A very rare novel of ideas and a novel of ideas in these days. Amitav Ghosh’s new book can be called a “noosphere” novel, in which he combines the biological and social planes, the spiritual and the rational, the scientific and the mystical, the artistic and the documentary. But above all, this is a novel about tradition and its role. This is a novel about the era of Kali Yuga, about the last days and the catastrophe that is approaching the world. But decline and ruin can be resisted. And that’s exactly what the heroes of “Weapon Island” do. Rare books dealer Dean is accustomed to a quiet life, but one day he is forced to embark on an unusual journey, from New York to India, and then to Venice along a confusing route - through the memories and experiences of those he meets along the way. Piya, Bengali-American; Tipu, an adventurous young man who opens Dean's eyes to the realities of growing up in the modern world; Bengali Rafi with his desperate attempt to help those in need; and Italian Cinta, who will provide the missing link to the mysterious story they are all part of. Partly an adventure novel, partly a detective story, partly a novel about understanding oneself, Amitav Ghosh’s new book is, first of all, about the fact that the world depends entirely on our actions, decisions, thoughts.