded in thoughtful research and lived familiarity. The shadows of the penal colony, the lingering trauma of the tsunami, and the resilience of island communities are handled with sensitivity and emotional intelligence, never sensationalized, never diminished.

By the final page, the reader is left with a profound sense of gratitude for the knowledge gained, for the stories preserved, and for the author’s respectful stewardship of a fragile cultural landscape. This is a book that educates, enchants, and endures, making it an essential read for lovers of travel writing, history, and deeply human storytelling.

[Bruce Ranny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars by Protiva Gupta is a quietly powerful work that reshapes how one understands place, memory, and belonging. Rather than offering a conventional travelogue, Gupta invites the reader into a deeply textured world where geography and human experience are inseparable. From the opening pages, the prose carries a calm authority, measured, evocative, and rich with observation, drawing the reader into islands that are often spoken about but rarely understood.

What makes this book exceptional is its ability to balance history, folklore, and lived experience without ever overwhelming the reader. Gupta’s reflections on island life in the 1960s feel intimate and grounded, illuminating everyday rhythms that might otherwise be lost to time. The Andamans and Nicobars emerge not as distant curiosities but as living landscapes shaped by layered histories, colonial legacies, indigenous cultures, and the quiet resilience of communities shaped by the sea.

The author’s treatment of tragedy, particularly the lingering shadow of the tsunami, is handled with remarkable sensitivity. There is no sensationalism here, only respect, remembrance, and a profound awareness of nature’s power. Gupta writes with restraint and empathy, allowing the emotional weight of these moments to speak for itself. The result is a narrative that feels both honest and humane.

Ultimately, Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a book that lingers long after the final page. It expands the reader’s understanding not only of a unique archipelago, but of how stories preserve places. This is a work of cultural preservation, literary grace, and quiet wonder, a book that deserves thoughtful readership and lasting recognition.

[Emmanuel Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protiva Gupta’s Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars succeeds brilliantly in redefining what travel literature can achieve. Rather than offering a surface-level exploration, the book plunges beneath the shoreline into the emotional, historical, and cultural depths of the islands. It challenges the reader’s assumptions and replaces them with layered insights that linger long after the book is closed.

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its narrative structure. Gupta moves seamlessly between personal experience, archival history, and collective memory, crafting a mosaic that feels both expansive and intimate. The Andamans and Nicobars emerge not as static locations but as evolving characters shaped by colonization, displacement, natural disaster, and quiet resilience. Her treatment of indigenous tribes is particularly thoughtful, marked by restraint, respect, and an awareness of ethical boundaries.

The author’s prose is lucid and confident, marked by an intelligence that never feels performative. There is a gentle rhythm to the writing that mirrors island life itself, unhurried, observant, and deeply reflective. Even complex historical themes are rendered accessible without being oversimplified. Gupta trusts her reader, and that trust elevates the entire reading experience.

This book stands out as a rare blend of scholarship and soul. It does not merely inform; it invites contemplation. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is the kind of work that reshapes how we think about travel, reminding us that understanding a place requires patience, humility, and a willingness to listen. It is a quietly powerful contribution to Indian travel literature and a book of lasting significance.

[Frederick N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a rare honesty in Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars that immediately sets it apart. Protiva Gupta approaches her subject with the sensitivity of a historian and the curiosity of a storyteller, creating a narrative that feels deeply informed yet wonderfully alive. The book gently dismantles the limited imagery most readers hold about the islands, replacing it with stories that are complex, grounded, and profoundly human.

Gupta’s exploration of island life in the 1960s is particularly compelling. These sections feel almost cinematic, capturing daily rhythms, social interactions, and unspoken tensions with remarkable clarity. Rather than romanticizing the past, the author presents it honestly, its beauty, its hardships, and its contradictions. The islands’ colonial legacy, especially the penal colony, is addressed with nuance and moral awareness, giving readers a fuller understanding of how history continues to shape identity.

The intelligence of the book lies in its restraint. Gupta never overwhelms the reader with facts, yet every page is informed by careful research. Her language is precise, evocative, and confident, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions rather than dictating meaning. The inclusion of folklore and myth adds a subtle richness, reinforcing the idea that history is not only written in archives but also carried in stories passed down through generations.

Ultimately, this book is an invitation to slow down, to look closer, and to question what we think we know. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a deeply rewarding read that balances intellectual depth with emotional resonance, making it a standout work in contemporary travel and cultural writing.

[Debbie Wolfson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protiva Gupta’s Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is an eloquent meditation on islands often reduced to postcard imagery and fragmented historical references. What sets this book apart is its refusal to simplify. Instead, Gupta layers memory, history, and observation into a narrative that feels deeply considered and intellectually generous. The reader is not rushed through landscapes, but asked to pause, reflect, and truly see.

The strength of the book lies in its storytelling voice, calm, assured, and deeply respectful of its subject. Gupta’s exploration of folklore and local narratives adds a lyrical dimension that elevates the work beyond travel writing. These stories are not presented as exotic curiosities, but as integral threads in the cultural fabric of the islands. The author’s attentiveness lends the book an authenticity that is both refreshing and rare.

Equally compelling is the depiction of island life during the 1960s, rendered with warmth and clarity. Gupta captures the subtleties of daily existence, the pace of life, the relationships between people and land, the unspoken knowledge passed through generations. These sections feel almost archival in their importance, preserving a way of life that modernization has steadily transformed.

Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a book that rewards careful reading. It does not shout for attention; it earns it through precision, empathy, and intellectual depth. For readers interested in history, culture, or the ethics of travel writing, this work stands as a thoughtful and enduring contribution.

[Brianna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is far more than a travelogue; it is an intimate chronicle of place, memory, and identity. Protiva Gupta approaches the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with the care of a historian and the soul of a storyteller. Her writing is intelligent and immersive, drawing readers into landscapes that feel alive with history and meaning. From the first chapter, it becomes clear that this is a deeply researched and emotionally invested work.

Gupta’s portrayal of island life in the 1960s is particularly striking. Through careful observation and narrative detail, she reconstructs a world shaped by limited connectivity, deep-rooted traditions, and a strong sense of communal interdependence. These sections are not nostalgic indulgences; they are thoughtful examinations of how environment shapes culture and human relationships. The islands emerge not as static backdrops, but as active forces influencing the lives lived upon them.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emotional intelligence. Difficult histories, colonial suffering, displacement, and natural catastrophe are addressed with grace and restraint. The author does not seek to shock or overwhelm; instead, she allows the truth of these experiences to speak quietly and powerfully. This approach lends the book a profound sense of integrity and trustworthiness.

By the final pages, the reader is left with a deep appreciation for the islands and for the author’s careful stewardship of their stories. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a rare example of nonfiction that informs, moves, and enlightens in equal measure. It is a book to be savored, reflected upon, and returned to.

[Lucy Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a book that unfolds with rare patience and grace. Protiva Gupta’s writing does not seek to dominate the reader��s attention; instead, it invites trust, allowing the islands to speak through history, memory, and lived experience. Her descriptions of the sea, forests, and settlements are vivid without excess, creating an atmosphere that feels contemplative rather than performative. From the outset, the reader senses that this is a work shaped by careful listening.

The author’s treatment of history is especially commendable. Gupta navigates the complexities of colonial rule, the penal colony, and indigenous presence with remarkable balance. She avoids oversimplification, choosing instead to illuminate how these forces intersected with everyday life. The narrative reveals how power, displacement, and survival shaped the cultural fabric of the islands, offering insight that is both intellectually satisfying and morally grounded.

Emotionally, the book is quietly devastating in its honesty. The sections addressing environmental vulnerability and the tsunami are handled with restraint, allowing the gravity of loss to emerge naturally. Gupta focuses not on spectacle, but on human response, grief, solidarity, and endurance. These passages are deeply moving precisely because they are written with humility and respect.

By the final chapter, the reader is left with a profound sense of connection to a place they may never visit. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars reminds us that landscapes carry memory, and that preserving stories is an act of care. This is a powerful and necessary book.

[Lillian Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protiva Gupta has crafted something truly special with Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars. This is not a book that seeks to impress with spectacle; instead, it quietly draws the reader into a layered world where geography, memory, and human resilience intersect. The opening pages immediately establish the author’s intent to move beyond postcard imagery and into meaningful engagement with place.

The narrative unfolds with remarkable composure, guiding readers through centuries of history without losing emotional focus. Gupta’s handling of sensitive topics, the indigenous tribes, colonial exploitation, and the aftermath of the tsunami is exemplary. She writes with empathy and ethical clarity, acknowledging complexity without resorting to judgment or simplification. Each chapter feels purposeful, adding depth rather than repetition.

What elevates this work is the author’s ability to connect the personal with the universal. Her reflections on island life resonate far beyond the Andamans and Nicobars, touching on themes of belonging, survival, and cultural memory. The prose is refined yet accessible, marked by a quiet confidence that reflects deep understanding rather than surface familiarity.

By the end, the reader is left with a renewed appreciation for the power of thoughtful travel writing. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars reminds us that places are shaped as much by stories as by landscapes. It is a book that deserves careful reading and lasting reflection, an intelligent, compassionate, and beautifully written tribute to an extraordinary archipelago.

[Sina Purnellpo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a rare sense of balance in Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars, a balance between beauty and sorrow, history and memory, distance and intimacy. Protiva Gupta writes with a voice that feels deeply rooted in respect for place, offering readers an experience that is both informative and quietly moving. From the outset, the book signals that it will not rely on spectacle, but on substance.

Gupta’s portrayal of the islands’ landscapes is restrained yet evocative, allowing readers to imagine the lush forests and ink-dark seas without excessive ornamentation. This measured approach gives the narrative credibility and trustworthiness. The Andamans and Nicobars emerge not as untouched paradises, but as complex spaces shaped by human history, ecological vulnerability, and cultural continuity.

The historical insights woven throughout the book are particularly striking. From the legacy of the penal colony to lesser-known social narratives, Gupta contextualizes the islands within broader national and global frameworks. These sections are written with clarity and care, making complex histories accessible without diminishing their gravity.

What ultimately distinguishes this book is its emotional intelligence. Gupta does not attempt to speak over the islands, but listens to their stories, their silences, and their people. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a dignified, thoughtful work that deepens understanding and fosters quiet reverence. It is a book that invites reflection rather than consumption, and for that reason, it is profoundly impactful.

[Edward Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protiva Gupta’s Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars stands as a testament to what travel writing can achieve when guided by empathy and intellect. The prose is refined yet accessible, rich in detail without ever becoming overwhelming. Each chapter feels carefully constructed, offering insight into the islands’ landscapes while simultaneously uncovering the human narratives embedded within them.

The author’s engagement with folklore and cultural memory is especially noteworthy. Gupta treats these stories not as curiosities, but as vital threads in the islands’ identity. Her writing honors oral traditions and local histories, ensuring they are presented with dignity and authenticity. This thoughtful approach adds depth and texture, transforming the book into a living archive of collective memory.

Emotionally, the book is deeply resonant. The author’s reflections on loss, whether through historical injustice or natural disaster are handled with compassion and moral clarity. The tsunami chapters, in particular, are profoundly affecting, emphasizing resilience rather than devastation. These moments reinforce the book’s central theme: that survival is as much about memory and community as it is about endurance.

This is a book that rewards careful reading. It invites introspection and fosters a deeper understanding of places often overlooked or misunderstood. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally enriching, making it a standout work in contemporary travel literature.

[Thabita J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars stands as a testament to what travel writing can achieve when guided by curiosity, humility, and intellect. Protiva Gupta does not write to entertain alone; she writes to preserve, to question, and to illuminate. The result is a work that feels both timely and timeless, offering readers a rare glimpse into a region too often reduced to stereotypes.

The book’s strength lies in its layered storytelling. Gupta seamlessly integrates natural history, cultural anthropology, and personal observation, creating a narrative that is as informative as it is engaging. Her portrayal of the islands’ biodiversity, tribal communities, and historical scars is handled with respect and scholarly care, yet the writing never loses its warmth or readability.

There is a quiet emotional power in the way Gupta addresses loss, whether through the memory of the tsunami or the erosion of cultural traditions. These moments are never exploitative; instead, they are reflective and grounded, allowing readers to fully absorb their significance. The author’s intelligence shines through her ability to balance empathy with critical insight.

This book is ultimately an act of preservation. By documenting stories, histories, and lived experiences, Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars ensures that these voices are not lost to time. It is a deeply professional, captivating, and intellectually rewarding work, one that will appeal to discerning readers and remain relevant for years to come.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars offers readers a rare literary experience, one that combines scholarly awareness with personal reflection. Protiva Gupta approaches her subject with humility and insight, crafting a narrative that feels both informed and deeply human. The book reads like a conversation with a careful observer who understands that places are shaped as much by stories as by soil.

The author’s engagement with folklore and local histories is particularly compelling. Rather than presenting these elements as isolated anecdotes, Gupta integrates them seamlessly into the broader narrative, revealing how myth, memory, and history coexist. This approach gives the book a layered richness, encouraging readers to appreciate the islands beyond surface-level fascination.

Gupta’s reflections on life in the 1960s provide a poignant contrast to contemporary perceptions of the Andamans and Nicobars. These passages feel tender and precise, capturing moments of simplicity without romanticizing them. There is an underlying awareness that these memories carry responsibility, that to write them is to preserve something fragile and significant.

This book is not merely about travel or geography; it is about attention. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars asks readers to look closely, to listen carefully, and to reconsider what they think they know. It is a graceful, intelligent work that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.

[Lawrence Grace]

Protiva Gupta’s Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars stands as a testament to thoughtful, ethical storytelling. In a world saturated with hurried narratives and surface impressions, this book distinguishes itself through patience, depth, and sincerity. Gupta’s prose is elegant yet restrained, allowing the subject matter to command attention without excess.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its nuanced treatment of history. Gupta addresses the penal colony, colonial legacies, and environmental vulnerability with clarity and balance. These discussions are never detached; they are anchored in human experience, reminding readers that history lives on through landscapes and communities alike.

The emotional resonance of the book is subtle but powerful. Gupta’s handling of the tsunami and its aftermath demonstrates remarkable sensitivity. Rather than focusing on devastation alone, the narrative honors resilience and remembrance, reinforcing the interconnectedness between people and the natural world.

Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a work of quiet authority, a book that educates without lecturing and moves without manipulation. It will appeal to readers who value depth, cultural awareness, and literary craftsmanship. This is not simply a book to be read, but one to be absorbed, revisited, and respected.

[Stephanie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a remarkable calmness to Protiva Gupta’s writing, a confidence that does not demand attention but earns it. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is composed with a sense of balance and restraint, allowing the islands’ beauty and complexity to unfold naturally. The author’s descriptive language is vivid yet measured, creating images that linger without overwhelming the reader.

Gupta’s exploration of history is deeply thoughtful. She examines the penal colony, colonial administration, and interactions with indigenous tribes with care and nuance. These sections are neither accusatory nor detached; instead, they invite understanding through context and reflection. The result is a narrative that respects its subject matter and trusts the reader’s intelligence.

The emotional weight of the book is carried subtly. Rather than overt sentimentality, Gupta relies on honesty and observation. Her portrayal of everyday island life, rituals, routines, and relationships, creates a strong emotional connection that feels earned and enduring. These moments give the book its heart.

In its entirety, Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a deeply satisfying read. It is intelligent, moving, and beautifully written, offering readers a meaningful engagement with place and history. A rare and commendable work.

[Lisa Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protiva Gupta has written a book that exemplifies the best qualities of narrative nonfiction. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is thoughtful, immersive, and deeply informed, offering readers a multidimensional portrait of an extraordinary region. The prose is composed and intelligent, reflecting a deep respect for both subject and reader.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its attention to time. Gupta’s reflections on island life in the 1960s are especially evocative, capturing a period defined by limited access, close-knit communities, and a strong relationship with the natural world. These chapters feel authentic and grounded, revealing how geography and isolation shape identity and worldview.

The emotional impact of the book builds steadily. Rather than relying on dramatic peaks, Gupta allows meaning to accumulate through careful observation. Her portrayal of hardship, whether historical injustice or natural disaster, is deeply humane, emphasizing resilience and continuity rather than despair. The emotional intelligence of this approach cannot be overstated.

This book is both informative and transformative. It challenges assumptions, broadens understanding, and invites empathy. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars stands as a refined and substantial contribution to travel and cultural literature.

[John Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protiva Gupta has crafted a book that feels both timeless and urgently relevant. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars captures the essence of a region shaped by isolation, beauty, and historical complexity. The writing is poised and reflective, inviting readers to slow down and truly absorb the world being presented.

The sections focusing on the 1960s are particularly evocative, offering insight into a period of transition and quiet endurance. Gupta’s attention to social dynamics, daily routines, and cultural practices gives these chapters a vivid authenticity. They serve as a reminder that history is lived through ordinary moments as much as monumental events.

Emotionally, the book is grounded and sincere. The author’s reflections on environmental vulnerability and human resilience are powerful precisely because they are understated. Her words carry weight without excess, allowing the reader to feel rather than be instructed.

This book is a significant achievement. It broadens perspective, deepens empathy, and celebrates stories that deserve preservation. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is not merely read, it is experienced.

[Benjamin Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lyrical quality to Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars that sets it apart from conventional travel writing. Protiva Gupta’s language is measured and evocative, capturing the sensory experience of the islands while grounding the narrative in historical and cultural context. Each page feels deliberate, crafted with attention and care.

The author’s engagement with folklore and oral history is particularly striking. These stories are not treated as decorative elements, but as essential components of the islands’ identity. Gupta honors these narratives with dignity, preserving voices that are often overlooked or misunderstood. This approach adds depth and authenticity to the book.

Emotionally, the narrative is deeply resonant without being sentimental. The author’s reflections on loss, change, and survival are understated yet powerful. Her account of the tsunami is especially affecting, emphasizing human connection and collective memory over devastation.

This book leaves a lasting impression. It is thoughtful, immersive, and quietly profound. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars invites readers to engage with place not as tourists, but as witnesses.

[Christine Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a testament to the power of thoughtful observation. Protiva Gupta approaches her subject with humility, curiosity, and a clear commitment to understanding rather than interpretation. Her writing is elegant and precise, allowing readers to form their own emotional connections to the islands.

The historical depth of the book is impressive. Gupta situates the islands within broader political and cultural frameworks while never losing sight of individual lives. Her portrayal of the penal colony and its lingering impact is handled with sensitivity and insight, offering readers a nuanced understanding of a painful legacy.

Emotionally, the book is grounded and sincere. The author’s reflections on environmental fragility and human adaptation are both sobering and hopeful. She highlights resilience not as an abstract concept, but as a lived reality shaped by community and memory.

This is a book that demands attention and rewards reflection. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars enriches the reader’s understanding of a complex region and stands as an example of ethical, intelligent storytelling.

[Christopher Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protiva Gupta’s Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is a work of remarkable depth and composure. The author writes with a steady, assured voice that reflects years of reflection and research. Her descriptions are vivid yet restrained, allowing the islands’ character to emerge naturally.

The book’s exploration of the 1960s is particularly compelling, offering insight into a formative period in the islands’ social and cultural evolution. Gupta captures the nuances of daily life, work, relationships, traditions, with clarity and respect. These chapters provide a strong emotional foundation for the broader historical narrative.

The emotional strength of the book lies in its honesty. Gupta does not shy away from difficult truths, yet she presents them with empathy and balance. Her reflections on loss, displacement, and resilience are deeply moving, leaving the reader with a sense of quiet reverence.

This book is a meaningful contribution to contemporary nonfiction. It expands perspective, deepens understanding, and honors stories that deserve preservation. Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars is an exceptional and enduring work.

[Satdeep Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protiva visited these islands in the 1960s and visiting them 60 years later and reading about her experiences is at the same time relatable but also quite strange! How things have changed and continue to change! I loved how she read other books about the islands and added little bits of information within her narratives and experiences.

[Rajat]

The Venetian merchant Niccolò de' Conti who travelled to India in the 15th century refers to the Andamans as the `islands of gold'. Conti, whose travels accounts influenced Genoese map makers and explorers, tells the story of a lake in an island of the Andamans whose waters could turn iron into gold. Later the Dutch came looking for this magic lake but turned back when their ship was met by a hail of arrows.

The green islands of the Andamans and the Nicobars -- three days by ship from India -- with its population of reclusive indigenous peoples, had for long been at the edge of the subcontinental consciousness and a fertile ground for the fantastic to prosper. Protiva Gupta's carefully researched book, her lived experience and her stolid affirmation of the importance of the islands in the history of India's freedom struggle, makes this a work that will interest the curious and the committed alike.

Originally written in Bengali, the book was serialised in magazines before being published as two separate volumes in the late 1960s. This is the first English translation. The translator Meena Gupta should be commended for bringing alive the engaging warmth of Protiva's style. The index at the end is also very helpful. Today when the focus of geopolitics has shifted to the Indian Ocean region, the importance of a book on these islands can't be overstated.

The magic lake of the Andamans has never been found and much else has changed in the decades following the first publication of this work. On a map of India, hundreds of miles of ocean still separate the islands from the mainland. Geography is iron-clad but because books can work magic, this one does succeed in bringing the green islands a little closer to us. (Excerpt from my review in CNN-IBNLive. Read the full review here: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/protiva-gu... )