This book is a masterclass in storytelling.

It is perfectly paced and has a beautiful story to tell. It is moving, evocative and structurally sound. I find myself still thinking of this story.

This book has an interesting premise and the fact that it's inspired by the true events of the 1984 Bhopal gas leak, made me very excited to pick it up. I am a bit conflicted as I think that even though it's aimed at young readers and even though I enjoyed reading it, I fear it might not capture or keep the attention of young readers.

The worldbuilding is masterful, very well constructed and atmospheric, you can almost feel the heat stroking your body and the dust from the street sticking on you as you walk along the roads and alleyways. Amil is a lovely main character and Chunni a brilliant supporting one, but I felt there was a bit lacking in the delivery and it all gave a grown up feel to their voices and thoughts. As we are immediately thrown into the storyline, it felt at times that the story either doesn't deliver in the sense that it's not an adventure (but starts of with the abrupt separation of Amil form his family on his 10th birthday, which really grabbed me) and at points might feel a bit repetitive as so much of the story is about Amil's daily routines. I don't want to give to much away about the gift that runs in Amil's family but I thought that was an interesting element. Overall it was a good story, just not sure how memorable long term.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

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.