Living in a poor Indian neighborhood with his mother and three siblings, Saroo was often left to fend for himself, begging neighbors for food and taking care of his little sister, even though he was only five years old himself. One evening, having followed his brother by train to another city, he unwittingly boarded the wrong train back home, instead arriving many hours later in Kolkata. In a country of more than 700 million people and not knowing the name of the city where he had come from, Saroo was placed in an orphanage and ultimately adopted by an Australian couple. Despite a happy childhood there, he never forgot his family in India, and as an adult he set out on what seemed like an impossible task to locate them.

Saroo's incredible story was turned into a feature film several years ago, and so having seen the film the trajectory was familiar, but it was still touching and inspirational. The writing is not complex, but it is heartfelt and honest, and I was amazed by Saroo's ability to hold onto such important memories from so young an age. I wonder how many other readers curiously followed along in Google Earth/Maps as he was zeroing in on the discovery of his hometown — I certainly was! Now that even more time has passed, I'm curious how things are going for Saroo, his old family and his new family. I hope they have kept in touch and been able to develop meaningful and fulfilling relationships. ( )

Possibly THE MOST incredible story you will ever read. Maybe not the best retelling, but it still ranks as a great book. Many of the important facets of this book are more universal than specific to Saroo Brierley which make it a must read for everyone who likes to read and thirsts for knowledge.

Well done, and godspeed Saroo. ( )

See the movie (Lion) and read the book! So good! ( )

Oh man, this story is so touching and really makes a person appreciate life. I could tell that it was written by someone who doesn't make a living writing. It's more of a just the facts type read instead of one that tries to stir up emotions, but the subject matter will bring on the feelings regardless. I'm looking forward to seeing the film. ( )

When Saroo Brierley was a small child, he became separated from his older brother at a train station and ended up on a train bound for Calcutta. After surviving for weeks, first in the train station and then near the river, Saroo ended up in an orphanage. When orphanage officials were unable to locate Saroo’s family based on the limited amount of information he was able to provide about his home and family, he was offered for adoption to an Australian couple. Saroo had a good life in Australia, but he never forgot his origins and the family he left behind in India. Decades later, Saroo discovered Google Earth and saw in it the possibility of locating the home he’d left behind in India. Finding home would be a long shot, but he had to try.

Brierley’s memoir is the basis for the motion picture Lion. The book is as moving as the film, and as you would expect, it provides more details about Saroo’s search and the reunion with his Indian family. I watched the movie before reading the book, and I think that would be the right order for most people. ( )