Sea of Poppies is the book I am currently reading. I have a thing about Indian literature. This book is epic and sweeping – and you learn a whole new sea faring language as well as get a fantastic look at the opium trade between India and China. This saga centers around the voyage of a ship called the Ibis. It sports a wonderful cast of characters and is fast pasted and exciting but also beautifully written. It is the first of a trilogy – the second book, River of Smoke, came out a few months ago. This was short listed for the Booker Prize and does not disappoint!