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Surya Trilogy #1
The Wheel of Surya
A brother and sister's epic journey to independence spans India and England in war and peace.
India, August 1947: Fleeing from their burnt-out village as civil war rages in the Punjab, Marvinder and Jaspal are separated from their mother, Jhoti. Marvinder has already saved her brother's life once, but now they both face a daily fight for survival.
Together they escape across India and nearly halfway around the world to England, to find a father they hardly know in a new, hostile culture...
This book was runner-up for the Guardian Children's Fiction Award.
India, August 1947: Fleeing from their burnt-out village as civil war rages in the Punjab, Marvinder and Jaspal are separated from their mother, Jhoti. Marvinder has already saved her brother's life once, but now they both face a daily fight for survival.
Together they escape across India and nearly halfway around the world to England, to find a father they hardly know in a new, hostile culture...
This book was runner-up for the Guardian Children's Fiction Award.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1992
25 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Jamila Gavin
88 books65 followersJamila Gavin was born in Mussoorie, India, in the foothills of the Himalayas, to an Indian father and an English mother. Jamila has written many books with multicultural themes for children and young adults. She won the Whitbread Children’s Book Award in 2000 and was runner-up for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. Her work has been adapted for stage and television. Jamila Gavin lives in England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 3, 2023
اولین بار وقتی ۱۰-۱۲ ساله بودم با ترجمههای آقای حسین ابراهیمی (روحشان شاد) آشنا شدم. شاید سودای مترجمی از اونجا به سرم زد، چندسال بعد این رویا با خوندن کارهایی که آقای امیرمهدی حقیقت ترجمه میکردن رنگ و بوی جدی تری گرفت تا بزرگ شدم و بالاخره خودم این حس و حال بی نظیر رو تجربه کردم.
هنوزم وقتی کتاب ترجمهی خوب میخونم هیجان زده میشم. ضربان قلبم میره بالا. از فکر کردن به بازی کلماتی که مترجم راه انداخته پر از شعف میشم.
القصه، سه گانه چرخ گردون رو سال ۹۸ از شهرکتاب پاسداران خریدم. رفته بودم بخش کودک و نوجوانش تا برای یه کوچولوی دبستانی کتاب بگیرم که با دیدن اسم حسین ابراهیمی قلبم ایستاد. سه گانه چرخ گردون رو خریدم و گذاشتم تو کتابخونه شخصیم در ایران. این مدت به خاطر تمام بالا و پایین هایی از قبیل کرونا و لاک داون جهانی و دوره دکتری و مهاجرت پنجم(!!) و خلاصه تمام عجایبی که چرخ گردونِ روزگار برام خواب دیده بود فرصت نشد حتی به این سه گانه فکر کنم. انقد کتاب بزرگسال مهم انتظارمو میکشید که این ترجمه نوجوان توش هیچ بود!
اما کاش زودتر از اینها شروعش کرده بودم. کاش...
به اولین کتاب این سه گانه پنج تا ستاره تر و تمیز میدم.
روح آقای ابراهیمی هم شاد و در آرامش.
هنوزم وقتی کتاب ترجمهی خوب میخونم هیجان زده میشم. ضربان قلبم میره بالا. از فکر کردن به بازی کلماتی که مترجم راه انداخته پر از شعف میشم.
القصه، سه گانه چرخ گردون رو سال ۹۸ از شهرکتاب پاسداران خریدم. رفته بودم بخش کودک و نوجوانش تا برای یه کوچولوی دبستانی کتاب بگیرم که با دیدن اسم حسین ابراهیمی قلبم ایستاد. سه گانه چرخ گردون رو خریدم و گذاشتم تو کتابخونه شخصیم در ایران. این مدت به خاطر تمام بالا و پایین هایی از قبیل کرونا و لاک داون جهانی و دوره دکتری و مهاجرت پنجم(!!) و خلاصه تمام عجایبی که چرخ گردونِ روزگار برام خواب دیده بود فرصت نشد حتی به این سه گانه فکر کنم. انقد کتاب بزرگسال مهم انتظارمو میکشید که این ترجمه نوجوان توش هیچ بود!
اما کاش زودتر از اینها شروعش کرده بودم. کاش...
به اولین کتاب این سه گانه پنج تا ستاره تر و تمیز میدم.
روح آقای ابراهیمی هم شاد و در آرامش.
December 10, 2014
من واقعا دوسش داشتم
تو هر سنی که هستید یه بار بخونیدش
تو هر سنی که هستید یه بار بخونیدش
November 9, 2016
خب، شاید باید این حسرتو بخورم که حداقل سه سال زودتر با این کتاب آشنا نشدم
November 2, 2018
The first book in her Surya Trilogy, 'The Wheel of Surya' encompasses the era of Indian independence. Set in 1947 the story focuses primarily on the story of Jhoti and the journey her and her two children take amidst a raging civil war in India. Many hardships are faced by the trio who attempt to make their way to England to track down the children's father, they become separated from their mother, face poverty and homelessness but throughout their destitution the siblings remain unseparated.
The novel addresses many prominent issues that are prevalent throughout society, specifically with regards to religious warfare, racial discrimination and cultural divides which are all entwined with the struggles faced due to poverty and hardship.
The story provides a thorough insight into contrasting cultural values, and effectively illustrates a clear cultural divide between the social classes, the beliefs and values of different religions and depicts a contrast in the difference between Indian and English society.
At first, I found it rather difficult to get into, but after much perseverance I think it is utterly BRILLIANT! I love the way it is culturally diverse, providing a true and reflective depiction of two completely different cultures. It addresses many of the issues that are prevalent throughout the story with integrity and honesty, and deals with the key themes with an element of sensitivity.
Her description of the characters, their journey, the events that take place, the setting, they are all shrouded in detail, it is completely magical!
The novel addresses many prominent issues that are prevalent throughout society, specifically with regards to religious warfare, racial discrimination and cultural divides which are all entwined with the struggles faced due to poverty and hardship.
The story provides a thorough insight into contrasting cultural values, and effectively illustrates a clear cultural divide between the social classes, the beliefs and values of different religions and depicts a contrast in the difference between Indian and English society.
At first, I found it rather difficult to get into, but after much perseverance I think it is utterly BRILLIANT! I love the way it is culturally diverse, providing a true and reflective depiction of two completely different cultures. It addresses many of the issues that are prevalent throughout the story with integrity and honesty, and deals with the key themes with an element of sensitivity.
Her description of the characters, their journey, the events that take place, the setting, they are all shrouded in detail, it is completely magical!
March 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this young adult book based around the story of a young girl and her brother who migrate to Britain to escape the destruction of Partition. I really enjoyed the writing style and the main characters of Marvinder and Jaspal had depth and feeling. I particularly liked the first half when it was set in India as it dealt directly with the issues of colonialism. Definitely will be recommending to my pupils and anyone else interested in this period of History!
November 24, 2012
Synopsis:
There is massacre in India and war in the world. Marvinder and Jaspal live among the violence with their mother, Jhoti. Alone and faced with the contempt of her husband’s spiteful family, they wait for Govind to return. Govind, the father of the children, has gone to England where he is meant to be attaining a University degree before heading back to his family in India. But war, among other things, keeps him from returning. In the midst of destruction, when hatred and intolerance drives Jhoti and her family out of their town, they find themselves on a trek to seek out the father that never returned to them in England. It is at the train station that the children plan to leave with their mother, her humble savings and their grandmother to establish their new lives. A terrible scene separates the children from the women, however, and the kids must face the voyage alone.
Escaping death, captivation, and the threat of losing their goods, the children meet an old Muslim man who takes the place of their mother and guides them through the next part of their adventure in Bombay. The children live and learn from him until Jaspal manages to get a job working on a ship. When the time is right, the children leave the man to stow away on the ship, which is bound to England. Caught on board the ship, they are in inescapable trouble, until a familiar face recognizes them. Their remaining time on board, they suffer discrimination while they learn the ways of the British, which prepares them for their next step.
In the care of this man, a friend of their family friends, they stay in England and begin their hunt for Govind with only an outdated letter and an old address to guide them. Arriving at the address, the trio discover a location that has been destroyed by the war, as well as an old girlfriend of Govind, who helps send them in the right direction.
The next location they discover is, in fact, the home of their father, but he is not the only one there. The children are received by his other, new family, and they must all learn to accept each other.
Disappointment follows as the Jaspal and Marvinder learn that their father is not who he claimed to be. He is all they have now, though, and they must make adjustments. School proves difficult because of racial and cultural differences, and Jaspal nearly gives up until he is faced with the frightening opportunity to prove himself and to help his father out of a grim situation.
Peace is finally restored and adaptation is made, but all is not over. As a displaced survivor of his village, Govind if offered land in India. When he asks Jaspal if he wanted his land back, Jaspal answers “yes” and leads us to believe that there is a continuation to this beautiful story - a return to home and more peaceful beginnings.
Review:
In each of the three parts to this story, before the third person objective narrative begins, we are brought into the mood with quotes from the Upanishads (Hindu scriptures). I found this touch a nice way of setting the tone for each segment.
The reader is immediately brought into the action, which is clearly detailed at a fast pace from the beginning of the first page. We are introduced to interesting character at a time of turmoil, and instantly begin to understand the conflicts being suffered.
While the last portion of the book does tend to drop the excitement and pace in comparison to the first, it still manages to never get stuck on one non-climactic event for too long. It could perhaps be shortened or altered to keep the intensity of the beginning of the book, or it could remain as is, as it’s a beautiful story, regardless. It could very well be intentional that the writer changed the pace throughout the story. Perhaps the intention was to keep us feeling the same level of excitement as the main characters had throughout their journey.
This being considered a children’s book comes at a surprise to me. The subject matter is very adult and although there are children in the story, the messages the author encourages readers to consider is very mature. In addition, the tragedy seems a bit heavy for children.
I think of Conjure One “Center Of The Sun” may be a song in the soundtrack if this book had one. The subject of violins bringing peace is comparable to the symbolism of violins to Marvinder. This is an item I would have liked to see as a consistent piece throughout the story, not just in the beginning in the end. Nonetheless, this was a beautifully crafted book and a very thoughtful piece to reflect on.
Quotes I Enjoyed:
P.106 “Even the gods seemed to be engaged in their own petty power struggles.”
p. 99 “The train began to move again, very, very slowly, as if overburdened with the weight of humanity.”
There is massacre in India and war in the world. Marvinder and Jaspal live among the violence with their mother, Jhoti. Alone and faced with the contempt of her husband’s spiteful family, they wait for Govind to return. Govind, the father of the children, has gone to England where he is meant to be attaining a University degree before heading back to his family in India. But war, among other things, keeps him from returning. In the midst of destruction, when hatred and intolerance drives Jhoti and her family out of their town, they find themselves on a trek to seek out the father that never returned to them in England. It is at the train station that the children plan to leave with their mother, her humble savings and their grandmother to establish their new lives. A terrible scene separates the children from the women, however, and the kids must face the voyage alone.
Escaping death, captivation, and the threat of losing their goods, the children meet an old Muslim man who takes the place of their mother and guides them through the next part of their adventure in Bombay. The children live and learn from him until Jaspal manages to get a job working on a ship. When the time is right, the children leave the man to stow away on the ship, which is bound to England. Caught on board the ship, they are in inescapable trouble, until a familiar face recognizes them. Their remaining time on board, they suffer discrimination while they learn the ways of the British, which prepares them for their next step.
In the care of this man, a friend of their family friends, they stay in England and begin their hunt for Govind with only an outdated letter and an old address to guide them. Arriving at the address, the trio discover a location that has been destroyed by the war, as well as an old girlfriend of Govind, who helps send them in the right direction.
The next location they discover is, in fact, the home of their father, but he is not the only one there. The children are received by his other, new family, and they must all learn to accept each other.
Disappointment follows as the Jaspal and Marvinder learn that their father is not who he claimed to be. He is all they have now, though, and they must make adjustments. School proves difficult because of racial and cultural differences, and Jaspal nearly gives up until he is faced with the frightening opportunity to prove himself and to help his father out of a grim situation.
Peace is finally restored and adaptation is made, but all is not over. As a displaced survivor of his village, Govind if offered land in India. When he asks Jaspal if he wanted his land back, Jaspal answers “yes” and leads us to believe that there is a continuation to this beautiful story - a return to home and more peaceful beginnings.
Review:
In each of the three parts to this story, before the third person objective narrative begins, we are brought into the mood with quotes from the Upanishads (Hindu scriptures). I found this touch a nice way of setting the tone for each segment.
The reader is immediately brought into the action, which is clearly detailed at a fast pace from the beginning of the first page. We are introduced to interesting character at a time of turmoil, and instantly begin to understand the conflicts being suffered.
While the last portion of the book does tend to drop the excitement and pace in comparison to the first, it still manages to never get stuck on one non-climactic event for too long. It could perhaps be shortened or altered to keep the intensity of the beginning of the book, or it could remain as is, as it’s a beautiful story, regardless. It could very well be intentional that the writer changed the pace throughout the story. Perhaps the intention was to keep us feeling the same level of excitement as the main characters had throughout their journey.
This being considered a children’s book comes at a surprise to me. The subject matter is very adult and although there are children in the story, the messages the author encourages readers to consider is very mature. In addition, the tragedy seems a bit heavy for children.
I think of Conjure One “Center Of The Sun” may be a song in the soundtrack if this book had one. The subject of violins bringing peace is comparable to the symbolism of violins to Marvinder. This is an item I would have liked to see as a consistent piece throughout the story, not just in the beginning in the end. Nonetheless, this was a beautifully crafted book and a very thoughtful piece to reflect on.
Quotes I Enjoyed:
P.106 “Even the gods seemed to be engaged in their own petty power struggles.”
p. 99 “The train began to move again, very, very slowly, as if overburdened with the weight of humanity.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 5, 2013من حقیقتاً متاسف م که بدونِ این که این مجموعه رو دوباره بخونم، بخشیدمش به دخترخالهم.
اوّل راهنمایی بودم که خوندمش. و انقـدر تحتِ تاثیرش قرار گرفتم که تا سوّم راهنمایی هفت-هشت بار دورهش کردم. انقدر یعنی!
بعد کمکم یادم رفته همهچیش دیگه؛ فقط یه سری تصویر ازش مونده برام. مثلاً صحنهی غرق شدنِ گریس و رالف؛ موهای فرفری قرمز اون دختره -کتی؟ کاتلین؟- ؛ ...
الان هم جرئت نمیکنم بهش ستاره بدم. باید دوباره بخونمشون.
اوّل راهنمایی بودم که خوندمش. و انقـدر تحتِ تاثیرش قرار گرفتم که تا سوّم راهنمایی هفت-هشت بار دورهش کردم. انقدر یعنی!
بعد کمکم یادم رفته همهچیش دیگه؛ فقط یه سری تصویر ازش مونده برام. مثلاً صحنهی غرق شدنِ گریس و رالف؛ موهای فرفری قرمز اون دختره -کتی؟ کاتلین؟- ؛ ...
الان هم جرئت نمیکنم بهش ستاره بدم. باید دوباره بخونمشون.
March 17, 2014
So I read this book when I was about 12, and I remember - quite vaguely - the story, but couldn't remember what it was called. Having just come across the name written down, I have finally been able to find it again! I remember not finding it terribly easy to read, but knowing my tastes better now I'm not all that surprised by that.
August 10, 2020
وای، من عاشق این مجموعه بودم توی دوران راهنماییم. و واقعا هنوز هم به نظرم کتاب قشنگیه، ولی باید توی همون زمان خونده بشه به نظرم. معمولا کتابهای نوجوان هیجانانگیزند، یا امیدبخش، ولی این مجموعه دقیقا تعریف واژهی زیبا بود. شاید علاقهی همیشگی من به هند و ویالون هم یک تاثیری داشته باشه، ولی در هر صورت واقعا خوشحالم که خوندمش توی چهارده سالگیم. مخصوصا این که دیگه چیزی شبیهشون یادم نمیاد. کتابی که از لحاظ موضوعی و نگارش و اینها یکم شبیهش باشه. و اگه بالاتر از هجده سال اینهایید، ممکنه خوشتون نیاد.
January 27, 2024
An interesting story, with a mix of cultures. While labeled as a children's book, there's a couple of scenes with content more suitable to older readers, and although there's nothing really adult about the content generally, I think the way it is written will appeal to adults more than children. However, like many good books it can be read at different ages, and appreciated differently each time. While several of the plot points rely on coincidence and luck, there's still a bitter realism to the story that keeps it satisfying.
January 5, 2020
This one took me a little while to get into but once the two main characters began their real journey the story at once became gripping. There are a lot of characters in this book but the author manages to bring all of them very much to life. A lot of questions remain unanswered but this is part of a trilogy so I’m looking forward to reading the next two. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers!
August 28, 2023
Overall a short interesting read
The book started off great, but as soon as the children find their father in England and story dies down.
This book while rated 12+ I would argue the themes in this book are for more mature readers (14+). Themes such as bullying, neglect, death and murder are prevalent throughout.
A very sad story about two children how just want to survive, be loved and fit in.
The book started off great, but as soon as the children find their father in England and story dies down.
This book while rated 12+ I would argue the themes in this book are for more mature readers (14+). Themes such as bullying, neglect, death and murder are prevalent throughout.
A very sad story about two children how just want to survive, be loved and fit in.
November 30, 2021
Definitely one of my all-time-favorites. I found it years ago in a library and recently got my own copy. Reading this book was like actually living with the characters and seeing what they see. It captures both India before and during partition and London during the world war. I'd definitely recommend it and I think it hasn't got the attention it deserves.
March 31, 2018
I only realised about a third in that I was reading a children's book. I think this is a good thing. Captures both India and London well and covers some difficult subjects. Great for 11 to 15 year olds.
January 25, 2019
Read this as a child...exceptional book
June 8, 2020
I read this at the same time as my 10 year old son. It was a beautifully written book and gave us the opportunity to talk about a lot of big issues that are still relevant today.
August 17, 2020
An incredible read! The independence of India isn't a subject which I have read much about so very interesting.
May 14, 2021
Good book but sometimes hard words.
June 9, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book, even thought it was a year or two ago since I read it but i vividly remember it being one of the most interesting books i've read.
July 29, 2025
I bought this for my teenage daughter, she loved it, and so did I.
January 25, 2010
Gorgeous, and as I have the other two in the trilogy, I hope to be reading the rest of the story fairly soon.
First point of note: Marvinder is featured on the cover, with Edith (white girl) in the very background. The story is set around the partition of India, with a significant connection between Marvinder and her family with an English family (that of Edith).
Second point: it’s a beautiful story. I got completely pulled into this book (as shown by the fact that I want badly to immediately pick up the second book). Beautifully written, and fascinating. I picked it up initially because I’m interested in the end of the British Raj era of Indian history. This book has less of that (because of the focus on the partition and following) but is still a wonderful story, completely within the (potentially problematic) tradition of British YA writing.
I hope that Marvinder and Jaspal get back to India somewhere in the next couple books. Because the parts in India were so vivid. Which isn’t to say that the parts in the UK weren’t, but… there’s something about India. And I want to apologise if that’s a case of exoticising, but because of various family connections, India has held a fascination for me for most of my life.
Beautifully written, and I’m looking forward not only to reading the other books in the trilogy, but also Gavin’s other works, like Coram Boys.
First point of note: Marvinder is featured on the cover, with Edith (white girl) in the very background. The story is set around the partition of India, with a significant connection between Marvinder and her family with an English family (that of Edith).
Second point: it’s a beautiful story. I got completely pulled into this book (as shown by the fact that I want badly to immediately pick up the second book). Beautifully written, and fascinating. I picked it up initially because I’m interested in the end of the British Raj era of Indian history. This book has less of that (because of the focus on the partition and following) but is still a wonderful story, completely within the (potentially problematic) tradition of British YA writing.
I hope that Marvinder and Jaspal get back to India somewhere in the next couple books. Because the parts in India were so vivid. Which isn’t to say that the parts in the UK weren’t, but… there’s something about India. And I want to apologise if that’s a case of exoticising, but because of various family connections, India has held a fascination for me for most of my life.
Beautifully written, and I’m looking forward not only to reading the other books in the trilogy, but also Gavin’s other works, like Coram Boys.
April 2, 2018
Set around the time of Indian independence, this is the story of Jhoti, a child bride in a village in Punjab, and her two children Marvinder and Jaspal; and their intertwined lives with the English family Chadwicks' who live nearby.
I found this book lying about my home as a child. Thanks to some cousin who left it, I have a bucketful of memories associated with this book. I don't know how many times I read it, but it made a deep impact on me.
Reading this yesterday made me revisit all the feelings again. How I followed the budding friendship of Marvinder and Edith with excited anticipation, how I wished for Marvinder and Jaspal's safety with bated breath; and always feeling sorry at the unjustness happening with Jhoti.
The author describes the settings so perfectly, first with the village scenes in Punjab, and then the lodging rooms in England; everything comes alive.
I found this book lying about my home as a child. Thanks to some cousin who left it, I have a bucketful of memories associated with this book. I don't know how many times I read it, but it made a deep impact on me.
Reading this yesterday made me revisit all the feelings again. How I followed the budding friendship of Marvinder and Edith with excited anticipation, how I wished for Marvinder and Jaspal's safety with bated breath; and always feeling sorry at the unjustness happening with Jhoti.
The author describes the settings so perfectly, first with the village scenes in Punjab, and then the lodging rooms in England; everything comes alive.
May 3, 2015
The Wheel Of Surya By Jamila Gavin
Bad Book This is a fantastic book!
A great read. Can't put it down!
BEST BOOK EVVER
A great read. Can't put it down!
BEST BOOK EVVER
January 5, 2013
K's Review:
The Wheel of Surya was a very good book. I like historical-fiction so this was a good choice for me.I liked it because it was very interesting and exiting. In one word I would describe The Wheel of Surya as incredible.I would recommend this book to people who like action and adventure.
The Wheel of Surya was a very good book. I like historical-fiction so this was a good choice for me.I liked it because it was very interesting and exiting. In one word I would describe The Wheel of Surya as incredible.I would recommend this book to people who like action and adventure.
January 10, 2018
I adored these books, mainly due to my fascination with the Indian side of my family. I can remember so many details as I read them dozens of times. Definitely a series I'll be keeping for my own kids.
September 23, 2007
well its a good book.. its anti drugs campaign..
but she describes the ecstasy in such detail tat i wanted to try every drug available hehehehe.
but she describes the ecstasy in such detail tat i wanted to try every drug available hehehehe.
January 15, 2009
It was good but it wasn't TOO good...
August 1, 2012
It is a very different, cultural., children's book, A highly recommend it.
December 18, 2013
I appreciated the richly developed characters and setting.
September 30, 2014
Very good, I think the last half of the book was the best, they seemed to fit in England better than India.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews