‘Land of Two Seas’ recounts life in the backdrop of World War II
Raajkumari Sharma Tankha
Land of Two Seas is an engaging work of fiction by debut author Chandan Sen Gupta, transporting readers to the tiny desert kingdom of Bahrain during World War II. Drawing from his 15 years of life in the region, Sen Gupta captures the geography, local customs, language, and traditions with authenticity, giving the novel a rich regional flavor.
The story opens with four Italian aircraft attacking Bahrain, targeting an American oil refinery in the British Protectorate. This sends Britain’s Middle East Command in Cairo and its War Office in London into a flurry, highlighting the looming threat of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in Southern Arabia and the Aden Protectorate.
Amid the chaos, Britain has only one secret agent, Gilgamesh, to rely upon. The novel follows his journey through betrayal, espionage, and wartime intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Sen Gupta’s writing style is simple yet compelling. He avoids overly flowery language and instead weaves the story with believable plotlines and a sprinkling of vernacular expressions, making the historical fiction both immersive and authentic.
Born in Bhilai, Chandan Sen Gupta is a civil engineer by profession. His literary work draws heavily on his experiences across diverse cultural and social environments, lending depth to his storytelling.
If you enjoy historical fiction, wartime thrillers, or stories set in the Middle East during WWII, Land of Two Seas is a must-read.
