I’m always curious about strange and unexplained events so when I came across a headline on the Internet that read “True Stories Stranger Than Fiction,” I immediately clicked on the link. That’s how I discovered the book, A Long Way Home.
Blurb
At only five years old, Saroo Brierley got lost on a train in India. Unable to read or write or recall the name of his hometown or even his own last name, he survived alone for weeks on the rough streets of Calcutta before ultimately being transferred to an agency and adopted by a couple in Australia.
Despite his gratitude, Brierley always wondered about his origins. Eventually, with the advent of Google Earth, he had the opportunity to look for the needle in a haystack he once called home, and pore over satellite images for landmarks he might recognize or mathematical equations that might further narrow down the labyrinthine map of India. One day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for and set off to find his family.
A Long Way Home is a moving, poignant, and inspirational true story of survival and triumph against incredible odds. It celebrates the importance of never letting go of what drives the human spirit: hope.
My Review
I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but when I stumbled upon the story of Saroo Brierly and learned he had written a book, I immediately checked it out through my local library. The story didn’t disappoint.
In 1986, five-year-old Saroo lived in India along with his family—his mother, two older brothers, and a younger sister. Abandoned by their father, they lived in poverty. His mother worked hard to support her family, but there was never enough to go around, and they often went hungry. The older brothers picked up work whenever they could and Saroo was often left to care for his little sister.
Despite the hardships, they were a close family. On a rare occasion when all gathered for dinner, Saroo accompanied his older brother where they boarded a train to “Berampur.” When they got off at the station, Guddu told Saroo to wait and that “he would be back in a little while.”
Guddu never returned. Somewhat panicked (what would you expect from a five-year-old) Saroo boarded a train in hopes to find his brother or get back home. Instead, he found himself in a locked car and traveled to the city of Calcutta (now) Kolkota. There he wandered the streets for three weeks before being placed in an orphanage.
Uneducated and unable to communicate the name of his home, he was willingly placed for adoption. A couple in Australia adopted him, and he grew up in a loving home in Tasmania. He loved his “Mum and Dad,” but Saroo often wondered about his family in India. As an adult, he began a painstaking search for his hometown using Google Earth images. Twenty-five years later, he found his home and eventually his family.
A Long Way Home is a story of courage, hope, and a reminder that we should never give up our dreams.
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33 Responses
Goodness.. this sounds heartbreaking.
Heartbreaking with a good ending, Sheri.
Good to know, thank you! That can make all the difference!
Wow, Joan! This sounds like an amazing story. I can’t imagine how scared he had to be and then later to connect with his real family again.
The book contained photos of Saroo with both families. He says he’s doubly blessed.
Yes I have heard of this story. We can’t imagine our own precious little ones fending for themselves – thank goodness for orphanages. Then such an amazing story..
He was a brave little boy, but doubtful he would have lived long on those big city streets. It is an amazing story, Janet.
Oh, boy! I’m definitely adding this book to my TBR list. Thanks for the great review, Joan.
The writing flowed well and kept me interested. A lot of non-fiction books bore me but this one didn’t. It’s an eye-opener for sure. Made me realize how much we have to be thankful for in this country.
This sounded so familiar, then I saw the cover and a badge announcing it was made into a movie. That’s why it rang a bell. It’s quite a story, for sure. I haven’t read or seen it, but it sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing.
The name of the movie is “Lion,” which is the meaning of his Hindi name. I believe it’s free on Amazon Prime. Now that I’ve read the book, I’d like to watch the film.
I loved the movie and imagine the book is a great read. Thanks for sharing, Joan 🙂
I’m pretty sure the movie is on Prime. Now that I’ve finished the book, I’d like to see it. Thanks, Harmony.
I remember hearing about the film Lion and wanted to see it when it was released. The book sounds exceptional. After reading your review, I’d really like to check out the movie. What an amazing story!
I plan to watch it sometime. I think it’s available on Amazon Prime. I’d like to watch it sometime.
That’s an amazing story.
It was, Craig. I doubt I would have done as well as this little boy did.
Me either.
I meant to watch the movie and missed it. This is a great reminder to look for it. What a great story!
i found it on Prime, Judi. One of these days, I’d like to watch it.
What a heart-wrenching story, Joan. Like you, I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but I do love true stories with happy endings! Thanks for sharing!
This one did have a happy ending, Jan!
That sounds like a great story, Joan. Thanks.
It was a good one, John. Thanks!
My word, what a story, Joan. Can you imagine losing your child – it gives me chills just thinking about it. I still have nightmares that my Michael dies in the night and I often get up and check he’s breathing.
I don’t have children, but I can imagine what it would be like for a parent to lose one. Saroo’s mother refused to move from that neighborhood because she always had hope that he would one day return.
Several years ago, I dreamed one of my nieces died. It was a scary dream and one that I couldn’t shake for a long time, so I can relate to how you feel. Thanks for stopping by, Robbie.
Those sorts of dreams are very disturbing, Joan. I didn’t know you didn’t have children. That is quite a common decision these days.
I’ve heard about the movie and knew it came from a best seller. I can only imagine what he went through.
He had some pretty scary moments, but he also had a “survivor” instinct. It was a great story.
It’s amazing that he managed to find his family through Google! That’s cool!
Pretty amazing thing. He had a lot of determination (and patience).
I LOVED this book, and I believe they made a movie version of it too.
Wonderful book, Rae. And you’re right, they did make it into a movie.