Escape from Amritsar

There is a moment, about halfway through Escape from Amritsar, when its narrator – Arjan – remarks: ‘So far I’d avoided angry soldiers, helped set fire to a police station and been taken by bandits and escaped from them.’ It’s a neat summary of the novel’s breathless pace and the relentless danger that pulses through every page.

Set in 1919, against the seething backdrop of colonial Amritsar, this gripping historical adventure plunges readers into a world where fear, injustice and courage walk hand in hand. The British (‘Engrezi’) are in charge, tension between communities runs high, and even a routine trip to the market – Arjan’s supposed safe space – can turn into a scene of chaos and loss. When his father is arrested without explanation, Arjan’s family is thrown into despair. With his mother expecting another baby, Arjan promises to find and free his dad – a mission that will test his bravery, resourcefulness and belief in what’s right.

The novel is at once an adventure story and a sharp introduction to India’s struggle for freedom. Themes of colonialism and serfdom are woven throughout: why should outsiders rule our land? Why can’t we decide our own fate? These huge political questions are handled with bold simplicity: some readers will fail to notice the importance of the historical setting, but others will be eager to know more.

Arjan is an engaging hero – impulsive, determined and brave in the face of rifle-wielding guards and wild dogs. His mission would be hopeless without the help of kind strangers, such as Heera (a mysterious woman who seems to know everyone and everything) and Shanti (a kidnapped girl whose courage and longing for freedom mirror his own). ‘Not everyone you meet is evil,’ Heera tells Arjan – a stark reminder of the hopelessness that people can feel when their community is under threat.

Each chapter is a race against time before his father is deported, imprisoned, or worse. By the end, young readers will be left exhilarated, and some will be encouraged to find out more about this fascinating and shameful period of British history.