What do you think?
The Train to Tanjore
Tanjore, 1942
There are few excitements in Thambi's quiet life. There is the new hotel, disapproved of by elders, which lures him with the aroma of sambar with onions. There are visits to the library to read the newspaper, and once in a while, a new movie at the Rajaram Electric Theatre. More disagreeably, there are fortnightly visits from his uncle to lay down the law.
When Gandhiji announces the Quit India movement, Tanjore is torn apart by protests. The train station—the lifeline of the town—is vandalized. Mysterious leaflets are circulated, containing news that newspapers do not publish. And inspired by the idea of a free India and his own dreams of being an engineer, Thambi must find the courage to do what he believes is right-even when it endangers all he holds dear.
The Songs of Freedom series explores the lives of children across India during the struggle for independence.
There are few excitements in Thambi's quiet life. There is the new hotel, disapproved of by elders, which lures him with the aroma of sambar with onions. There are visits to the library to read the newspaper, and once in a while, a new movie at the Rajaram Electric Theatre. More disagreeably, there are fortnightly visits from his uncle to lay down the law.
When Gandhiji announces the Quit India movement, Tanjore is torn apart by protests. The train station—the lifeline of the town—is vandalized. Mysterious leaflets are circulated, containing news that newspapers do not publish. And inspired by the idea of a free India and his own dreams of being an engineer, Thambi must find the courage to do what he believes is right-even when it endangers all he holds dear.
The Songs of Freedom series explores the lives of children across India during the struggle for independence.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 23, 2022
On 8th August 1942, The Quit India movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi, sent ripples all over the country including the south. There were protest against the British in Tanjore too.
Book - Train To Tanjore
Author - Devika Rangachari
Genre - Children's literature
Pages 104
Ages 10 +
Published by Duckbill books @penguinrandomhouse
Time, place and setting - 25th July, 1942. Tanjore.
#plot
It was Thambi's tenth birthday and his Appa felt that he was now old enough to read the news and learn about the world. That day Appa took him to the other side of Library where newspapers were kept. And that's how Thambi slid into the world of grown ups. The newspaper contained articles about Mahatma Gandhi and what the English people were doing in India. And this is how his urge to fight the Britishers grew. When the Quit India Movement is announced there are protests everywhere and Thambi was circulating some leaflets which contained information against the Britishers. So when one day the police knocks at his door, Thambi is terrified.
Read the book to know Thambi's small contribution to driving the Britishers out of India.
#bookreview
'Train To Tanjore' highlights the unrest in Tanjore that took place during the Quit India Movement. Alongside it narrates Thambi's quiet life and his dreams of becoming an enginner.
The book educates children about an important event from history and also to stand up for what is right.
The language is easy and it was a quick read. Children who would love to read and know about Indian freedom struggle will surely enjoy this book.
It would have been great if few Illustrations were added to the chapters as it makes reading more interesting for the children.
Book - Train To Tanjore
Author - Devika Rangachari
Genre - Children's literature
Pages 104
Ages 10 +
Published by Duckbill books @penguinrandomhouse
Time, place and setting - 25th July, 1942. Tanjore.
#plot
It was Thambi's tenth birthday and his Appa felt that he was now old enough to read the news and learn about the world. That day Appa took him to the other side of Library where newspapers were kept. And that's how Thambi slid into the world of grown ups. The newspaper contained articles about Mahatma Gandhi and what the English people were doing in India. And this is how his urge to fight the Britishers grew. When the Quit India Movement is announced there are protests everywhere and Thambi was circulating some leaflets which contained information against the Britishers. So when one day the police knocks at his door, Thambi is terrified.
Read the book to know Thambi's small contribution to driving the Britishers out of India.
#bookreview
'Train To Tanjore' highlights the unrest in Tanjore that took place during the Quit India Movement. Alongside it narrates Thambi's quiet life and his dreams of becoming an enginner.
The book educates children about an important event from history and also to stand up for what is right.
The language is easy and it was a quick read. Children who would love to read and know about Indian freedom struggle will surely enjoy this book.
It would have been great if few Illustrations were added to the chapters as it makes reading more interesting for the children.
November 2, 2022
SYNOPSIS
The book is set in Tanjore in the year 1942 amidst Gandhi Ji's non-violent Quit India Movement and the violent freedom struggle of the Revolutionaries (Krantikaris). The book is a fictional story of Thambi, a 12-year old boy, who is trying to understand the events of the struggle.
#bookhoarderreviews
I am in awe of the author's writing style considering such an important and serious issue being handled in the book. The conflict between non-violent and violent methods for freedom have been handled very carefully lest the children may get influenced in a wrong way.
The fictional story of Thambi's life, woven during the freedom struggle, is extremely relatable with events of his school life and his confusion. The events narrating how Thambi keeps himself abreast of the current events is commendable and will definitely inspire children.
Written succinctly and simply, this book will be loved by children and can be a great starting point to talk about the Indian Freedom Movement with them.
The book is set in Tanjore in the year 1942 amidst Gandhi Ji's non-violent Quit India Movement and the violent freedom struggle of the Revolutionaries (Krantikaris). The book is a fictional story of Thambi, a 12-year old boy, who is trying to understand the events of the struggle.
#bookhoarderreviews
I am in awe of the author's writing style considering such an important and serious issue being handled in the book. The conflict between non-violent and violent methods for freedom have been handled very carefully lest the children may get influenced in a wrong way.
The fictional story of Thambi's life, woven during the freedom struggle, is extremely relatable with events of his school life and his confusion. The events narrating how Thambi keeps himself abreast of the current events is commendable and will definitely inspire children.
Written succinctly and simply, this book will be loved by children and can be a great starting point to talk about the Indian Freedom Movement with them.
August 9, 2023
“Many Germans protested against Hitler when he took over power - just peaceful marches - but they were arrested anyway. Were they right or wrong? And while the British fight against the same dictator and all he stands for in Europe, they are behaving exactly like him here and in other places of the world. Who is to tell them about right and wrong?”
Amidst the sepia-toned tapestry of Tanjore in the year 1942, we find the beating heart of "The Train to Tanjore," a mesmerizing tale spun by the skilled hand of Devika Rangachari. Through the lens of Thambi's quiet existence, we embark on a journey that unfurls like a delicate scroll of history, revealing the pulse of a small town entangled in the intricate threads of a nation's awakening.
In the backdrop of the seemingly mundane, we encounter the new hotel, its savory promises defying the stern disapproval of the elders, like the aroma of sambar with onions that tantalizes the senses, inviting Thambi, and us, into its embrace. The library, a sanctuary of ink and paper, provides a refuge for Thambi, where he seeks solace in the news of the day, offering us a window into a world where words carry whispers of change, and dreams dance upon fragile pages.
Ah, the allure of the Rajaram Electric Theatre! A world of flickering dreams, where the silver screen casts its enchantment, offering respite from the trials of life in a small town. Here, amidst the darkness and the shared gasps of a captivated audience, we find a respite, a glimpse of the possibilities that await beyond the confines of Tanjore.
Yet, not all in Thambi's life is as delightful as the sambar's aroma or the cinematic reverie. Fortnightly visits from a stern uncle mark the rhythm of his days, echoing the constraints of tradition and authority. Amidst this, a storm brews as Gandhiji's proclamation of the Quit India movement reverberates through the town, tearing Tanjore asunder with the force of conviction.
The train station, a lifeline, a pulsating vein connecting the town to the world beyond, falls victim to the chaos, vandalized by the winds of change, leaving behind echoes of turmoil and uncertainty. Mysterious leaflets flutter in the air, carrying secrets, truths the newspapers dare not publish, adding a layer of mystery to the already complex narrative.
In this tumultuous landscape, Thambi, inspired by the idea of a free India and fueled by the fire of his dreams, musters the courage to stand tall, to do what he believes is right. The essence of his struggle, the pursuit of his dreams against the currents of societal norms and familial resistance, is a timeless tale, an ode to the resilience of the human spirit, as poignant today as it was in those fateful days of Tanjore.
As I immersed myself in these pages, I found myself akin to an archaeologist, unearthing the buried memories of a time I never lived. My grandparents, lost to the sands of time, never had the chance to share with me the canvas of their lives during the throes of World War II. With each carefully chosen word, Rangachari breathes life into the past, offering a treasure trove of experiences and emotions, a bridge between generations, a link to a heritage too often forgotten.
This book, a resplendent gem in the crown of historical fiction, is indeed aimed at young minds, but its power transcends age. It whispers to the child within all of us, inviting us to listen, to learn, to question. Amidst a personal reading slump, this book became my lifeline, a reminder that stories, like resilient threads, can weave a lifeline even in the darkest moments.
The quote I've shared earlier (at the beginning), a profound contemplation on the nature of right and wrong, echoes like a haunting refrain throughout the narrative. It is the needle, stitching together the fabric of moral dilemmas and the ambiguity of history. It encourages us to ponder, to question, to reflect, a sentiment that resonates across generations and remains as relevant today as it was in those turbulent times.
In the gentle embrace of "The Train to Tanjore," I found a sanctuary where time stood still, where the weight of the world was momentarily lifted, and where the dreams of a young boy, etched on these pages, whispered to me, reminding me of the universality of hope and the power of resilience. This is a book to savor, to cherish, to share, for within its eloquent prose lies a portal to a world both familiar and foreign, a world waiting to be discovered, waiting to be remembered.
Amidst the sepia-toned tapestry of Tanjore in the year 1942, we find the beating heart of "The Train to Tanjore," a mesmerizing tale spun by the skilled hand of Devika Rangachari. Through the lens of Thambi's quiet existence, we embark on a journey that unfurls like a delicate scroll of history, revealing the pulse of a small town entangled in the intricate threads of a nation's awakening.
In the backdrop of the seemingly mundane, we encounter the new hotel, its savory promises defying the stern disapproval of the elders, like the aroma of sambar with onions that tantalizes the senses, inviting Thambi, and us, into its embrace. The library, a sanctuary of ink and paper, provides a refuge for Thambi, where he seeks solace in the news of the day, offering us a window into a world where words carry whispers of change, and dreams dance upon fragile pages.
Ah, the allure of the Rajaram Electric Theatre! A world of flickering dreams, where the silver screen casts its enchantment, offering respite from the trials of life in a small town. Here, amidst the darkness and the shared gasps of a captivated audience, we find a respite, a glimpse of the possibilities that await beyond the confines of Tanjore.
Yet, not all in Thambi's life is as delightful as the sambar's aroma or the cinematic reverie. Fortnightly visits from a stern uncle mark the rhythm of his days, echoing the constraints of tradition and authority. Amidst this, a storm brews as Gandhiji's proclamation of the Quit India movement reverberates through the town, tearing Tanjore asunder with the force of conviction.
The train station, a lifeline, a pulsating vein connecting the town to the world beyond, falls victim to the chaos, vandalized by the winds of change, leaving behind echoes of turmoil and uncertainty. Mysterious leaflets flutter in the air, carrying secrets, truths the newspapers dare not publish, adding a layer of mystery to the already complex narrative.
In this tumultuous landscape, Thambi, inspired by the idea of a free India and fueled by the fire of his dreams, musters the courage to stand tall, to do what he believes is right. The essence of his struggle, the pursuit of his dreams against the currents of societal norms and familial resistance, is a timeless tale, an ode to the resilience of the human spirit, as poignant today as it was in those fateful days of Tanjore.
As I immersed myself in these pages, I found myself akin to an archaeologist, unearthing the buried memories of a time I never lived. My grandparents, lost to the sands of time, never had the chance to share with me the canvas of their lives during the throes of World War II. With each carefully chosen word, Rangachari breathes life into the past, offering a treasure trove of experiences and emotions, a bridge between generations, a link to a heritage too often forgotten.
This book, a resplendent gem in the crown of historical fiction, is indeed aimed at young minds, but its power transcends age. It whispers to the child within all of us, inviting us to listen, to learn, to question. Amidst a personal reading slump, this book became my lifeline, a reminder that stories, like resilient threads, can weave a lifeline even in the darkest moments.
The quote I've shared earlier (at the beginning), a profound contemplation on the nature of right and wrong, echoes like a haunting refrain throughout the narrative. It is the needle, stitching together the fabric of moral dilemmas and the ambiguity of history. It encourages us to ponder, to question, to reflect, a sentiment that resonates across generations and remains as relevant today as it was in those turbulent times.
In the gentle embrace of "The Train to Tanjore," I found a sanctuary where time stood still, where the weight of the world was momentarily lifted, and where the dreams of a young boy, etched on these pages, whispered to me, reminding me of the universality of hope and the power of resilience. This is a book to savor, to cherish, to share, for within its eloquent prose lies a portal to a world both familiar and foreign, a world waiting to be discovered, waiting to be remembered.
August 29, 2022
Thambi desired to taste the special onion Sambar, a speciality of The New Madras Hotel. His uncle Periyappa, an orthodox Tamil Brahmin caught Thambi near the hotel and admonished him severely for his attempt to inhale the smell of onions and garlic. Thambi had it when Periyappa complained about the sorry state of his humble abode when he resolved to earn enough money so that he would give his family, the life they deserved. He saw a chief engineer being escorted to the library building with great honour and respect. Thambi saw a purpose and vowed to be a chief engineer.
On his 10th birthday, Thambi came to know the state of world affairs while skimming through a newspaper section in the library. The phrase that was ingrained in his mind was 'Quit India'. The more he read about the movement, the more he was fuelled by his curiosity.
The Quit India Movement slowly gains prominence in Thanjavur with people shouting slogans, holding meetings and organizing protest marches. Thambi constantly wondered what would happen if the British people left India and worried whether the Japanese would take control.
It was the year 1940 when India's future was uncertain. Due to the advent of World War 2, India could fall into the hands of any country. The newspaper refrained from reporting the facts as it was controlled by the British. Paying a visit to the cinema hall was a luxury and asking questions about the freedom struggle meant caning for the children.
Thambi was inquisitive and rebellious in nature. Gundu was indifferent. Sumit Bose was constantly scared about his safety. Through their characters, the author portrays how children reacted in different ways to the invasion of the British empire.
Songs of Freedom series outlines the important events that took course in the freedom movement of India. We may have learnt about a handful of freedom fighters, but what our classrooms didn't teach us was how small acts of children were instrumental in throwing out the British from India. The key historical facts mentioned in the book were the air attacks carried out by the Japanese and the launch of the Quit India movement on 8th August 1942. The movement lost steam because of a lack of leadership.
Devika has condensed her father's boyhood memories into a delightful part fiction, part non-fiction book. The effects of the British invasion and the Quit India movement in Southern India were toned down to make it suitable for young readers to understand the repercussions of war.
On his 10th birthday, Thambi came to know the state of world affairs while skimming through a newspaper section in the library. The phrase that was ingrained in his mind was 'Quit India'. The more he read about the movement, the more he was fuelled by his curiosity.
The Quit India Movement slowly gains prominence in Thanjavur with people shouting slogans, holding meetings and organizing protest marches. Thambi constantly wondered what would happen if the British people left India and worried whether the Japanese would take control.
It was the year 1940 when India's future was uncertain. Due to the advent of World War 2, India could fall into the hands of any country. The newspaper refrained from reporting the facts as it was controlled by the British. Paying a visit to the cinema hall was a luxury and asking questions about the freedom struggle meant caning for the children.
Thambi was inquisitive and rebellious in nature. Gundu was indifferent. Sumit Bose was constantly scared about his safety. Through their characters, the author portrays how children reacted in different ways to the invasion of the British empire.
Songs of Freedom series outlines the important events that took course in the freedom movement of India. We may have learnt about a handful of freedom fighters, but what our classrooms didn't teach us was how small acts of children were instrumental in throwing out the British from India. The key historical facts mentioned in the book were the air attacks carried out by the Japanese and the launch of the Quit India movement on 8th August 1942. The movement lost steam because of a lack of leadership.
Devika has condensed her father's boyhood memories into a delightful part fiction, part non-fiction book. The effects of the British invasion and the Quit India movement in Southern India were toned down to make it suitable for young readers to understand the repercussions of war.
January 20, 2025
"You're old enough to read news and learn about the world', Appa whispered, keeping a wary eye on Srinivasan Mama, who always frowned at every single sound- Except, of course, the occasional rustling of paper and the creaking of the single ceiling fan that did precious little to stir the hot air far below.
And that was how Thambi slowly slid into the world of grown-ups."
Devika Rangachari's 'The Train To Tanjore' is a representation of the pre-independence, precisely 1942 Era through a child's perspective.
Our little hero, Thambi, has a simplistic life. He's surrounded by strict adults, most stern being Periappa, who disapproves of a hotel that grabs his attention with the aroma of sambar with onions. He cherishes his time in the library and with his friends at school. As a twelve-year-old, he's dragged into the world of information that time - newspapers.
Reading newspapers gives him a foundation of the outside world. Thambi steadily becomes curious about his surroundings. He's exposed to the world where there's protest and bombing and damages made by Japan.
This novella covers the time when the Quit India movement was just called by Mahatma Gandhi. Hence, it started the silent war that disrupted the normalcy of the citizens' lives, schools, and the library getting shut and uncontrollable patrolling by the police from the attacks. Heavy effects were seen more on the railway network as the other means of transportation wasn't really equipped.
Thambi's character is written in a relatable manner wherein every child can feel reading a story of himself and the adults find their childhood fascination that got lost in responsibilities.
Dr. Devika translates an accurate pre-independence scenario throughout the book. With 'The Train To Tanjore', readers see the effect of partion in the South in children.
This book transports us into the world of history, correlating it with stories of courage, curiosity, dreams, and hope as its formative emotions of the book.
'The Train To Tanjore' is a short one sitting read that could be read through reading slump or meeting your reading goals.
And that was how Thambi slowly slid into the world of grown-ups."
Devika Rangachari's 'The Train To Tanjore' is a representation of the pre-independence, precisely 1942 Era through a child's perspective.
Our little hero, Thambi, has a simplistic life. He's surrounded by strict adults, most stern being Periappa, who disapproves of a hotel that grabs his attention with the aroma of sambar with onions. He cherishes his time in the library and with his friends at school. As a twelve-year-old, he's dragged into the world of information that time - newspapers.
Reading newspapers gives him a foundation of the outside world. Thambi steadily becomes curious about his surroundings. He's exposed to the world where there's protest and bombing and damages made by Japan.
This novella covers the time when the Quit India movement was just called by Mahatma Gandhi. Hence, it started the silent war that disrupted the normalcy of the citizens' lives, schools, and the library getting shut and uncontrollable patrolling by the police from the attacks. Heavy effects were seen more on the railway network as the other means of transportation wasn't really equipped.
Thambi's character is written in a relatable manner wherein every child can feel reading a story of himself and the adults find their childhood fascination that got lost in responsibilities.
Dr. Devika translates an accurate pre-independence scenario throughout the book. With 'The Train To Tanjore', readers see the effect of partion in the South in children.
This book transports us into the world of history, correlating it with stories of courage, curiosity, dreams, and hope as its formative emotions of the book.
'The Train To Tanjore' is a short one sitting read that could be read through reading slump or meeting your reading goals.
October 26, 2022
Why would adults read children's stories?
If not for the nostalgia ridden respite from being an adult, if not to remember what it felt like to be free from cynicism, to be eternally hopeful.
Why do adults read children's stories?
If not to dream like a child.
'The Train to Tanjore' is one such book. A book filled to the brim with hope, joy and dreams of a boy. A boy whose early years were shaped by the violent and non-violent anti-british movements in India, an uncle who was overly fond of laying down the law and a father whose support and love meant the world to him.
Thambi is a twelve year old boy living in Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, with his family. 'Train' to Tanjore symbolises his fear his crushing disappointment and as the story progresses, his liberation from those. It also plays a part in depicting the oppressive control britishers had over us.
The story is every bit as enthralling as I was expecting, children's stories usually are. The lessons it teaches are like well ripened fruits hidden inside foliage, ready to be plucked anytime, subtle and refreshing. Conflicting too, stressing the necessity of teaching children life's complexities.
The Train to Tanjore is a part of Songs of Freedom series that explores the lives of children across India during the struggle for independence.
Young and old minds alike could find themselves in love with this little book and Thambi's story. Highly recommended for readers of all ages.
If not for the nostalgia ridden respite from being an adult, if not to remember what it felt like to be free from cynicism, to be eternally hopeful.
Why do adults read children's stories?
If not to dream like a child.
'The Train to Tanjore' is one such book. A book filled to the brim with hope, joy and dreams of a boy. A boy whose early years were shaped by the violent and non-violent anti-british movements in India, an uncle who was overly fond of laying down the law and a father whose support and love meant the world to him.
Thambi is a twelve year old boy living in Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, with his family. 'Train' to Tanjore symbolises his fear his crushing disappointment and as the story progresses, his liberation from those. It also plays a part in depicting the oppressive control britishers had over us.
The story is every bit as enthralling as I was expecting, children's stories usually are. The lessons it teaches are like well ripened fruits hidden inside foliage, ready to be plucked anytime, subtle and refreshing. Conflicting too, stressing the necessity of teaching children life's complexities.
The Train to Tanjore is a part of Songs of Freedom series that explores the lives of children across India during the struggle for independence.
Young and old minds alike could find themselves in love with this little book and Thambi's story. Highly recommended for readers of all ages.
September 28, 2022
Thambi lives in the southern bit of our country, dreaming to become an engineer someday. His family is most often irked by his elder uncle s visits and one of the things he s been told to not do - visit the newly opened hotel in town. The Quit India Movement as we know it had just been announced by Gandhiji and coupled with the little pleasures of the little town, Thambi is exposed to the events of his country too. He wants to know more, be involved, do something but fear is what ruled the hearts of most families at the time to take a side openly. The protests however get bigger and hits closer then Thambi can imagine, once the railway station is bombed and destroyed. Thambi however does his little part and dreams on of a better future.
Inspired from reality and coupled with imaginations these stories give shape to tales of children and pre teens during the war of independence. The angst for involvement, the confusion regarding lack of true information, the distinction between right and wrong, the questions in the minds of that time is well enscapsulated in these books!
Inspired from reality and coupled with imaginations these stories give shape to tales of children and pre teens during the war of independence. The angst for involvement, the confusion regarding lack of true information, the distinction between right and wrong, the questions in the minds of that time is well enscapsulated in these books!
August 13, 2023
Thambi is a 12-year-old from Thanjavur(also called Tanjore), Tamil Nadu. He’s going about his life, being a good student at school, aspiring to become an engineer, reading the newspapers at the library, looking forward to eating the aromatic sambar at the New Madras Hotel and so not looking forward to his dreaded Periyappa’s visit!
Things turn haywire when Gandhiji announces the Quit India movement and Tanjore is torn apart by violent protests, including setting fire to the railway station which happens to be the lifeline of the town!
I went into this book with a lot of expectations, especially after having read and loved another book in the series, and unfortunately, this one turned out to be a bit of a letdown for me. Although the book did justice to the time period by portraying a clear picture of the state of affairs in the country at the time, it didn’t really weave children into the freedom struggle. The Songs of Freedom series is all about the lives of children and their contribution to India’s freedom struggle but the protagonist didn’t really contribute much to it?
While there were chapters that were really emotional and invoked a feeling of patriotism, this book fell short on many grounds. Not only is the story slow-paced and dreary at places, it also lacks the element of suspense I was looking forward to.
There were a lot of things happening around Thambi and the people in his life but none of it seemed to involve him whatsoever. Thambi seemed more like a member of the audience than a participant.
As an adult, I love this book and the issues it addresses but if I would look at it from the perspective of Middle Grade me(the target audience), I’m afraid to say I wouldn’t find it captivating enough.
Thanks to Penguin India for sending a copy my way!
Things turn haywire when Gandhiji announces the Quit India movement and Tanjore is torn apart by violent protests, including setting fire to the railway station which happens to be the lifeline of the town!
I went into this book with a lot of expectations, especially after having read and loved another book in the series, and unfortunately, this one turned out to be a bit of a letdown for me. Although the book did justice to the time period by portraying a clear picture of the state of affairs in the country at the time, it didn’t really weave children into the freedom struggle. The Songs of Freedom series is all about the lives of children and their contribution to India’s freedom struggle but the protagonist didn’t really contribute much to it?
While there were chapters that were really emotional and invoked a feeling of patriotism, this book fell short on many grounds. Not only is the story slow-paced and dreary at places, it also lacks the element of suspense I was looking forward to.
There were a lot of things happening around Thambi and the people in his life but none of it seemed to involve him whatsoever. Thambi seemed more like a member of the audience than a participant.
As an adult, I love this book and the issues it addresses but if I would look at it from the perspective of Middle Grade me(the target audience), I’m afraid to say I wouldn’t find it captivating enough.
Thanks to Penguin India for sending a copy my way!
September 3, 2022
I'm also a Tamilian and this book was again close to my heart. I feel so proud of all the braveness and ambition children had. The way they all queued up in the library to read the newspaper was endearing. The ambition that young Thambi had to become an engineer in uncertain times despite being discouraged by family members was just awe-inspiring.
Each book in the series resonated with me in one way or the other. I personally feel that all children should read this as part of school curriculum so that they get some insight into the struggle for freedom even though it's fiction. This series proves that fiction can also make a huge impact on a person's life and education. The books were emotional, gritty, honest and based on reality.
March 21, 2025
Such a good book!😍
Tension, excitement, pain, suspense, culture and history galore...
It gave me so much perspective!
I did not know the Japanese had actually bombed India during WWII, while Gandhi led the "Quit India" Movement.. Did you?
Tension, excitement, pain, suspense, culture and history galore...
It gave me so much perspective!
I did not know the Japanese had actually bombed India during WWII, while Gandhi led the "Quit India" Movement.. Did you?
November 20, 2023
The story is based on Tanjore and the events that took place in 1942. Well-written for the 10+ year old readers.
November 25, 2022
A book from "Songs of Freedom" series by Duckbill, an imprint of Penguin Random House, that explores the lives of children across India during the struggle for independence. The Train to Tanjore by Devika Rangachari is based on the author's father's memories of his boyhood in Tanjore, when on 8th August 1942, Gandhiji launched Quit India Movement, which sent ripples across India and protests and demonstrations were organised. The author draws a quite big and nuanced picture of the town using this character Thambi, a school-going boy who gets himself involved in the agitations against the British.
I read it during August 2022. But I can assure you that it had been a delightful read. I would definitely re-read it whenever I need to remind myself of the value of independence and motivate myself to pay the price for freedom. BUT by making the right, meaningful CHOICES!!
I read it during August 2022. But I can assure you that it had been a delightful read. I would definitely re-read it whenever I need to remind myself of the value of independence and motivate myself to pay the price for freedom. BUT by making the right, meaningful CHOICES!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews