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Now or Never: A Dunkirk Story
Abandoning his home in India to become part of Company 32, Private Fazal Khan is proud to be supporting the British in World War Two. But as events in France take a turn for the worse, the frightening journey to the evacuation zone in Dunkirk becomes nothing compared to the betrayal he and his comrades face at the point of rescue.
Why should a boy from India show loyalty to people who don't all see him as their equal?
VOICES – a series of gripping adventures that reflect the authentic, unsung stories of our past.
Why should a boy from India show loyalty to people who don't all see him as their equal?
VOICES – a series of gripping adventures that reflect the authentic, unsung stories of our past.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2019
10 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Bali Rai
80 books73 followersBali Rai was born in 1971 and grew up in Leicester. As a child, Bali wanted to be a footballer or to write stories. Always an avid reader, he hails Sue Townsend, Douglas Adams and Robert Swindells as his writing heroes. Bali grew up reading Dr Seuss and Meg and Mog and his first book purchase was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He realised he wasn't good enough to play for Liverpool F.C. and after gaining a politics degree in London he returned to his home city and combined a variety of jobs in pubs and clubs with completing his first novel. Bali set about writing a story he had been thinking about for many years. He wanted to write accessible material for children of all ages and backgrounds and realising there were no British Asian authors writing for children, he saw a gap. Bali hopes his novels capture the unique ethnic mix of the UK, of which he is proud to be a part.
Bali writes stories inspired by his working class Punjabi/Sikh background, but his aim was always that his writing should be enjoyed by readers everywhere, irrespective of class or culture. His has the ability to tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the UK and blend this with humour and often a overriding optimism. Bali visits schools and libraries in every major UK city, averaging 70 school and library events a year.
His first book, (un)arranged marriage, created a huge amount of interest and won many awards, including the Angus Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase first novel award. Rani and Sukh and The Whisper were both shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize.
All of Bali’s teen titles have been short-listed for awards across the UK, including twice making the Booktrust Teenage Prize shortlist. His third novel Rani and Sukh has represented the UK at the International IBBY awards and this title has its own Facebook tribute group set up by fans. Bali’s first three novels appear in The Ultimate Teenage Book Guide. Bali also writes shorter novels for Barrington Stoke, his first book, Dream On, was selected for the Booktrust’s inaugural Booked Up list. He also writes the hugely popular Soccer Squad series for younger readers.
Bali writes stories inspired by his working class Punjabi/Sikh background, but his aim was always that his writing should be enjoyed by readers everywhere, irrespective of class or culture. His has the ability to tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the UK and blend this with humour and often a overriding optimism. Bali visits schools and libraries in every major UK city, averaging 70 school and library events a year.
His first book, (un)arranged marriage, created a huge amount of interest and won many awards, including the Angus Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase first novel award. Rani and Sukh and The Whisper were both shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize.
All of Bali’s teen titles have been short-listed for awards across the UK, including twice making the Booktrust Teenage Prize shortlist. His third novel Rani and Sukh has represented the UK at the International IBBY awards and this title has its own Facebook tribute group set up by fans. Bali’s first three novels appear in The Ultimate Teenage Book Guide. Bali also writes shorter novels for Barrington Stoke, his first book, Dream On, was selected for the Booktrust’s inaugural Booked Up list. He also writes the hugely popular Soccer Squad series for younger readers.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 31, 2019
I picked this up from our Book Fair at school to add to the library and couldn't resist reading it myself. I have only read one previous book by Bali Rai but it was enough to make me want to seek out more from this author. I was also fascinated by the fact that this book looks at an important part of history and the marginalised people who played such an important role in the British war effort - soldiers from India who brought supplies and then were denied evacuation at Dunkirk.
When visiting the Royal Pavilion at Brighton I saw pictures of Indian servicemen who had been housed there to convalesce during the war, but I am shocked by how little attention they are given in traditional textbooks.
This should be as essential addition to any selection of books about the Second World War, particularly in schools.
When visiting the Royal Pavilion at Brighton I saw pictures of Indian servicemen who had been housed there to convalesce during the war, but I am shocked by how little attention they are given in traditional textbooks.
This should be as essential addition to any selection of books about the Second World War, particularly in schools.
July 14, 2019
This book tells the largely unknown story of the role that non-White soldiers played during the evacuation at Dunkirk. If you teach WWII in year 6 please consider using this as a class book.
March 10, 2021
The book is about Private Fazal Khan, a member of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps, and his journey to Dunkirk is an enlightening but depressing tale. He, his company and their soldiers, under the leadership of the wonderful Captain Ashdown, a journey across France, facing one of the worst winters on record and the constant terror of German airstrikes, not to fight but to flee. However, despite the awful circumstances of that first year of the Second World War, but there are incredible moments in this brilliant book. Fazal also has flashbacks to the time when he was a child. The flashbacks also show the lessons that he learnt from his grandfather, and it come in handy as he deals with death and destruction at the hands of an enemy. There is, however, a realistic description of prejudice and discrimination coming from the British government. But in addition, there are some lovely moments where Fazal and his best friend Mush get the opportunity to teach the British soldiers a little more about the culture and religion (both are Muslims) giving this story a spiritual backbone that isn't always found in children's books. This is a frightening story, one which doesn't avoid the horrors of the war. This is suitable for 6 year olds and above. I give it 5/5!
October 25, 2019
A really moving read. It’s great to read about WWII from the point of view of a non- white British solider. There are many cross curricular activities to be achieved through the use of this novel. I would really recommend this book to read.
November 11, 2021
Hard to put stars on this book because it’s one of those stories that *has to be told*…. And the fact that this is a true story, and is a tale of honour, duty, pride, and humanity amidst slaughter and racism means that younger readers will be reading a tale which is enlightening.
But. And here’s the but. It’s very matter of fact. The story is told rather than crafted; having come from “the last paper crane” which grabbed my emotions, this is… just a telling.
What stands out is the character of Captain John Ashdowne, father of Lord Paddy the politician. A man who has loyalty to his troops to the extent that he go against an unjust order so that they can be rescued at Dunkirk, he js contrasted with other officers and NCOs who have less positive views.
Worth reading, worth discussing, and worth reflecting whether our attitudes have changed in 80 years.
But. And here’s the but. It’s very matter of fact. The story is told rather than crafted; having come from “the last paper crane” which grabbed my emotions, this is… just a telling.
What stands out is the character of Captain John Ashdowne, father of Lord Paddy the politician. A man who has loyalty to his troops to the extent that he go against an unjust order so that they can be rescued at Dunkirk, he js contrasted with other officers and NCOs who have less positive views.
Worth reading, worth discussing, and worth reflecting whether our attitudes have changed in 80 years.
March 19, 2020
Finished this a few days ago but goodreads kept glitching so only been able to add the review just now.
There were some elements of this story I really enjoyed- I can confirm as someone who works with the military that the banter between the soldiers is, sadly, very real. At the same token the solidarity between the soldiers is also very real.
I liked the main character and thought he was presented well.
Overall though I did get a bit bored later kn in the story and lost the thread of what was happening but that does happen to me often in war books!
There were some elements of this story I really enjoyed- I can confirm as someone who works with the military that the banter between the soldiers is, sadly, very real. At the same token the solidarity between the soldiers is also very real.
I liked the main character and thought he was presented well.
Overall though I did get a bit bored later kn in the story and lost the thread of what was happening but that does happen to me often in war books!
July 22, 2020
This book was fantastic; a must read for anyone teaching or studying the Second World War. Too often are narratives of British history white washed and it’s so important that authors are sharing such stories. Also, it was absolutely beautifully written. Private Kahn was a really kind-hearted protagonist who children would instantly click with. I’ll definitely be getting my school to fund a class set.
August 16, 2020
I very much enjoyed this book told from the perspective of Fazal Khan, a private from Company 32 of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps. Though these brave men were brought from India to fight for Britain in a war in which they had no part in starting, they were given no weapons to fight or defend themselves with, faced racism and bigotry from their own troops but still fought bravely for the cause. This inspiring story was brilliantly written and such a good read.
January 9, 2021
A great read for KS3 or US Middle School as part of the Voices series endeavoring to tell little-remembered stories of experiences of BAME members of society and history. This tells of the Muleteers at Dunkirk and the brave man who insisted they be returned with the all the other British and Empire soldiers.
Nicely told and authentically presented.
Nicely told and authentically presented.
July 26, 2020
An excellent story as part of the 'voices' series. This is very honest and needs to be shared with children in schools. I will be adding this to our classroom. Bali Rai, is an outstanding writer and this is another one of his books I have loved.
July 27, 2020
This book really made me question my perceptions of Britain and its role in WW2. Fazal, a 15 year-old boy wants adventure and to do his duty for the Empire but does that Empire see him as an equal? Is duty a two way street? A must read for pupils studying WW2!
March 4, 2019
Excellent read. You feel like you are almost there with Private Khan.
January 14, 2020
It's a great way of helping the K-6 forces recognised for their sacrifices and betrayal, which was sadly overlooked by a mile in the Dunkirk film. I now know it's Ashdown I'll be remembering more.
January 25, 2021
Little is known of the Indian soldiers who fought for Britain during WWII. This book is an introduction to Indian contribution. I'm sure there must be many more accounts. However, this is a start!
July 9, 2022
A must read. Every classroom should have a copy 😍
March 5, 2023
A great children's book which tells a story of the second world war I never knew, regarding the contribution of the Indian service corps and their appalling betrayal by the British hierarchy.
September 30, 2020
This book is described as ‘A gripping adventure in an exciting new series reflecting the authentic, unsung stories of our past!’ It is a gripping story but I don’t see it as an adventure story because it is based on true events. It is upsetting at times and also made me feel angry too.
The main character, Private Fazal Khan, left his home in India to join the Royal Indian Army Service Corps (RIASC) and was sent to the battlefields of France in the Second World War. It was the RIASC’s job to take food, fuel and hospital supplies to troops on the front line.
Fazal and his friend Mushtaq, like the other men in Company 32 are muleteers. He cares for a group of mules who are used to transport goods. He has to do his best to keep them (& himself) alive in the middle of the war. When they are ordered to move to Dunkirk, the journey becomes even more dangerous as they are under constant attack by German airplanes.
After being ordered to leave their faithful mules behind, the men finally reach Dunkirk but their troubles are not over. Faizal believes it is his duty to serve the Army and follow orders. When new orders are issued from above, Faisal can not understand why his Captain seems so angry. Then he discovers that they have been betrayed by those in command.
Thousands of men are waiting to be rescued and no one knows what is happening. There are orders that the Indian troops must be left behind while the British Soldiers are evacuated. Luckily, their Captain John Ashdown, refuses to leave his men behind. They have to find a way to get on board a rescue boat before they can make their way to the safety of England.
I enjoyed reading this book even though it was sad at times. The way the Indian troops were treated was very unfair. I think their commanders should have been punished for trying to abandon the men that had risked their lives to help Britain
The main character, Private Fazal Khan, left his home in India to join the Royal Indian Army Service Corps (RIASC) and was sent to the battlefields of France in the Second World War. It was the RIASC’s job to take food, fuel and hospital supplies to troops on the front line.
Fazal and his friend Mushtaq, like the other men in Company 32 are muleteers. He cares for a group of mules who are used to transport goods. He has to do his best to keep them (& himself) alive in the middle of the war. When they are ordered to move to Dunkirk, the journey becomes even more dangerous as they are under constant attack by German airplanes.
After being ordered to leave their faithful mules behind, the men finally reach Dunkirk but their troubles are not over. Faizal believes it is his duty to serve the Army and follow orders. When new orders are issued from above, Faisal can not understand why his Captain seems so angry. Then he discovers that they have been betrayed by those in command.
Thousands of men are waiting to be rescued and no one knows what is happening. There are orders that the Indian troops must be left behind while the British Soldiers are evacuated. Luckily, their Captain John Ashdown, refuses to leave his men behind. They have to find a way to get on board a rescue boat before they can make their way to the safety of England.
I enjoyed reading this book even though it was sad at times. The way the Indian troops were treated was very unfair. I think their commanders should have been punished for trying to abandon the men that had risked their lives to help Britain
August 2, 2021
The contributions of Black and Asian soldiers during World War 1 and World War 2 have been long ignored, but I am so glad that more work, fiction and non-fiction, is now being published on their contributions.
This is a nice little story about the events leading up to and including Dunkirk from the perspective of muleteer Fazal who ran away at 14 from his home in India to join the army to support the British, just like his grandfather did during World War 1. It documents how Indian troops were treated differently to white British troops and their company's (white) captain was ordered to not let his troops be evacuated, an order he refused to follow. This captain is real - John Ashdown - and he was the father of the late Paddy Ashdown, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats.
However, I feel that for children to understand this story, they really need to know the events of World War II beforehand as there is no context setting. You are immediately launched into the retreat of the British soldiers and nothing is said about other events in the war.
This is a nice little story about the events leading up to and including Dunkirk from the perspective of muleteer Fazal who ran away at 14 from his home in India to join the army to support the British, just like his grandfather did during World War 1. It documents how Indian troops were treated differently to white British troops and their company's (white) captain was ordered to not let his troops be evacuated, an order he refused to follow. This captain is real - John Ashdown - and he was the father of the late Paddy Ashdown, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats.
However, I feel that for children to understand this story, they really need to know the events of World War II beforehand as there is no context setting. You are immediately launched into the retreat of the British soldiers and nothing is said about other events in the war.
May 22, 2019
Untold
A great read about the untold story of Dunkirk. The contribution of Indian soldiers and the heroism of a British soldier to try and save them.
A great read about the untold story of Dunkirk. The contribution of Indian soldiers and the heroism of a British soldier to try and save them.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews