The East Indian: Book Review

A gripping historical novel following Tony, the first Indian in Colonial America, as he navigates race, identity, and survival across three continents.

on Aug 13, 2024

Brinda Charry’s The East Indian is an exhilarating debut novel that deftly explores themes of race, identity, and survival through the lens of a historical journey that spans three continents. Inspired by real events, Charry brings to life the story of Tony, the first native of the Indian subcontinent to arrive in Colonial America—a narrative as captivating as it is poignant.

Born to a courtesan in the vibrant yet precarious world of seventeenth-century Chennai, Tony’s life is upended by his mother’s death and his subsequent kidnapping. Transported to London, he is soon sold into servitude in the New World, where his odyssey truly begins. As Tony navigates the harsh realities of life on the tobacco plantations of Virginia, he encounters a series of masters, each contributing to his growth and shaping his destiny. His journey is marked by moments of profound challenge and unexpected triumph, including his aspiration to become a physician’s assistant and his eventual participation in a local rebellion.

The novel’s strength lies not only in its meticulous research but also in its ability to convey Tony's emotional and moral dilemmas. His experiences reflect broader themes of displacement and belonging, revealing the harsh realities faced by those on the fringes of society.

Tony’s struggle to define his identity in a world that constantly misidentifies him—sometimes as a Moor, a Turk, or simply as an outsider—adds a poignant layer to the narrative. Charry deftly explores how racial and social hierarchies shape Tony’s life, emphasizing the deep-seated prejudices that impact his interactions and opportunities. The novel also captures the essence of Tony’s internal conflict, as he grapples with his dreams, the harshness of servitude, and his evolving understanding of home.

The East Indian is both a historical exploration and a personal journey. Charry’s prose, while straightforward, is rich with emotional depth and historical insight. The novel’s depiction of Tony’s evolving sense of self, his quest for belonging, and his ultimate realization of home as a personal construct resonates powerfully. Through Tony’s eyes, readers witness the intersection of race, identity, and colonialism in a story that is as relevant today as it is historically significant.

The East Indian is a masterful narrative that combines historical detail with a moving exploration of identity. Charry’s debut is a significant contribution to literature, offering readers both an engaging historical tale and a profound commentary on the human condition.