S. Jay Bose’s debut novel Arms Wide Asunder is a gripping historical fiction novel that traces the real events behind the rise of the British East India Company as a colonial power.

In 1757, the ambitious young general Robert Clive faces fierce opposition from Diwan Mohan Roy of Bengal. With a paltry six thousand troops under his command, only the aid of a powerful—and treacherous—banker can help Clive defeat the thirty thousand-strong Bengal army and establish the British Empire in India.

Meanwhile, French artillery officer Jules St Clair is eager to drive their archenemy off the sub-continent. He joins the Diwan—but quickly discovers the bitter rivalries that threaten to undermine Bengal. From the picturesque plains of India to the stunning cities of 18^th-century Europe, readers will embark on a saga as the Roy-St Clair family battle the British colonialists for the fate of India.

Expertly written with gritty historical authenticity, Arms Wide Asunder is a memorable read that explores the redemptive power of love, justice, and an unlikely sisterhood as the destiny of India hangs in the balance.

Arms Wide Asunder

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Step into the heart-wrenching story of treachery, lust and plunder at the birth of the British Empire in India—and the redemptive power of love in the fight for justice.

In 1774, renowned British general Robert Clive is found dead with his throat cut. His hasty and secretive burial in an unmarked grave marks the end of a life defined by ambition, cunning, and greed in the name of building an empire.

Two decades earlier, Clive is a promising young general facing insurmountable odds. Locked in a gruelling power struggle against Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, the ruler of Bengal and his chief minister Diwan Mohan Roy, Clive’s mere 6000 troops face an army of 30,000 men. But with the help of the powerful—and treacherous—banker Omichund, Clive sets in motion a devious plan to claim the wealthy province of Bengal for the British East India Company.

Meanwhile, a centuries-old rival is stirring. Led by Joseph Francois Dupleix and his young protégé Jules St Clair, the French are eager to defeat their archenemy in India. They join forces with the Diwan—and quickly uncover a tumult of rivalries that threaten to pull Bengal apart at the seams. Nothing, it seems, can stop Robert Clive from having his empire. But even Clive could never have foreseen the cold determination of the beautiful and courageous daughter of Diwan Mohan Roy, Anjolie.

From the picturesque plains of India to the stunning cities of 18^th-century Europe, this adventure follows the saga of the Roy-St Clair family as they battle the British colonialists for the fate of India.

Expertly written with authentic historical details and a gripping narrative, Arms Wide Asunder is a powerful read that explores the redemptive power of love, justice, and an unlikely sisterhood against all odds.