Call it happenstance but the fact that this writer’s favourite protein (fish) is front and centre of Amitav Ghosh’s new novel, Ghost-Eye (HarperCollins) made us doubly eager to decode its history-meets-mystery storyline with the Jnanpith Award winner when we settled down to interview him at The Bombay Canteen (TBC). The Chilled Sea Bass Sev Puri arrives, and captures his attention immediately. Pictures are taken, and the delicate fish-sev treat is popped into the mouth. “It’s delicious; what a wonderful contrast in textures! Floyd [Cardoz] was a genius,” as he pays tribute to TBC’s late founder. With a fish dish to usher our meal, we consider it auspicious to dive into the conversation.

Excerpts from the interview.