What do you think?
Rate this book
Assam and Darjeeling
When their mother is lost in a terrible car crash, two children set out to bring her back from the Underworld -- a nightmare place populated by remnants from old mythologies, defunct pantheons, and forgotten folklore.
Along the way, the children discover that they cannot rescue their mother without rescuing themselves first.
Sometimes frightening, sometimes funny, and often heartbreaking, "Assam and Darjeeling" tells the story of a brother and sister who have to go through hell together in order to learn the true meaning of family.
Along the way, the children discover that they cannot rescue their mother without rescuing themselves first.
Sometimes frightening, sometimes funny, and often heartbreaking, "Assam and Darjeeling" tells the story of a brother and sister who have to go through hell together in order to learn the true meaning of family.
402 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2010
3 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Camp
4 books34 followersAs a child, T.M. Camp spent most of his time in a dreamworld. These days, he spends most of his time trying to get other people to join him there.
He is the author of the novels "Assam & Darjeeling", "Matters of Mortology", "The Cradle", and "The Red Boy".
T.M. lives in Michigan with his excellent, lovely wife and an indeterminate number of cats and children of variable age and intelligence.
In all of his work, T.M. explores boundaries — The boundaries between worlds… the boundaries between the physical and the supernatural… the boundaries between people… and the boundaries within ourselves.
He is the author of the novels "Assam & Darjeeling", "Matters of Mortology", "The Cradle", and "The Red Boy".
T.M. lives in Michigan with his excellent, lovely wife and an indeterminate number of cats and children of variable age and intelligence.
In all of his work, T.M. explores boundaries — The boundaries between worlds… the boundaries between the physical and the supernatural… the boundaries between people… and the boundaries within ourselves.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 25, 2024
You have to think well of an author who acknowledges his debts to Dante Alighieri and the Brothers Grimm. While it is true that "Assam and Darjeeling" is suffused with those literary spirits, not to mention L. Frank Baum, "Touched by an Angel," and a Greek myth or two, the quest at its heart is also an original and perceptive look at relationships, especially relationships between brothers and sisters.
T.M. Camp takes his time revealing the true names of the children who give themselves improvised aliases when a horrific car accident deposits them into a strange world where it seems prudent to travel incognito. The boy Assam and the girl Darjeeling meet challenges separately and together, gradually learning more about each other and about what it means to be human.
Camp has a deceptvely simple style; he's one of those writers who can say a lot even with ornament-free prose. All three major sections of the novel make intelligent use of shifting points of view and short chapters. The only thing I did not like about the book is that some of what happens to Assam and Darjeeling feels like homage to writers who have gone before, rather than the inevitable consequence of choices made by Camp or his characters. Most loose ends are tied up as neatly as you please by the time the story reaches its poignant end, but Camp never explains why pomegranate seeds can be sinister.
Assam and Darjeeling will not displace Alexander Key's less ambitious yet still affecting Escape to Witch Mountain as my favorite brother-and-sister-in-peril story, but it is a grown-up and thought-provoking novel worthy of the fast company to which it aspires.
T.M. Camp takes his time revealing the true names of the children who give themselves improvised aliases when a horrific car accident deposits them into a strange world where it seems prudent to travel incognito. The boy Assam and the girl Darjeeling meet challenges separately and together, gradually learning more about each other and about what it means to be human.
Camp has a deceptvely simple style; he's one of those writers who can say a lot even with ornament-free prose. All three major sections of the novel make intelligent use of shifting points of view and short chapters. The only thing I did not like about the book is that some of what happens to Assam and Darjeeling feels like homage to writers who have gone before, rather than the inevitable consequence of choices made by Camp or his characters. Most loose ends are tied up as neatly as you please by the time the story reaches its poignant end, but Camp never explains why pomegranate seeds can be sinister.
Assam and Darjeeling will not displace Alexander Key's less ambitious yet still affecting Escape to Witch Mountain as my favorite brother-and-sister-in-peril story, but it is a grown-up and thought-provoking novel worthy of the fast company to which it aspires.
November 13, 2011
I won this book here on Goodreads, otherwise, I don't think i would have read it. But I am glad I did! I did not know what to expect but it was certainly not this! You never will be prepared for what comes next and you will fall in love with the characters! The way the book is written, it is hard to put it in any category. It has a bit for every interest. From young adult to mythology...from drama to humor...You should read this book..it is not a waste of your time!
August 29, 2013
I loved this book! It was such a wonderful tale of two sibling's journey through the underworld to save their mother. The story is beautifully told with so many wonderful characters! I especially loved the interactions between the brother and sister. TM Camp is a wonderful author with a bright future ahead of him. I recommend this book to people all the time.
April 5, 2013
A wonderful and poignant read. T. M. Camp has a great imagination that translates well into the story of loss and the journey that the protagonists must make to find closure. This author is one to watch. He's got storytelling chops.
December 9, 2011
I won this novel (a signed copy!) as a first reads giveaway on Goodreads. The novel blew me away with its creativity. It tells the story of two children who must venture into the Underworld to find their mother after all three are badly injured in a car wreck. The novel is a skillful blend of Greek mythology and Alice in Wonderland/Chronicles of Narnia type journey. The children, who dare not reveal their real names, go by Assam and Darjeeling. Along the way, they have tea with Persophone, escape from a fox, and warily accept the help of a shady boy who died during the Black Plague. This would have been an interesting book to discuss in a college course I took on American religious traditions since it explores life after death in an inventive way, capturing multiple religious traditions.
This novel had an uneasy, eerie tone throughout that generally made me uncomfortable, which is a testament to Camp's ability to create a convincing tone in his novel. I appreciated the author's depiction of the siblings; I think he accurately portrays a sibling's ability to inspire both irritation and affection in the same breath. The ending of the novel deeply upset me, but I do not think the novel could have been concluded, or would have been as powerful, with any other ending. My only criticism was that it was a tad long. I was really ready for the children's journey to be over already by the end. Otherwise, an unusual and imaginative read that made me consider the afterlife in a new way.
This novel had an uneasy, eerie tone throughout that generally made me uncomfortable, which is a testament to Camp's ability to create a convincing tone in his novel. I appreciated the author's depiction of the siblings; I think he accurately portrays a sibling's ability to inspire both irritation and affection in the same breath. The ending of the novel deeply upset me, but I do not think the novel could have been concluded, or would have been as powerful, with any other ending. My only criticism was that it was a tad long. I was really ready for the children's journey to be over already by the end. Otherwise, an unusual and imaginative read that made me consider the afterlife in a new way.
November 1, 2011
#51 - 2010.
If there is any justice in this world, then this book will become a classic. I was enchanted by it when listening to T.M. Camp's audio version on iTunes (want a sample? go listen.)
Picking up the published version, I was afraid that the story wouldn't hold up to what I remembered. I need not have feared. The printed version is superior, in fact, because the eye can linger over the beautifully written phrases, which add a depth that the ear doesn't convey in quite the same way.
A masterful and nuanced book, Assam & Darjeeling is the story of a quest straight into legendary, mythological landscape. Two children’s efforts to save their mother serves as a lens through which we see pure love, redemption, and sacrifice. (For my complete review, go to SFFaudio.
Highest recommendation.
REREADING NOTE: Going to reread this for the Elements of Faith group. It is the November book.
3rd time reading and it still got to me. It's just that good.
If there is any justice in this world, then this book will become a classic. I was enchanted by it when listening to T.M. Camp's audio version on iTunes (want a sample? go listen.)
Picking up the published version, I was afraid that the story wouldn't hold up to what I remembered. I need not have feared. The printed version is superior, in fact, because the eye can linger over the beautifully written phrases, which add a depth that the ear doesn't convey in quite the same way.
A masterful and nuanced book, Assam & Darjeeling is the story of a quest straight into legendary, mythological landscape. Two children’s efforts to save their mother serves as a lens through which we see pure love, redemption, and sacrifice. (For my complete review, go to SFFaudio.
Highest recommendation.
REREADING NOTE: Going to reread this for the Elements of Faith group. It is the November book.
3rd time reading and it still got to me. It's just that good.
February 26, 2011
Fantastic. I was surprised by the ending, I enjoy that the writer stuck with the rules of the world that he first established. They didn't suddenly find an easier way. I think a lot of writers do this and it seems like a cop out to me. They will state a problem and say something like there is no way around this then miraculously the characters will find a secret weapon that solves of of their problems. I loved the journey down the river, so many monsters, and oddities it was fabulous. Then when they finally find the mother, I really like the psychological trap the woman creates and her eternal loop to punish herself. I enjoyed the conflict there. Also I completely love the five minutes Edgar chooses, it was surprising, I thought for sure he would have used it to trick the kids into forgetting why they where in the underworld. But what he uses it for is amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2015
Haunting, funny, terrifying, heart-breaking. All words I'd use to describe "Assam and Darjeeling," the story of two siblings travelling the Underworld in search of their mother after a terrible car crash leaves their mortality in jeopardy.
The book is beautifully written with colorful characters and a twisty plot. The only thing that drove me a bit crazy was the author's constant (an I do mean CONSTANT) use of the phrase "I have no idea." Not that it's a bad phrase. It's just that EVERYONE in the book says it. A lot. You could make a drinking game out of it. I'm seriously tempted to go through and count how many times it's said.
The book is beautifully written with colorful characters and a twisty plot. The only thing that drove me a bit crazy was the author's constant (an I do mean CONSTANT) use of the phrase "I have no idea." Not that it's a bad phrase. It's just that EVERYONE in the book says it. A lot. You could make a drinking game out of it. I'm seriously tempted to go through and count how many times it's said.
October 24, 2011
Warning to everyone: It's a thick read. Small font, larger than usual size. Just a warning.
I'm sure other people would enjoy it, but I had difficulties. Such as... I couldn't tell how old the kids were again. Sometimes they seemed barely old enough to talk, sometimes their thinking was like a teenager's... And I got to around Chapter Eight and still didn't know their names. So, yeah, not my cup o' tea, but thanks for the free book, Mr. Camp, and I'll be sure to send it along to someone who would appreciate it.
I'm sure other people would enjoy it, but I had difficulties. Such as... I couldn't tell how old the kids were again. Sometimes they seemed barely old enough to talk, sometimes their thinking was like a teenager's... And I got to around Chapter Eight and still didn't know their names. So, yeah, not my cup o' tea, but thanks for the free book, Mr. Camp, and I'll be sure to send it along to someone who would appreciate it.
March 31, 2019
The first podiobook I ever listened to, this story holds a special place in my heart. It's amazingly well written, and held my attention through all four books. I recommend this one to everyone I meet.
December 6, 2010
Great book that has something for everyone - comedy, adventure, and drama. This one does not end like you think it will.
June 18, 2012
I really enjoyed this book in podcast format, and I look forward to exploring it's depths again in in hard copy.
July 7, 2017
Loved it🤘🏻
October 26, 2018
This book set my imagination on fire!
April 4, 2011
This book is definitely in my top ten. And that is saying something.
July 19, 2024
Dante. Orpheus. Grimm. Camp takes dashes, nibbles, and chunks from a lot of different sources to provide an underworld that still seems fresh and exciting. Two children on a mission to find their mother in Pluto's realm after a car crash that threatens to turn fatal. They take false names to protect themselves, to shield themselves from the notice of hostile forces. Occasionally the kids seem a lot more lucid and sophisticated than their ages would suggest, but they're still endearing and have more depth than Dante did in his journeys. The copyediting could have used another run through--misplaced letters and words, misspellings, and the occasional homophone kept rudely jolting me out of the story.
June 15, 2022
Quite an adventure with a bittersweet experience, loved it.
March 28, 2012
This is a case of "don't judge a book by its cover". Having read the book, I understand the significance of the pomegrant, but it makes for a rather unattractive cover. If I kept reading the summary, and not seeing the cover, I might have read this a long time ago.
The story itself is well worth a read. It is sad, sombre and serious, and yet humour still shows through in some spots. This humour mostly shows during the interactions between the siblings.
The book starts with a boy and girl who aren't named until well into the book. This lack of naming really helps to highlight the power of names, which is one of the themes of the book. The story follows Assam and Darjeeling (the names the boy and girl give themselves) as they search for their mother in the Underworld. They have adventures, both good and bad along the way. It was interesting to see how each encounter developed and occurred.
Both Assam and Darjeeling grow and mature as the story progresses. It is a slow growth, but still very visible. It was subtle and yet profound.
As the end neared, I was able to guess what would happen, but that didn't make the emotional punch of it any less forceful.
Overall, this was a rich and intriguing story. The "bad guy" was scary and his story was unexpected. There are emotional punches scattered throughout the story, along with giggles and gasps. Overall, I'd definitely recommend checking it out.
The story itself is well worth a read. It is sad, sombre and serious, and yet humour still shows through in some spots. This humour mostly shows during the interactions between the siblings.
The book starts with a boy and girl who aren't named until well into the book. This lack of naming really helps to highlight the power of names, which is one of the themes of the book. The story follows Assam and Darjeeling (the names the boy and girl give themselves) as they search for their mother in the Underworld. They have adventures, both good and bad along the way. It was interesting to see how each encounter developed and occurred.
Both Assam and Darjeeling grow and mature as the story progresses. It is a slow growth, but still very visible. It was subtle and yet profound.
As the end neared, I was able to guess what would happen, but that didn't make the emotional punch of it any less forceful.
Overall, this was a rich and intriguing story. The "bad guy" was scary and his story was unexpected. There are emotional punches scattered throughout the story, along with giggles and gasps. Overall, I'd definitely recommend checking it out.
April 22, 2012
Wonderful book. Serious, mysterious, sad, and then magical, playful, funny...The story is all these things and more. Wandering through the Underworld in search of their mother, a brother and young sister stumble upon bizarre characters, some with gentle words of wisdom, and many with evil intentions. Some are reminiscent of old mythologies and fairy tales and are all too real in the siblings' Underworld quest. The story also has a strong anchor in the real world and is very believable. I definitely recommend this book!
February 4, 2013
When I first started reading this, I explained it is a luminous nightmare, and I think that's still the best way to describe this book. It takes the reader on a journey through the underworld with a brother and sister, and we meet dark and twisted characters. It's a story of fears and loss and redemption. The writing disappears when you read it and you see the scenes in your mind. I thought this was a great adventure, at once dark and sad and compelling. A haunting read.
February 1, 2012
Overall an okay read - Alice in Wonderland meets the movie version of Richard Matheson's What Dreams May Come. In fact, the more I read this book, the more the elements reminded me of the movie. Had it seemed more original, I may have given it 4 stars.
February 3, 2012
What a beautiful,wondrous story. More review to come...
January 22, 2013
Beautiful and poignant.
April 29, 2012
Great book!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews