Loot

A novel

By: Tania James

Narrated by: Maanuv Thiara

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD IN FICTION • A spellbinding historical novel set in the eighteenth century: a hero’s quest, a love story, the story of a young artist coming of age, and an exuberant heist adventure that traces the bloody legacy of colonialism across two continents and fifty years.

A Best Book of the Year: The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Kirkus Reviews

“Addictively absorbing.” —The New York Times Book Review

This wildly inventive, irresistible feat of storytelling from a writer at the height of her powers is "an expertly-plotted, deeply affecting novel about war, displacement, emigration, and an elusive mechanical tiger" (Maggie O’Farrell, best-selling author of Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait).

Abbas is just seventeen years old when his gifts as a woodcarver come to the attention of Tipu Sultan, and he is drawn into service at the palace in order to build a giant tiger automaton for Tipu’s sons, a gift to commemorate their return from British captivity. His fate—and the fate of the wooden tiger he helps create—will mirror the vicissitudes of nations and dynasties ravaged by war across India and Europe.

Working alongside the legendary French clockmaker Lucien du Leze, Abbas hones his craft, learns French, and meets Jehanne, the daughter of a French expatriate. When Du Leze is finally permitted to return home to Rouen, he invites Abbas to come along as his apprentice. But by the time Abbas travels to Europe, Tipu’s palace has been looted by British forces, and the tiger automaton has disappeared. To prove himself, Abbas must retrieve the tiger from an estate in the English countryside, where it is displayed in a collection of plundered art.

Simply Complicated

I was not attached or interested in any one character. There were a lot of moving parts to the story. Quiet ending for a busy book.

fantastic

I loved the characters, all drawn so well and interestingly. the story could not have been predicted, yet it comes full circle.

It was okay.

Liked premise of the story but narrator and writing didn’t captivate. I finished it, but nothing special.

Innovative story line

Who would have guessed that this tale about a 18th century gifted young carver from Mysore, India, would be full of charm and surprising twists? I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging book.

Transporting story, beautiful writing.

This is a novel that transports you to exotic places in time and location. The writing is beautiful and the narrator’s voice is eloquent.