Meet Tony: the first Indian to set foot on American soil.
Among the settlers, slaves, and indentured servants that make the treacherous journey across the Atlantic to the New World in the early 1600s — for some, an exciting opportunity, for others, a brutal abduction — there is also Tony. As a child, his homeland on the Coromandel Coast of India becomes a trading outpost for the English; as an orphaned teenager, he finds himself kidnapped from the streets of London and bound to servitude on a Virginia plantation. But Tony is not giving up on his dreams just yet.
Under the rule of a sadistic plantation owner, he forms a tender bond with a young boy who will haunt his nightmares; on an exploration inland alongside a trader and Native Americans, he realises the world is vaster and more mysterious than he could have imagined; and in Jamestown, he finally earns himself a position as a physician’s apprentice, an ambition he has long harboured.
The East Indian is a Dickensian-style yarn about family, friendship, and finding oneself in the seeds of a new world.
Buy a copy of The East Indian here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Wonderfully rich in the sights, sounds and smells of 1635, The East Indian is a fascinating portrait of a young boy uprooted from his idyllic life in the sultry Port of Armagon in East India, left to survive on his own in the mean streets of London, and then brutally transplanted to the plantations in the virgin forest of Virginia. Fourteen-year-old Tony’s often traumatic travels in his small life would have felled even the most stoic of adults. As the first East Indian to set foot on American soil, Tony confronts familial deprivation, loss of dignity, and, later, a confusion of identity. Based upon a true story, Brinda Charry’s diligent historical research (cue the bibliography list) has drawn vast landscapes at once beautiful and crushing, and expanded what was once a historical footnote into a complex character: sometimes brash, sometimes self-reflecting, sometimes self-entitled; yet you always get this sense of a young boy in fearful free-fall. This is a terrific story that is written exceptionally well and would be perfect for those who like their historical fiction to be based on people of true account. Cecilia, VIC, 5 Stars
A brilliantly written story about Tony told by his older self. The novel addresses subjects such as social class, identity, coming of age and race. The characters are well developed and it shows that Binda put a lot of effort into researching the various topics and the era the story was set in. If you enjoy historical fiction I think you’ll love this book, it’s very hard to put down. Trudy, SA, 5 Stars
When his courtesan mother dies, 11-year-old Tony is shipped to the dank and putrid London of 1635 – away from the scent of jasmine and spices, sunshine, salt pans and screeching peacocks of India’s Coromandel Coast. His hope is to be reborn, as his religion provides, to be newfound. Attending the Globe Theatre, Tony is entranced by a performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and its sole Indian character. But Tony’s time in London is short-lived; like other street urchins, he is abducted, bound on the lice-infested ship ‘God’s Gift’ to the American colonies – to the vulnerability of a life of indentured servitude on a tobacco plantation. He is the first known East Indian to arrive in Virginia. He is alone, like Shakespeare’s character. Conditions are harsh, food scarce, masters cruel. Prejudice, malice and power-plays are rife. But amongst the servants, there is hope for the future. A game of dice transfers his servitude to an adventurous and kind master, and a twist of fate sees him restarting his life as an apprentice to a physician. Brinda Charry elegantly and evocatively addresses these brutal issues of the 17th century, and gives us pause for thought about their persistence today. Anita, QLD, 5 Stars
Tony, a 14-year-old orphan, is the first Indian to arrive in America in the 1600s. He is kidnapped from the streets of London and sold into servitude in Virginia. Tony faces many challenges along the way, learning life lessons and finding himself in a sometimes brutal but mysterious New World. Charry’s character is raw and likable and would do anything to please and/or fit into a cruel, devastating and unrelenting world. Based on a true story, Charry’s novel is extremely well written. It is a coming-of-age story of survival, courage, strength and hope. This raw and harsh novel is historical fiction at its finest. A very impressive read. Arrisarne, VIC, 5 Stars
Here is a lesson on the beginning of racial hatred. ‘Tony’ the East Indian, the central character, comes from India to London and onward to Virginia via a series of mishaps. What Tony does is to show how, in the 16th century, the white man thinks he rules, and proceeds to do so. But Tony has other ideas and his many adventures and adversities make for a fabulous tale. From being kidnapped from the slums of London, after a very long journey by sea from India, to the beginnings of settlement in Virginia, Tony really is The Man Who Would Not Die and I really enjoyed his journey with his wife Lydia. I felt whilst reading, I was either on the ship or within the landscape. The author has transported me thoroughly with each descriptive passage. Thoroughly recommend this read. Di, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved this book despite not being a lover of historical fiction. It had a very ‘contemporary’ feel to it and the character Tony was very appealing. Because it is based on a true story too, I quickly became absorbed and pretty much read in two sittings! Very enjoyable. Jenny, VIC, 5 Stars
The language used by Brinda Charry in The East Indian immediately draws you into the 1600s. Her prose and turns of phrase are so appropriate for the setting of this book. I was transported. The narrative focuses on young Tony and his journey from the Coromandel Coast of India to London and then by ship to America, landing in Virginia. But this is not a tale of pure adventure: Tony is in servitude and at the whims of his masters. Most treat him badly, and one shows him kindness. He does have his dreams and along the way he meets Sammy and Dick who will both have a life-long influence on him – one through tragedy and the other through blind ambition. The book highlights many issues of the day – poverty, slavery (particularly of children), the place of women in society, and racial discrimination. The shame is that human behaviour has not changed much over the centuries, and we are still battling these issues. It is a beautifully descriptive novel, aware of place, gentle with some relationships, brutal with others. A book that will stay with me for a long time. Lee, NSW, 4 Stars
Interesting historical read about the first Indian to settle in America. Filled with many highs and lows, it certainly is a journey! The East Indian by Brinda Charry is very well written although it did take a little while to get into, but I became hooked! Katrina, QLD, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book despite it being quite brutal and confronting. I loved learning about the historical aspects of this period in time when slavery was acceptable and common. Gail, WA, 4 Stars
From the first page, you are intrigued as to what is going to happen! Get transported back to the 1600s and travel halfway around the world with brave young Tony from East India, his trials, his determination, and his will that one day he’ll return home as he becomes the first-ever East Indian in America. An easy narrative to follow and at times it feels like you are actually there living in those times. Highly recommended read for those who would love to know a little about how America was settled by the English. Really enjoyed this book and the knowledge and insight it provided. Maria, NSW, 4 Stars
A very pleasing easy-to-read book. The main character is such a delight and well-written, from his early childhood through to manhood. Glad the hard labour paid off for the characters. James, QLD, 4 Stars
The East Indian is a historical fiction that tells the story of the first Indian, Tony, to arrive in America in 1635. Tony first travels to England, where he watches A Midsummer Dream at the Globe Theatre. This is a nice touch that gives the story historical context and it also becomes an important theme. On journeying to America, Tony is passed from master to master before spending time with First Nation’s people. This is a very interesting book that questions the nature of belonging and explores themes of friendship and love. Anne, VIC, 4 Stars
If you are a lover of historical fiction looking for a different era, The East Indian will be next on your TBR pile. This story starts in India in the early 1600s and is told by a young East Indian we will know as Tony. After the death of his mother, he is taken in by one of her nightly visitors and then sent on to England as a servant. He was grateful to survive the journey to London by ship. There was a demand at the time for young boys to work on plantations in the developing American state of Virginia. Tony hadn’t been in London long when he and a friend were abducted off the street and shipped across the Atlantic. Tony experiences cruelty and racism as he is the first East Indian to arrive in America. He also witnesses the same toward Native American Indians as well as the increasing number of Africans arriving as slaves. His unrelenting will to survive and determination to prove his worth in this developing country amongst sadistic white men makes a great read from Brinda Charry. Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
A wonderfully written historical book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more of Brinda Charry’s books in the future. Sue, WA, 4 Stars
A fascinating insight into the life of a young boy in India. Growing up as the son of a local prostitute, not knowing who his father is, then being separated from his mother and transported to England. Obviously an intelligent boy, he learnt the English language easily. He then moved to the new settlement in what we know as America. He is attracted to medicine and becomes a doctor’s apprentice. The story follows his life through what we know as the American slave trade in the early 1600s. The story is always interesting and easy to follow but I did find the overuse of 1600s terminology very confusing. I have never heard of a lot of the terms used and they didn’t make sense. I recommend reading it. Crystal, TAS, 4 Stars
The East Indian was a thoroughly enjoyable book. It ticks all the boxes as both a piece of historical fiction and just a good read. By avoiding going into full-blown epic-type size and writing, Charry has made the historic fiction genre much more accessible. The story is short but engaging and avoids becoming unwieldy by trying to follow too many different characters. The characters are also written in a way that is highly relatable for a modern audience. I also enjoyed learning more about a group of people in history who have not often been included in prominent literature. Overall, a very well-written book, with an interesting storyline, great characters, and a satisfying conclusion. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to get into the historical fiction genre but finds more epic novels intimidating. Penelope, QLD, 4 Stars
This book, although fiction, is based on a true story. Brinda writes about Tony, a 14-year-old boy who is the first Indian to arrive in America during the year 1635. Narrated by the main character Tony, he tells us what his life was like growing up in India, then when he moved to London, and then to America. Brinda did an amazing job in her research for this book and it is a book and story that will stay with me. Melissa, SA, 4 Stars
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book. Although I struggled to commit as it wasn’t my preferred genre, I still enjoyed the beautiful writing. The captivating and heartbreaking story of Tony was told with just the right amount of historical information, which was clearly well-researched and thought-out. Definitely going to be a popular book amongst fans of historical fiction! Kirra, NSW, 4 Stars
As we journey from the small port of Armagon in East India to London and then on to Virginia, this beautifully written and intriguing coming-of-age story is one of hardship and resilience. It carries a powerful message that touched my heart and I am certain it will tug at the heartstrings of many. The East Indian is inspired by the revelation that ‘Tony’ was the first East Indian to arrive in Jamestown, where British colonists were building the New World we now call Virginia, USA. Tony eloquently recounts his ventures as he attempts to “rebirth” himself, after losing his mother. First as an indentured servant and labourer, then an adventurer, a physician’s apprentice, and finally once more at the end. I enjoyed the inclusion of renowned historical figures, including Shakespeare, a young Thomas Rolfe, and Pocahontas. And the scene where Tony encounters his first Virginian Indian, “an Indian who was and was not an Indian”, was also particularly moving. The themes of race, social status, friendship and survival were so well explored. I loved this book! Natalie, NSW, 4 Stars
The East Indian is a story about a young boy who leaves his home and travels to America by ship. It is full of history, yet the boy Tony’s story is fictional. It kept me engaged and wanting more as we watch Tony grow into a man, husband and father. Sally, VIC, 4 Stars
This historical novel set in the 16th century tells the story of Tony, a young, orphaned boy from East India who arrives in London believing he will find a better life. After being kidnapped in the London slums by criminals, Tony, along with other young boys, are on the long hard journey to Jamestown, Virginia to be faced with very hard work as indentured servants. Tony stands out from the other servants. As an East Indian, he is different from the Native American Indians and his skin is a different shade than the African slaves. Although he saw and experienced much cruelty and abuse, he holds tight to friendships and his dreams and finally has a position as a physician’s apprentice where he will earn respect. This is a very well-written and researched book which brings up many issues of the period. Tony is a character that you keep cheering for as you can’t help but think things have got to get better for him. I look forward to reading more books by Brinda Charry. Marg, VIC, 4 Stars
If you like a story that warms your heart, makes you smile and feel good, this novel is not for you. This tale of a young boy from East India travelling to the Americas in search of fortune and more importantly freedom, will challenge your views and ideals. The way the colour of your skin in that era determined how you were treated and trusted will leave you debating how much or how little opinions have changed to this day. Tony’s strength is determined in his relationships with those he meets and befriends on his life’s journey. His observations of how ill-treatment, hunger and hard labour affected his companions evolves in his determination to help and heal others and leads him to find fulfilment in the healing properties of herbs and ointments as he becomes apprenticed to a physician. You will so want to encourage Tony on this journey and ultimately hope he finds freedom and justice along the way. Wendy, SA, 4 Stars
What a wonderful story! This book introduces us to Tony – the East Indian. The book is set in the 1600s. Tony, as an orphaned child, leaves his homeland on the Coromandel Coast of India to seek a better life in London. His life in London isn’t all he believed it would be and he finds himself kidnapped to be sent to Virginia. He dreams of a better life in the USA but finds life is extremely hard. Most plantation owners are cruel to their workers but Tony never gives up his dreams. He eventually becomes an apprentice to the local doctor and discovers this is where his future lies. The author, Brinda Charry, has done a wonderful job describing the life of indentured workers, from the cruelty of their masters to the friendships of the servants in the 1600s. It was also fascinating to discover all about the remedies and potions that the doctor and his apprentice created. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all readers, as it is a book I probably wouldn’t have chosen to read but thoroughly enjoyed it. Maree, VIC, 4 Stars
There is so much to admire about Brinda Charry’s The East Indian. The protagonist Tony is a charming but imperfect human who brings a human face to the horrors of colonization and the early stages of servitude in the new American colonies. Part coming-of-age adventure story, part Dickensian orphan tale, and part historical fiction, I really, really wanted to love The East Indian but I just found it moved a little too slowly for my taste. There were some very moving moments that I should have savoured more carefully and the language was beautiful without being overly lyrical and when I have more patience I hope to spend more time enjoying the writing within The East Indian and not just chasing the plot. I did enjoy the surreal parts of the story that might even be described as magical realism: Tony’s love of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and his recollections of stories of the gods from his homeland and the Man Who Cannot Die. Although I have found it difficult to read The East Indian with any great passion I always wanted to know how Tony’s life turns out and I know for many this will be a book with language to devour. Amelia, VIC, 3 Stars
An interesting history of the first boy from India to set foot on colonial American soil, albeit under the prevailing indentured servitude regime. A boy who was driven by desire to succeed and become a medicine man. A tale that takes the reader on a journey from arrival through his coming of age to realisation. Along the way,companions are met, relationships are formed, romance blossoms, he suffers cruelty but also is involved in humorous encounters. A historical novel and one that will engage and embed readers in a challenging life journey. Geoff, WA, 3 Stars
The East Indian is the fictionized story of the first East Indian to emigrate to Virginia in 1635. I have rated this book three stars and do recommend it for what it can show us about the strength and resilience we have bred into us. Sallie, QLD, 3 Stars
A disturbing creative read that was slow to get into. You will either love or hate this book. Vanessa, NSW, 2 Stars
I am not a fan of books written in the first person. Also, I felt no connection to the main character. The story seemed to meander, with side information that really had no bearing on the main tale. Mary, QLD, 2 Stars
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