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Loot

A historical literary novel about art, love and colonial plunder

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Loot

By: Tania James
Narrated by: Maanuv Thiara
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Brought to you by Penguin.

A toymaker, a stolen tiger and an unforgettable journey.

WONDER
Under orders from the ruler of Mysore, young toymaker Abbas has created a spectacular mechanical tiger, unlike anything the world has ever seen.

LOVE
Abbas’s achievement opens up the opportunity of a new life, but most importantly it leads him to Jehane, a determined young woman with ambitions of her own.

WAR
When British soldiers ransack the city in April 1799, Abbas’s precious creation is looted, lost to the Empire. Now he and Jehane must embark on an extraordinary quest across the seas to Europe, to reclaim his legacy.

'Loot held me spellbound from the first page...an expertly-plotted, deeply affecting novel ' Maggie O’Farrell

‘A cinematic novel of empire, colonialism and romance’ Guardian

‘Vivid and witty’ Observer

‘Highly recommended’ Mail on Sunday

©2024 Tania James (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction World Literature
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Critic Reviews

[An] epic sweep of a novel, which travels from India to Europe in the company of a fascinating range of characters...Niftily constructed, the novel packs in doomed romance, the horrors of colonialism and palace plots
Strongly recommending this exquisitely crafted and rich historical story to everyone I know . . . Tania James has created such a visceral, powerful story that it felt like I was in a time travelling machine (Nikita Gill)
Addictively absorbing
A real-life object of fascination — an 18th-century automaton depicting a tiger biting into an Englishman’s neck — is the basis for this novel...lush with the sights, sounds and smells of India, France and England, and always laced with Dickensian wit
Loot held me spellbound from the first page. This is an expertly-plotted, deeply affecting novel about war, displacement, emigration, and an elusive mechanical tiger. (Maggie O’Farrell)
A novel of wonder and terror and beauty - I was completely captivated by it. (Kamila Shamsie)
Elegantly crafted and beautifully written, James’s exciting adventure story considers the legacy of colonial oppression and the ownership of plundering historical artifacts. Highly recommended
'A novel about the pleasures of artifice...a vivid and witty reimagining of an episode of history that continues to shape the present
Richly researched and full of heart, LOOT is a beautifully crafted novel, artfully realised and deeply compelling. Abbas and Jehanne (and Rum!) are captivating characters who positively leap from the pages, and I felt bereft when their story came to an end. I just loved it. (Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora)
James's ravishing prose and trademark blend of lyricism and suspense animate this ingenious caper meets politically acute coming-of-age story
All stars
Most relevant
Diligently researched, beautifully written the story takes you from the Sultanate of Mysore to a manor house in Twickenham following interesting characters and Tippoo’s Tiger. The reader does a fabulous job bringing an incredible yarn alive. Not to be missed.

A Wonderous Tale

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