Lion: A Long Way Home

by Saroo Brierley

Brand New

Genres: Australia, Memoir

Paperback

About the author

Saroo Brierley (born 1981) is an Indian-born Australian businessman who, at age 5, was separated from his biological mother. He was adopted by an Australian couple, and 25 years later reunited with his biological mother. His story generated significant international media attention, especially in Australia and India.

Reviews

[Holly Walling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a wild story. The final memoir for my unit, Lion tells the story of a boy who got lost in India at 5 years old, only to return to his family again after 25 years. It was powerful and poignant and I really loved it. The young readers edition is especially good!

[Katie Dockstader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving story about how a lost 5 year old finds his way home again. A reminder that God is in the details of all our lives.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Judging by the fact that this is on my son’s high school reading list, I suspect I’m about thirty years older than the demographic this was written for, so I may have rated this unnecessarily harshly; and while I appreciate that this is a heavy, shocking story, it just feels clunky to read and more like something your mate recaps for you after a big life event, rather than a tight literary tale.

While I didn’t enjoy the writing, there are absolutely some good themes to pull out of the narrative which I suspect is the reason why it’s been chosen as a class text, most notably the idea of ’culture shock’, and not just the India to Australia divide, but as much social division within India, and the absence of a familial bond after living away from his birth family for so long. I almost can’t wait for the first bit of homework to come home so I can help!

For all its faults, I was able to smash through the text in a day, and if you haven’t seen the movie or heard the story yet, then I reckon it’s worthwhile giving it a once over before you do.

[Mistie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was almost unbelievable, however I think it’s tragic that the author has still not found God. His birth mother saw a vision of him the day before seeing him again after 25 years. His adoptive mother saw a vision of him before adopting him and yet he doesn’t believe in God. If that’s not God, I don’t now what it is.

While some sections feel more factual than literary, the authenticity of the narrative more than compensates. The book’s greatest strength is its reminder that hope and perseverance can overcome even seemingly impossible circumstances.

Overall, Lion: A Long Way Home is an inspiring and deeply emotional memoir that highlights the importance of family, belonging, and never giving up on the search for home. It is a powerful read that stays with you long after the final page.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

What an incredible true story.

I found myself rooting for Saroo from the very beginning and hoping he would somehow find his way back home. Knowing this was a true story made every part of his journey even more meaningful.

The first part of the book was interesting, but the story really came alive for me once his search for his family began. I admired his determination, resilience, and the love that surrounded him throughout his life.

While it didn’t emotionally capture me quite like some of my recent 5-star reads, I’m so glad I read it. It’s a powerful reminder that hope, perseverance, and family can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

A remarkable true story and an easy 4 stars.

[Kathy Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible life this young man has had. If this doesn't bring him to ultimate realization that God had His hand on him the whole time, than I don't know what will. I will be praying for him to reach that point. I LOVED this story and couldn't put it down. He wrote so clearly that you truly feel that you are there in India with him. God bless both of his moms and both of his families and for the people named and unnamed who helped him along the way. My only regret was to wonder if he ever married his girlfriend. Other than that, wonderful story from start to finish.

[⋆.˚Bryanne٠࣪⭒ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book! Fell in love with the story through the movie so I had to read the book. It gives you so much more information and details missing from the movie. The story itself is surreal, so to hear first hand accounts from Saroo himself, it pulls you in. From days before he got lost, to 20+ years later scrolling through Google Maps, to finding his village and family. I also love that they added pictures, so you dont have to imagine what places, people and he looked like.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story. As a 5 year old Saroo falls asleep on a train and ends up lost in Kolkata. Unsuccessfully finding his way home he ends up in an orphanage to then be adopted by an Australian couple and move to Australia, giving him a new life chance. He does not know where he is from, only knows the name of a station nearby his town. With this information he tries to find his hometown while growing up in Australia.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen the movie Lion several times, I was hoping to learn more about Saroo’s backstory through his writing. This was indeed a personal story of hardship and loss, but also tremendous luck. The ending warms my heart just as the movie did.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself in disbelief from start to finish and couldn't put this book down.

[Cindy Einhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible true story of the survival of a small boy lost on the streets of Calcutta and what it took for him to find his way home decades later from Tasmania.

[Nadene Tonga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Such a touching and inspirational story/biography
highly recommended

[Sarah Herft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything and more than the movie. Tears and love.

[Garry Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read and what a great true story.

[Cass A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook with my son, who'll be studying it in Year 7 this year. It's an amazing story and good to share it with him.

[Christie Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard copy. I read the Young Readers’ Edition and I think I give it 4.5 stars.

[Danny Rayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without exaggeration the most remarkable story I’ve ever read. No elaboration needed - could not put this down, has to be read to be believed. Truly incredible testament to human spirit and genuinely gives you a new perspective on meaning/purpose of life. Cannot recommend highly enough.