Amitav Ghosh's "Ghost-Eye": A Climate Crisis Novel Weighed Down by Clichés

Amitav Ghosh's eleventh novel, "Ghost-Eye," explores the intersections of global and local issues in the context of the climate crisis. Set during the plague year of 2020, the narrative follows Dinu, a semi-retired antiquarian living in Brooklyn, as he seeks to uncover his past and memorialize his aunt, Shoma, a therapist intrigued by reincarnation cases. Central to the plot is a young girl named Varsha, who claims to remember a past life as a fisher, challenging her family's Jain vegetarian customs. The story intertwines various quests, including Dinu's exploration of his identity and his ward Tipu's activist efforts against corporate polluters, whom he aims to combat using the powers of spiritually gifted individuals known as "ghost-eyes."

The GuardianNovel Climate Crisis Subjected to Criticism for Cliches, Poor Prose

Despite its compelling premise, "Ghost-Eye" has faced significant criticism for its prose. Reviewers have noted that the writing is often laden with clichés, which detract from the novel's credibility and urgency. Critics argue that the dialogue, particularly that of younger characters like Tipu, feels inauthentic and fails to resonate with contemporary speech patterns. For instance, Tipu's lines are described as reminiscent of 1960s vernacular rather than modern expressions, undermining the character's intended generational identity.

Novel Climate Crisis Subjected to Criticism for Cliches, Poor Prose

Ghosh employs reincarnation as a metaphor for interconnectedness in a globalized world, suggesting a shared spirituality among humans, animals, and plants. However, critics assert that this provocative idea is overshadowed by the novel's reliance on tired expressions and predictable plot developments. A late revelation about Dinu's identity, which should serve as a pivotal moment, instead feels unconvincing due to its execution.

Novel Climate Crisis Subjected to Criticism for Cliches, Poor Prose

In interviews, Ghosh has acknowledged the challenges of addressing climate change through fiction, suggesting that it is "a fool's errand to imagine the future." He connects climate change denial to colonialism, framing "Ghost-Eye" as part of a broader literary project aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues. Despite the criticisms, Ghosh's attention to detail, particularly in his depiction of food as a metaphor for globalization, has been praised.

Novel Climate Crisis Subjected to Criticism for Cliches, Poor Prose

Ultimately, "Ghost-Eye" presents a complex narrative that grapples with significant themes related to the climate crisis and human interconnectedness. However, the execution of its prose has led to a mixed reception, with many readers feeling that the novel's potential is undermined by its stylistic shortcomings. The novel's critique of corporate polluters culminates in an offstage supernatural confrontation, leaving some critics disappointed with the resolution of its central conflict. As Ghosh continues to engage with pressing global issues, "Ghost-Eye" serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between thematic ambition and narrative execution.

Novel Climate Crisis Subjected to Criticism for Cliches, Poor Prose

• “The novel’s case against corporate polluters fizzles out in an offstage supernatural showdown.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “By a process of steady erosion, all of these accumulating cliches undermine the credibility of the plot and the urgency of the argument.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “a fool's errand to imagine the future.” — Jeevan Vasagar

Novel Climate Crisis Subjected to Criticism for Cliches, Poor Prose