In The Wake of Small Lies marks an impressive debut from author Anindya Ghosh, who weaves an intricate tale of ambition, deception, and moral corruption set against the vibrant backdrop of early 20th-century British India. Through masterful storytelling and rich period detail, Ghosh crafts a compelling narrative that explores the devastating consequences of unchecked greed and the pursuit of wealth at any cost. The Rise and Fall of James Small The story follows James Small, a descendant of once-prosperous English merchants, whose burning desire for wealth and status leads him down an increasingly dark path. Ghosh skillfully develops James’s character from a frustrated young man seeking escape from his modest circumstances into a ruthless operator willing to commit the most heinous acts to achieve his ambitions. What makes the narrative particularly engaging is how Ghosh portrays James’s moral descent not as sudden but as a gradual erosion—each compromise and crime making the next one easier to justify. The author demonstrates remarkable psychological insight in showing how James’s childhood experiences with his risk-averse father and memories …