Book Description:
Kim by Rudyard Kipling is a rich, adventurous novel set in British-ruled India during the late 19th century. It follows the story of Kimball O’Hara, an orphaned son of an Irish soldier, who is raised as a streetwise native in the vibrant, multicultural world of colonial India. Fluent in the languages and customs of the region, Kim becomes entangled in a thrilling tale of espionage known as the "Great Game" — the strategic rivalry between the British and Russian empires.
Guided by both a Tibetan lama on a spiritual quest and British intelligence officers who recognize Kim’s talents, the novel masterfully balances the spiritual and the political, adventure and identity. Through Kim’s eyes, Kipling presents an intricate tapestry of Indian society, full of mysticism, tension, and wonder.
Published in 1901, Kim is considered Kipling’s masterpiece — a novel that blends coming-of-age storytelling with sharp geopolitical insight and vivid cultural detail.
About Rudyard Kipling:
Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) was an English author, poet, and journalist, widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the British Empire. Born in India, he drew heavily on his experiences there to create stories filled with rich cultural insight and political commentary. Best known for The Jungle Book, Kim, and his poetry such as If—, Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907, becoming the youngest recipient and the first English-language writer to receive the honor. His works continue to spark dialogue about imperialism, identity, and literary legacy.