A journey of the heart during a difficult period in Indian history
Dr. Prem Sharma
As the Japanese invade Burma, physician Devi Lal and his family flee as the bombs begin to drop, burning their home. Traveling on foot, they make the grueling trek across the mountains into India. Arriving in India, they have nothing. Slowly, they begin to rebuild their lives only to be caught in the throes of India’s partition and the slaughter that took place between Hindus and Muslims. The Lals (Hindu) are living in a now, Muslim, Pakistan. The family is split between those who want to fight and those who want to heal. These complex times change the lives of the survivors forever, bringing sadness and hope.
Based on the actual events in the life of the author, Mandalay’s Child has been used by schools and groups to help foster acceptance of cultural and religious diversity. It has been a favorite of book clubs. The Author speaks widely to audiences around the country.
Reader Reviews
“…readers interested in Burma and India will enjoy watching this intrepid, relentlessly well-meaning family cope with wave after wave of disastrous events.” —Publisher’s Weekly
“…extremely moving…a skilled storyteller combining suspense, coming-of-age themes and spirituality…the narrative is compelling.” —Foreword Magazine
Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars: Simple and moving
“This book caught my attention as one of the very few books written on the traumatic events in India/Burma/Pakistan during the post WW II era.”
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars: Superb
“Superb! An excellent story based on reality. You feel like if Dr. Sharma was at your side telling.”
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars: Modern Day Freedom Fighter
“Prem Sharma’s story had me mesmerized from the first paragragh. I felt as though I was sitting with him as he told the story of Devi Lal and his family.”
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars: Multi-cultural adventure—Filled with charm and excitement
“Mandalay’s Child is a gripping and well-written saga that had me in tears at least twice. Multi-cultural relevance that spans over several generations, cross-cultural tolerance and more.”
