It is Amil Gujar's tenth birthday and, although he doesn't know it, there are big changes in store for him. A knock on the door leads to Amil meeting, and then being taken away by, Mr Kumar. According to Mr Kumar, Amil's great-grandfather left three of Mr Kumar's ancestors to die during World War One and ever since, Gujars have been trying to repay the debt. For the next eight years, Amil will work for Mr Kumar and when Amil has a son, he will, on his tenth birthday, do the same. On his first night living in Mr Kumar's workshop, Amil discovers a trunk that had belonged to his great-grandfather and in it, some of his belongings, including a journal of his time fighting on the front line. In reading this, Amil learns more about his great-grandfather and also about himself.

A fascinating read. I loved the character of Amil and also Mr Kumar's daughter, Chunni. I was initially wary of what I thought was going to be a magical element to the story but it didn't turn out that way (I don't think) and I really enjoyed watching Amil develop his newfound skills.

This is a pacy, beautifully-written story and I thoroughly recommend it.

On his tenth birthday, Amil is ripped from his family and forced into the employ of the cruel Mr Kumar to pay a decades old debt. Here, he discovers a gift shared by his great grandfather that proves vital when tragedy strikes.

Walker deftly intertwines the narratives of Indian infantryman in World War I and 1980s Bhopal with tragedy around the corner for both sets of characters. It is well written, with deftly drawn characters and a fast paced plot. Highly recommended.