"River of Smoke" is a historical novel by Amitav Ghosh, published in 2011. It is the second book in the Ibis Trilogy, which explores the opium trade in the 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the First Opium War and follows a diverse cast of characters, including Deeti, Zachary Reid, and Ah Fatt, as they navigate the complexities of colonialism and trade. The novel delves into the lives of these characters aboard the ship Ibis, which transports opium from India to China. Through their experiences, Ghosh highlights the cultural and economic impacts of the opium trade, as well as the interconnectedness of different societies during this tumultuous period in history.