Sunjeev Sahota's contemporary novel about the plight of young Indians migrating to the United Kingdom really impressed our Cityside Book Clubbers and provoked wide-ranging discussion.
The subject matter while quite confronting, was handled in a sensitive, non-sensationalist manner which reflected the dogged determination of some of the main characters. There was discussion of how, for the younger generations of poorer Indians, the only hope for them and their families who remain behind, is their emigration. The depth of this desperation is hard to imagine. The conditions that they are willing to endure to get to another country, and then work in in another country, are difficult to comprehend. The group talked of how compassion for others is really the luxury of those who have more than they need to survive. There was conversation about the multiple levels of corruption that support such exploitation of downtrodden people.
One of our book clubbers has read the book twice and would gladly read it again. She continued to find new things on her second reading and is sure the density of the book would easily support multiple readings. Our readers enjoyed the pace, the structure and the language and commented that no part of the novel could be considered superfluous. They enjoyed the spare style and the way that every word counted.
The Runaways was shortlisted for the 2015 Man Booker. Our readers feel it was worthy of first prize.
Our book for next month, Carrying Albert Home by Homer Hickam, is a far lighter offering and quite a different kettle of fish.
Our next Cityside Book Club is on Thursday, 7 July at 6.00pm at Mackay City Library.
Happy reading!
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