Soon to be a major motion picture starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara, this #1 international best-seller tells the miraculous and triumphant story of a young man who rediscovers not only his childhood life and home…but an identity long-since left behind.“Amazing stuff.” –The New York Post“So incredible that sometimes it reads like a work of fiction.” –Winnipeg Free Press (Canada)… of fiction.” –Winnipeg Free Press (Canada)
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.
Lion 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.
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I am in awe of this little boy (now a man) who was able to find his way in the most deplorable of conditions; amidst the unpredictability of life in the streets of India and still remain full of hope and love. I have a grandson who is the age of the author when this journey began, and it is unfathomable to think of him in those circumstances, as brilliant as he is. I am not sure I could have endured at my age now. A beautifully written story, and such a worthwhile read. Truly amazing!
An absolutely amazing story, which was written in a captivating story. I was cheering for Saroo the whole story, and couldn’t wait to see how his story turned out.
I love this book. Me and My mom say the movie and I love it.
This is one of those books that you remember and think about long after you read it!
I did not see the movie but was moved by the events in the book.
I watched the movie “Lion” and was so inspired by the story that I had to read the book as well. I was glad to have read the book as there were details in it that were not included in the movie. I watched the movie after finishing the book and upon watching it the second time felt that the movie was better than the book. This is something that I rarely get the chance to say. I think it was because the movie did a better job of taking you through the emotional journey and made it easier to visualize a world that is so different from the one that I have known. Watch the movie. Then if you want to know more details (as I did) read the book. Be inspired.
You will not be able to put this book down until the last page.
Wonderful true story.
The true story of a five year old boy separated from his impoverished family in India, being raised by a wonderful Australian couple, and as an adult finally finding his Indian family again. Couldn’t put it down.
This story is moving and emotional.
I kept waiting for it to get as good as the review, it never did. Would not recommend.
great true story
Loved the book and loved the movie. Saw the movie first so I could easily picture the characters. I enjoyed reading the book even though I knew the ending.
FABULOUS…I read it a few years ago (it was originally titled ‘long way home’, I think. As I was reading it I told my husband–‘they oughta make a movie of this’, AND THEY DID!! BEST BOOK
I saw the movie first. I knew the book just had to be an even more amazing and in depth reveal of what Saroo experienced. It reads as easy as a novel but it’s a true story! When I think of one of my children being lost at five, I cannot imagine how they could survive it. And yet Saroo did survive. His adoptive family are an amazing couple as well. His story still haunts me, like the music in the movie. Read his story.
Beautiful.
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time you try to put it down but say just 2 more pages then its 16 pages later and you still can’t stop reading.
Simply written but fascinating account of the author’s efforts to locate his birth family. Great description of his childhood memories, life in India.
Incredible story, and a miracle that he survived. Well written, with great insight into his thoughts, issues, and personality throughout his life. A page turner in that you knew he would survive, but wanted to know how he found his family.
What an amazing story – how a young boy survived the streets of Kolkota, ended up in Australia, and finally found his original family. A clash of cultures, and an interesting outcome. I’d like to see the movie, see how it all came together on screen.