#2396 - Andrew Schulz

The novel follows an expedition led by Karen Ross to the dense tropical rainforest of the Congo to investigate the mysterious deaths of a previous team and to find the lost city of Zinj, where valuable type IIb diamonds are believed to be located. The team includes Peter Elliot, a gorilla researcher, and his sign-language-trained gorilla, Amy. They face numerous challenges, including rival expeditions, civil wars, and dangerous jungle predators. The story blends elements of science fiction, adventure, and technological intrigue, reflecting Crichton's signature style of combining science, technology, and action.

The Anarchy recounts the remarkable rise of the East India Company from its humble beginnings in 1599 to its military dominance over the Indian subcontinent by 1803. The book details the company's territorial conquests, starting from the Battle of Plassey in 1757, and its eventual control over large swaths of Asia. Dalrymple draws from previously untapped sources, including Indian, Persian, and French materials, to provide a vivid and detailed story of corporate greed, violence, and the fall of the Mughal Empire. The book also explores the broader implications of corporate power and its impact on colonial rule.