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City of Ghosts
It's 1919 and Amritsar is a city on the brink of rebellion. Riots, violence and tension spill onto the streets . . .
Bissen Singh fought bravely for the British Empire during World War One. Now he waits patiently for news from England.
Gurdial, a young orphan, is desperate to marry Sohni, the daughter of a rich and evil man.
And Jeevan, Gurdial's oldest friend, is swept up in the revolution and changing beyond all recognition.
Bissen, Gurdial and Jeevan are looking to the future whilst trying to escape ghosts from the past. But as the fight for Amritsar reaches a terrifying climax, their lives will be changed for ever.
An epic story of love and life, war and death from multi-award-winning author Bali Rai.
Bissen Singh fought bravely for the British Empire during World War One. Now he waits patiently for news from England.
Gurdial, a young orphan, is desperate to marry Sohni, the daughter of a rich and evil man.
And Jeevan, Gurdial's oldest friend, is swept up in the revolution and changing beyond all recognition.
Bissen, Gurdial and Jeevan are looking to the future whilst trying to escape ghosts from the past. But as the fight for Amritsar reaches a terrifying climax, their lives will be changed for ever.
An epic story of love and life, war and death from multi-award-winning author Bali Rai.
395 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Bali Rai
80 books72 followersBali Rai was born in 1971 and grew up in Leicester. As a child, Bali wanted to be a footballer or to write stories. Always an avid reader, he hails Sue Townsend, Douglas Adams and Robert Swindells as his writing heroes. Bali grew up reading Dr Seuss and Meg and Mog and his first book purchase was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He realised he wasn't good enough to play for Liverpool F.C. and after gaining a politics degree in London he returned to his home city and combined a variety of jobs in pubs and clubs with completing his first novel. Bali set about writing a story he had been thinking about for many years. He wanted to write accessible material for children of all ages and backgrounds and realising there were no British Asian authors writing for children, he saw a gap. Bali hopes his novels capture the unique ethnic mix of the UK, of which he is proud to be a part.
Bali writes stories inspired by his working class Punjabi/Sikh background, but his aim was always that his writing should be enjoyed by readers everywhere, irrespective of class or culture. His has the ability to tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the UK and blend this with humour and often a overriding optimism. Bali visits schools and libraries in every major UK city, averaging 70 school and library events a year.
His first book, (un)arranged marriage, created a huge amount of interest and won many awards, including the Angus Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase first novel award. Rani and Sukh and The Whisper were both shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize.
All of Bali’s teen titles have been short-listed for awards across the UK, including twice making the Booktrust Teenage Prize shortlist. His third novel Rani and Sukh has represented the UK at the International IBBY awards and this title has its own Facebook tribute group set up by fans. Bali’s first three novels appear in The Ultimate Teenage Book Guide. Bali also writes shorter novels for Barrington Stoke, his first book, Dream On, was selected for the Booktrust’s inaugural Booked Up list. He also writes the hugely popular Soccer Squad series for younger readers.
Bali writes stories inspired by his working class Punjabi/Sikh background, but his aim was always that his writing should be enjoyed by readers everywhere, irrespective of class or culture. His has the ability to tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the UK and blend this with humour and often a overriding optimism. Bali visits schools and libraries in every major UK city, averaging 70 school and library events a year.
His first book, (un)arranged marriage, created a huge amount of interest and won many awards, including the Angus Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase first novel award. Rani and Sukh and The Whisper were both shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize.
All of Bali’s teen titles have been short-listed for awards across the UK, including twice making the Booktrust Teenage Prize shortlist. His third novel Rani and Sukh has represented the UK at the International IBBY awards and this title has its own Facebook tribute group set up by fans. Bali’s first three novels appear in The Ultimate Teenage Book Guide. Bali also writes shorter novels for Barrington Stoke, his first book, Dream On, was selected for the Booktrust’s inaugural Booked Up list. He also writes the hugely popular Soccer Squad series for younger readers.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 15, 2018
Lot's of magic realism in this one. Would make a good Bollywood movie if a director has run out of ideas.
June 10, 2024
It was so mediocre.
January 14, 2022
Set mostly in the Punjab, in the city of Amritsar in 1919, this YA novel does not soften its edges for its younger readers. Nearing the end of British colonial rule, Amritsar is a city teeming with rebellious revolutionaries. Gurdial and Jeevan are orphans, and still boys at 16, but not too young to be swept up by their own desires; the first to marry the daughter of a wealthy tyrant, the latter to find a family of his own even if that means choosing violence as well. Meanwhile, Bissen Singh is an injuries Sikh soldier who risked life and limb for the British, left his heart in Brighton and returned to Amritsar a shell of a man.
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Rai’s story telling is compelling. This is a very quick read, not because it’s easy but because you won’t want to leave the characters behind for a minute. As a YA novel, it really does not shy away from harsh realities, depicting violence and brutal beatings with the honesty this history deserves. The magical realism Rai weaves through the story is seamless and you won’t stop for a second to question Amritsar’s ghosts.
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I often get a bit choked up by books, but rarely do I shed actual tears. Well this one got me in it’s final pages, and I applaud Rai for breaking my heart.
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Rai’s story telling is compelling. This is a very quick read, not because it’s easy but because you won’t want to leave the characters behind for a minute. As a YA novel, it really does not shy away from harsh realities, depicting violence and brutal beatings with the honesty this history deserves. The magical realism Rai weaves through the story is seamless and you won’t stop for a second to question Amritsar’s ghosts.
.
I often get a bit choked up by books, but rarely do I shed actual tears. Well this one got me in it’s final pages, and I applaud Rai for breaking my heart.
October 13, 2009
It took me a while to get into City of Ghosts, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down.
Hearing Bissen’s story was my favourite part of City of Ghosts, . He was kind, brave, charming and definitely y favourite character. His story also surprised me. Having studied World War I many times in history at school I was surprised to learn that one third of our soldiers were Indian. I don’t remember learning anything about that. It made me wonder what other major things were left out of our curriculum.
I had heard of the Amritsar massacre before but never really knew what it was all about until I read City of Ghosts, . Seeing the events from the eyes if characters directly involved in the revolution made it horribly real. But what I felt was the worst was how Hans Raj and Pritam manipulated Jeevan to do what they wanted him to do. It was scary how much influence a person can have over you once they know you well enough.
Despite the horrors of war that this novel centred around, it wasn’t depressing at all. The love stories that were told and Heera’s magic lightened the mood and helped to balance out the backgrounds of World War I and revolutionary Amritsar to create a beautifully moving story.
I really enjoyed City of Ghosts, and I’m definitely going to search out some more of Bali Rai’s books.
Hearing Bissen’s story was my favourite part of City of Ghosts, . He was kind, brave, charming and definitely y favourite character. His story also surprised me. Having studied World War I many times in history at school I was surprised to learn that one third of our soldiers were Indian. I don’t remember learning anything about that. It made me wonder what other major things were left out of our curriculum.
I had heard of the Amritsar massacre before but never really knew what it was all about until I read City of Ghosts, . Seeing the events from the eyes if characters directly involved in the revolution made it horribly real. But what I felt was the worst was how Hans Raj and Pritam manipulated Jeevan to do what they wanted him to do. It was scary how much influence a person can have over you once they know you well enough.
Despite the horrors of war that this novel centred around, it wasn’t depressing at all. The love stories that were told and Heera’s magic lightened the mood and helped to balance out the backgrounds of World War I and revolutionary Amritsar to create a beautifully moving story.
I really enjoyed City of Ghosts, and I’m definitely going to search out some more of Bali Rai’s books.
October 3, 2013
I think that this book was one of the best books I have ever read. Literally. And I've read a lot of books during my short lifetime. Everything form romance to crime; I've been there done that. However, this book was enticing and enriching form the very first page until the blank page at the end. This book is highly recommenced for all my Indian brothers and sister (Jai Hind!)as many other races (not being racist here) won't understand the importance of Indian history. I love the fact that Bali Rai has used Punjabi words and phrases, being a Punjabi myself, as it added to the atmosphere of the book. with it's fair share of romance, and more mystery, I was a fabulous change for me. I still can remember all the characters names and how they were like until this very moment, and I think I will for all my life. I want to tank Bali Rai, for re-inspiring my passion for Amritsar and Ambarsariyas.
I know that this is not a proper review, but this is what I firmly believe to be one of the best books ever written, so I don't think I need to explain to you what happens in it. You (Indians) should read it yourself and find out!
I know that this is not a proper review, but this is what I firmly believe to be one of the best books ever written, so I don't think I need to explain to you what happens in it. You (Indians) should read it yourself and find out!
August 10, 2014
This book was absolutely amazing! One thing I did think was bad about it was that there were far too many characters. With Gurdial, Jeevan, Bissen and Lillian? Besides that, I loved how it had to do with war but paranormal things happening in the book! Definitely read!
October 3, 2018
One of the Best novels I've Ever read. I Loved How the Author switched between Each Character's Story , I also Loved how the Author showed different sides of each of the Indians & British in an Honest way
January 12, 2010
I am still reading this book but love it already.... Some may think its a copy of twilight but if you look deeper youll find its acyually really different !!
May 8, 2022
The book had an amazing start and an amazing amazing end filled with trauma as well as love
I loved it! must read!
I loved it! must read!
February 26, 2022
Heartbreaking but still an amazing book. Brought me to tears. The author’s talent was really shown on how he made me so attached to all the characters. I’m glad Gurdail’s and Sohni’s story had a happy ending, and even though Jeevan had a sad ending yet it was realistic. WHAT I DONT UNDERSTAND is why did Bissen get killed? Is it just to show that it was ironic from the start that Bissen fought the British, for the people that would later kill him?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2020
Too boring for my liking. The action wasn't where I wanted it to be. It didn't keep me at the edge of my seat. Perhaps it just isn't my style of books. Either way, I personally would not recommend it to a friend or family member.
January 30, 2021
A beautiful and haunting tale without the UK-centric focus. A must-read, especially if you have an interest in WW1, British Empire and the need for other voices to be heard.
January 3, 2023
Please don't read this.
April 19, 2022
The revolution spirit at any countries are manifested in these sentences ; I want equal rights! Justice! Freedom.
Check this sentence, it is not fear that drives us. It isn’t greed or power that motivates us. We are spurred on by hope. By the wish to see our mother free of these chains.
My opinion, it is always citizens looking for freedom but above all to be able to feed his kids. These days the rebellion are depend on people’s ability of handling the starvation.
A sentence indicate this when Pritam one of the story character is, when a man is hungry, he will fight, soon—-
Previously, citizens motivated by politics to start a revolution but now economic is the master to revolute against any regime.
I liked this book, however, the writer mentioned a lot of characters and I found it annoying, so far. It suitable for a Bollywood scenario film rather than a book. It contains romance scene, revolutionary actions!! Overall I loved Bassin character so much, I loved his emotion toward his love and how he perceive God.
In my point of view his love and intimate relationship with Lilian is much better than Gurdial and his love....
Check this sentence, it is not fear that drives us. It isn’t greed or power that motivates us. We are spurred on by hope. By the wish to see our mother free of these chains.
My opinion, it is always citizens looking for freedom but above all to be able to feed his kids. These days the rebellion are depend on people’s ability of handling the starvation.
A sentence indicate this when Pritam one of the story character is, when a man is hungry, he will fight, soon—-
Previously, citizens motivated by politics to start a revolution but now economic is the master to revolute against any regime.
I liked this book, however, the writer mentioned a lot of characters and I found it annoying, so far. It suitable for a Bollywood scenario film rather than a book. It contains romance scene, revolutionary actions!! Overall I loved Bassin character so much, I loved his emotion toward his love and how he perceive God.
In my point of view his love and intimate relationship with Lilian is much better than Gurdial and his love....
April 2, 2012
I loved certain aspects of this novel but on the whole as a novel for young adults it didn't work. There's too many strands going on and I think Bali Rai couldn't figure out if he wanted to write a novel about Amritsar, colonialism, teen vulnerability to terrorism or just a really magical love story.
The characters were well-written but as the book lacked direction it was hard to figure out who was the convential hero and this just added to the mess that the narrative was. Gurdial and the young Sikh soldier were well-written young men and had proper depth to them. The Sikh soldier's tragic story in World War 2 and his love affair in Brighton is tenderly written and would make a great short story or novella but perhaps for adults.
The exotic descriptions of Amritsar were the best part of the book for me. The writer really takes you there. However the worst part of this novel is that I don't think it really speaks to young adults.
The characters were well-written but as the book lacked direction it was hard to figure out who was the convential hero and this just added to the mess that the narrative was. Gurdial and the young Sikh soldier were well-written young men and had proper depth to them. The Sikh soldier's tragic story in World War 2 and his love affair in Brighton is tenderly written and would make a great short story or novella but perhaps for adults.
The exotic descriptions of Amritsar were the best part of the book for me. The writer really takes you there. However the worst part of this novel is that I don't think it really speaks to young adults.
January 23, 2011
Starting this, I wasn't too sure, I've read quite a few of Bali Rai's novels before and enjoyed most of them, so I didn't want to be disappointed. I also realised while reading this that this could be the potential history of some of my own ancestors (My country used to be a part of India) which made me want to read finish it. I was rarely bored, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Lillian and her beloved, although my only complaint is about how unrealistic the "solution" for Gurdial and Sohni was. But then again, this book was based in the beginning of the 1900's when people in Eastern countries had a stronger belief in the supernatural so it's excusable, all in all a good read
July 8, 2015
This is set in Amritsar, India in 1919 just as the Indian revolution is about to start. The story follows the lives of 2 teenage orphans and a Sikh soldier who took part in WW1. The ghost is the murdered mother of Sohni, the girlfriend of one of the orphans.
I found the part with the chinaman a bit far fetched and also the murder of the mother.
I found the part with the chinaman a bit far fetched and also the murder of the mother.
March 23, 2013
Interesting. Historical plus mystical.
Was a bit hard to start but as it progress the story gets better.
What I love was the mysterious old woman.
Didn't like the ending as it wss quite predictable
Was a bit hard to start but as it progress the story gets better.
What I love was the mysterious old woman.
Didn't like the ending as it wss quite predictable
March 5, 2015
I love it! though I'm not much into politics but I really liked it, my favorite part was Bissen's story! the ending though...
I had a trouble memorizing the names when I first started reading it cuz of the so many characters but I totally like this!
4.5 stars :)
I had a trouble memorizing the names when I first started reading it cuz of the so many characters but I totally like this!
4.5 stars :)
January 24, 2013
Amazing book!
July 6, 2014
Not much of a fan of this book at all
Read
March 27, 2015It's 1919, Amritsar is a city on the brink of rebellion. An an epic story of love, life, war and death by a multi-award-winning author.
December 20, 2019
I did not complete this book as I gott bored, also the indean words in this book in between the engish texts made me loose interest and also got bored. But all in all the story itself seems nice.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews