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A spellbinding historical novel set in eighteenth-century India, England, and France, about a young man's dream of leaving a mark on the world. Abbas is just seventeen years old when his gifts as a woodcarver come to the attention of Tipu Sultan, and he is drawn into service at the palace in order to build a giant tiger automaton for Tipu's sons, a gift to commemorate their return from British captivity. His fate - and the fate of the wooden tiger he helps create - will mirror the vicissitudes of nations and dynasties ravaged by war across India and Europe.. Working alongside the legendary French clockmaker Lucien du Leze, Abbas hones his craft, learns French, and meets Jehanne, the daughter of a French expatriate. When Du Leze is finally permitted to return home to Rouen, he invites Abbas to come along as his apprentice.