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A Long Way Home

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Saroo Brierley

A Long Way Home

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

India • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1090L

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Super Short Summary

A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley is a 2013 memoir that recounts Saroo’s journey after he is accidentally separated from his family in India at five and later adopted by an Australian couple. Navigating his new life in Australia, Saroo eventually uses Google Earth to find his way back to his Indian hometown 25 years later and reunites with his birth family. The book covers topics including poverty and child abandonment.

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Hopeful

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

73,224 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley receives mixed reviews. Readers praise its gripping narrative and emotional depth, appreciating the author's journey from lost child to reunited son. Critics, however, note occasional pacing issues and a lack of detailed emotional introspection. Overall, it's valued for its heartfelt true story and inspirational message.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Long Way Home?

Readers who find inspiration in true stories of resilience, courage, and personal discovery will enjoy A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley. Fans of Wild by Cheryl Strayed or The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls will appreciate Brierley's journey of identity and the transformative power of memory and technology.

4.3

73,224 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Saroo Brierley

Saroo is the author and narrator who was born in Khandwa, India, and became separated from his family at age five before being adopted by Sue and John Brierley in Australia. He later embarks on a journey to find his birth family using Google Earth.

Sue is Saroo's adoptive mother, who, along with her husband John, provides a nurturing home in Tasmania. She advocates for adoption reform and believes in strong familial bonds beyond biological ties.

John is Saroo's adoptive father, a businessman who supports his family and defends them from racism. He employs Saroo and Mantosh in his industrial hose business.

Mantosh is Saroo's adoptive brother, who was also adopted by the Brierleys from India. His adoption process was more complicated than Saroo’s, highlighting challenges in international adoption.

Kamla is Saroo's birth mother, who faced hardship and loss after her husband left, raising her children alone in India. She maintains hope that Saroo is alive throughout the years.

Guddu is Saroo's older biological brother, who worked to support their family and accompanied Saroo the night they separated. His efforts to find work often took him away from home.

Kallu is Saroo's second oldest biological brother, who also worked with Guddu and later becomes a factory manager. He experiences significant family loss yet manages to attain stability.

Shekila is Saroo's younger sister, who was cared for by Saroo as a child and grows up to become a schoolteacher. She maintains a close relationship with her mother and later reunites with Saroo.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

India • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1090L

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