Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was such an important and impactful story. As a Brit I think it is important to acknowledge and learn about the atrocities committed under the flag so I really appreciated the historical note from the author and think I’ll look into Rai’s other books mentioned there. Arjan is such a strong and brave young boy and I was glad to go on the journey with him and those he met along the way and am glad there was a happy ending for the most part although it’s horrible he had to lose the only home he’s ever known in the name of colonialism.

Favourite Quote:
“I only had a vague sense of the time. But I knew enough to realise that it was running out. Both for my father and for me.”

Set in the world of the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919, this is a moving story of a young boy's struggle to find and rescue his wrongly-arrested father. Full of action and suspense, it shines a light on the terror of the British occupation and the importance of community and hope.

Set in the aftermarth of the infamous Jallianwala Bagh Massacre by the British in Amritsar, this story follows the efforts of Arjan Singh - who is only 12 - to find and rescue his father who has been wrongly accused and taken.

In a city that is now a powder keg, just waiting for a spark to set it off again, how can a young boy attempt such a daring mission?

Interesting and relatable, this brings to the fore a much-needed closer examination of an infamous chapter in British history - but this time from the perspective of an unusual witness, namely a young boy - and makes the absurdity of the violence and racism that underlies colonialism all too apparent. It gets 3.5 stars.