Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.

A must read. The book answered the questions my husband and I had after watching the movie. Thank you Saroo for taking your journey and including all of us with you.

23 people found this helpful

Hard book to rate... 3 or 4?

"A long way home" is the straightforward telling of Saroo's experiences as a 5 year old stranded on a moving train, being lost in Calcutta and eventually being adopted and taken to Tasmania by new parents. As an adult using childhood memories and Google Earth he eventually figures out where in India his childhood home was located. The actual events as they happened are amazing, however... the writing style and reading of the book are average at best and at times irritating. I should probably have ranked it a 3, but I simply enjoyed the story...
This would make a great family movie and has been briefly depicted in a 28 minute video available on Youtube and produced by "60 Minutes." I watched this after reading the book and enjoyed seeing Saroo, his family and the locations where the book took place.

94 people found this helpful

Little Boy Lost . . . in India

An amazing tale of a five year old boy . . . lost in a country that to most of us is very strange, cruel and sad . . . having said that, a place also where family is valued above almost all else . . . sacrifices are made there that most people cannot even fathom . . . children caring for children . . . a poverty so far reaching, corruption wide spread that it seems hopeless . . . but Saroo, in a miraculous feat, that can only be a "God thing" lost in Calcutta, India, adopted by parents in Australia and eventually reunited with his birth mother and siblings back in India . . . his years growing up in Australia gave him what a life in his home country of India never could, an education, a stable home life, and a sense of worth . . . I enjoyed this story, which many will say is filled with "coincidences" . . . I fully believe they came from the hand of a merciful God with a specific purpose for Saroo and his Australian and Indian families . . . laid out in perfect detail with truly impeccable timing . . . I pray that Saroo and his loved ones come to know the architect of the plan as He continues to bless them . . . great story . . .

28 people found this helpful

Unexpectedly Great!

Loved the story plus narration, and going to see the movie this weekend. A frightening journey for this five-year-old Indian boy, but at the same time, highlights his determination and perseverance to finally meet his biological family.

10 people found this helpful

A Life Unfolds! Amazing Narration - MUST LISTEN!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is a MUST LISTEN! The story in itself is simply unbelievable...a young child gets lost on a train in India and it's about how the turn of events takes his life across India and onwards. The story is written and narrated beautifully, the voice of the narrator is perfect. I would highly recommend this story because it's true and speaks of the strength, endurance and will of a young 4 year old child as he gets lost, realizes it and then pushes past obstacles through instinct and saves his life many times. This book has reminded me about how instinct and will is present in all of us from a young age and sometimes we ignore it as adults. Saroo Brierley - I m so glad you shared your story - it's left a deep impact on my life and has encouraged me to look into reaching out to organizations in India who work with children.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Long Way Home?

For me the most memorable moment is when Saroo is clicking on google earth and discovers the water tank, then follows a few more landmarks of his memory. Also, the moment when he walks the streets of his childhood and then finds himself in front of his front door and when he comes face to face with his mother.

What about Vikas Adam’s performance did you like?

I absolutely loved this narrator. I actually thought it was the author Saroo himself who narrated the book because of the care and attention to the way it was narrated. The narrator takes you right to each piece of the puzzle as Saroo shares his childhood experiences, goes to the train station and boards a train which takes him away from his home for a long time. Vikas Adam has eloquently narrated the story with emotion and tone. This is a must listen!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, this book made me cry. The sheer thought of a child being alone, lost and helpless in this way at such a young age was much to bear. It made me think to stop and be aware of my surroundings at all times just in case I've passed by a child who may need help. Everybody should read this book to remind ourselves that we are all human and need to behave like human beings towards each other. Saroo Brierley - thank you for sharing your story.

Any additional comments?

Saroo Brierley your story has left a deep impact. Thank you for sharing this extremely life story of yours which at times was happy, at times was sad but overall I think has had a wonderful journey to share. It has taught me so much about human life and about how we need to reach out.

19 people found this helpful

Enjoyed the Journey

Would you listen to A Long Way Home again? Why?

Great story. I learned about India, about adoption, bonds of love between mother and son. I continued to think about these people for weeks after I had finished the book.

39 people found this helpful

Nicely done!

This book is a wonderful story, easy to follow, interesting and heart breaking. It was easy to bond with the character and to feel his pain and yet admire his determination. I didn't want to finish it and immediately started to look for other similar books. Well worth one's time!

13 people found this helpful

Amazing Story

Saroo's story is amazing from start to finish. Even after listening to it I still have a hard time accepting the fact that a little 5 year old boy went on this journey and survived. Although it was obvious how the book was going to turn out with him finding his hometown, I am pleased to say that his story delivers even a little bit more. It really moved me when he wrote that his mother stayed in the same general area for her entire life with the hopes that he would one day return and have an easy way of finding her because of it. Moreover, as a man who strongly believes in family, I have much respect for Saroo, as he has seen to it that his mother is provided for and his family as well. I don't want to give away too much, but what transpires with both his families after he has found his home in India is very heartwarming. Excellent narration. The book itself was well written. I wish the author long life and happiness and I am grateful that I have been able to share in this incredible story.

23 people found this helpful

Good, but repetitive.

Would you try another book from Saroo Brierley and/or Vikas Adam?

I believe this story is a unique memoir and therefore interesting. It is not however, incredibly well written and therefore I don't think I would read another book from Saroo Brierley and/or Vikas Adam.

What did you like best about this story?

The uniqueness of this story is what I liked best. We can all learn from memoirs and make text to self connections. I also enjoyed the happiness of this story.

39 people found this helpful

Wonderful read - loved the audiobook.

I loved this book. Saroo not only has a fascinating and uplifting story to tell, but also is a great storyteller from start to finish. The narrator did a wonderful job of conveying the nuances of Saroo's emotional journey. I highly recommend this book!

15 people found this helpful