My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Kim (1901) by Rudyard Kipling is one of those rare books that last through the decades but would never be published as a ‘new’ novel in modern times.
Often I find that the classics are “classics” because they are written in a style that is no longer preferred; ‘classics’ does not mean ‘great’ but, perhaps, means ‘old and forgotten’. None the less, rather an outdated classic or not, Kim was an enjoyable read.
The story of Kim (Kimball O’Hara) is one of adventure and history, set in India around the time between the 2nd and 3rd Afghan Wars and at a time when Russia and Great Britain conflicted their presence and control in Central Asia.
Early on, Kim, as a young orphan on the street in Lahore, befriends the Tibetan Teshoo Lama, who is seeking the River (or also known as the ‘River of the Arrow’ upon the “Road” — a hint of Cormac McCarthy there).
Kim’s father was once in the British army, and so Kim makes his way to a regiment, through the Lama’s guidance and that of a horse dealer named Mahbub Ali, and with the help of an old prophecy Kim has remembered as ‘the red bull in a green field’.
Kim gains his formal education, after already being educated upon the streets, and his future is mapped and outlined by Colonel Creighton for aid in helping to work both sides of the fence, the Indian public and the British army, as what is known as the Great Game, or the secret intelligence conspiring in India at the end of the 19th century.
Most of the book is set in dialogue, and even so can make for a difficult read since the characters who are speaking are set in a time and place that no longer exist and has not existed in over a century. Nevertheless, once Kipling’s cadence is picked up the story gives birth to a culture and region that is still quite fascinating.
In the end, however, the book does focus a great deal on the lama despite Kim being the protagonist and holding the eponymous title. As for the plot and action, there is not much compared to modern novels, but there is a spiritual essence that fills the pages and one can only hope that the best, regardless of the awful circumstances, will come to the lama and Kim.
A recommended read simply because it is a cherished classic. But what does that mean anymore when readers thrive for simplicity? If seeking simplicity, turn away. If seeking a story told true, then by all means, open the book cover and begin on page one.
CG FEWSTON
American Novelist CG FEWSTON
This is my good friend, Nicolasa (Nico) Murillo, CRC, who is a professional chef & a wellness mentor. I’ve known her since childhood & I’m honored to share her story with you. In life, we all have ups & downs, some far more extreme than others. Much like in Canada, in America, the legalization of marijuana has become a national movement, which includes safe & legal access to cannabis (marijuana) for therapeutic use & research for all.
“This is a wellness movement,” Nico explains. The wellness movement is focused on three specific areas: information, encouragement, & accountability.
In these stressful & unprecedented times, it makes good sense to promote & encourage the state or condition of being in good physical & mental health.
To learn more you can visit: Americans For Safe Access & Texans for Safe Access, ASA (if you are in Texas).
The mission of Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis (marijuana) for therapeutic use and research.
Link: https://www.safeaccessnow.org/
TEXANS FOR SAFE ACCESS ~ share the mission of their national organization, Americans for Safe Access (ASA), which is to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis (marijuana) for therapeutic use and research, for all Texans.
Link: https://txsafeaccess.org/about-1
Stay safe & stay happy. God bless.
Nico Murillo Bio ~ Americans & Texans for Safe Access ~ Medical Cannabis
