Mandalay's Child

by Prem Sharma

Taking a page from his own life as a youngster, the author tells the story of Dr. Devi Lal, fleeing Burma as the Japanese invade with his family. They must leave behind their prosperous and happy life to traverse the mountains leading into India on foot, taking nothing with them. When they settle in western India they begin to rebuild their lives. But then the India/Pakistan divide occurs and they are Hindus in Muslim territory. Follow this family as they try to survive, stay true to their love of people of all faiths, and carve a new life in their changing world. Foreword Magazine says this book is "...extremely moving, a skilled storyteller combining suspense, coming-of-age themes and spirituality. The narrrative is compelling."

Genres: Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1999

Reviews

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author brought me right into Mandalay as it was before the violent horror of WW2 devastated the city. Life in Burma under British domination wasn't what the Burmese wanted, but it was nearly picture perfect compared to what it became. We feel this time of history through the eyes of the family of Devi Lal. The harrowing escape from Burma, relocation to the Punjab in India and the partition atrocities at independence were vividly written. History is so interwoven and complex. Prem Sharma makes it understandable. One by one the characters we care about suffer and then suffer even more as the horror catches them and their lives end. All except ....... There was a bit of magic. This is a novel after all. The writing isn't a literary masterpiece per se, but telling the complex history in an unforgettable way makes Mandalay's Child a compelling read. It was well worth staying up past 2 A.M. turning the pages of just one more chapter after another. There is happiness at the end, just not what any of the characters could have imagined

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story that helps the reader understand the culture and history of Burma, India, and Pakistan. Truly outstanding fiction.