A Long Way Home

Reader’s Review

This book narrates the astonishing account of Saroo Brierley – as a very young child Saroo falls asleep on a train in rural India and suddenly finds himself lost and alone in Calcutta. Forced to fend for himself, he eventually gets transferred to an orphanage, but no one is able to help him find his family. Eventually he starts a new life in Australia, but he goes through great pains to recall the few memories of his life in India, and eventually he uses these memories to relocate his village after years of searching online. The story is truly astounding and will engage readers of all ages. The language is simple, almost stilted at times, but the book has some content that may be objectionable for younger audiences.

To look out for 

• Islamic Values: Saroo’s mother is a Hindu and his father a Muslim. He remembers that his father was violent and married a second wife. On one occasion he throws a stone at his wife’s forehead. He recalls that he was circumcised at the age of 3 by force, but the procedure is not described.
• Romance: As an adult in Australia, Saroo mentions that he had a number of girlfriends and that he moved out to live with them. He also goes through a period in high school where he drinks and spends time in bars. Details are not mentioned here or about his relationships.
• Violence: Saroo spends a dangerous few weeks living alone in the railway station in India as a very young child. He almost drowns, gets abducted, gets into a fight with older boys who are smoking, and sees dead bodies.