Plot
What is the main reason Saroo gets lost from his family?
Saroo gets lost because he falls asleep on a train and it takes him far away from home.
Who is Saroo’s adoptive mother in Australia?
Saroo’s adoptive mother is named Sue Brierley.
How does the author describe the train station where Saroo gets lost?
Saroo describes the train station as bustling, chaotic, and filled with the sounds and movement of many people, which overwhelms a young Saroo.
What language feature does the author use when describing Saroo’s vivid childhood memories?
“The scent of spicy food and the constant hum of voices filled the air. The sun beat down on the dusty roads, where children played and vendors shouted out their wares.”
The author uses sensory imagery to make Saroo’s memories come alive for the reader.
What nickname does Saroo’s family in Australia give him, and what does it symbolise?
Saroo’s family sometimes calls him “Sheru,” which is close to his birth name and means “lion” in Hindi. It symbolizes his strength and resilience.
What city does Saroo end up in after getting lost? Bonus $50 if you can spell it accurately.
Saroo ends up in the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata).
How does Sue Brierley support Saroo when he decides to search for his birth family?
ue Brierley is understanding and supportive, offering him emotional encouragement and reassurance that his search doesn’t diminish their bond as a family.
What details does the author include to show the dangers Saroo faces on the streets of Calcutta?
The author includes descriptions of crowded streets, people shouting, the constant presence of beggars, and menacing adults who pose threats to Saroo.
What text structure is used in the example below?
“I clung to Guddu’s hand, not wanting to let go. He was my anchor, my protector. Without him, the world seemed too big and full of unknowns.”
Foreshadowing. It hints at their future separation.
What is one significant challenge Saroo faces when using Google Earth to find his hometown?
The vast number of train routes and stations in India, making it difficult for Saroo to narrow down the exact location from his childhood memories.
How does Saroo begin to search for his birth family when he grows older?
Saroo begins to search for his birth family using Google Earth.
Describe Saroo’s relationship with his brother Guddu.
Saroo’s relationship with Guddu can be best described as loving, trusting, and sharing a deep bond of siblings.
What contrasting elements does the author use to highlight Saroo’s life in India versus Australia?
The author contrasts the poverty and struggle of Saroo’s early life in India with the safety, opportunities, and comfort of his life in Australia.
What language feature does the author use when describing Saroo’s experiences in India versus Australia?
“In Hobart, the nights were quiet, the streets empty after dark. It was so different from Calcutta, where night was a time of survival, with the city coming alive in chaotic and sometimes dangerous ways.”
The author uses contrast by detailing the hardship and danger of Saroo’s early life compared to the safety and opportunities he finds in Australia, emphasizing the stark differences.
Who is Saroo’s childhood friend in his village, and what role does this person play in his memories?
Saroo’s childhood friend is Kallu, who is one of the people he fondly remembers playing with in his village. These memories remind him of his simpler and happier times before being lost.
What specific memory of his childhood does Saroo rely on to identify his hometown on Google Earth?
aroo relies on memories of the train station, the nearby water tower, and the streets he used to walk on as a child.
What key trait does Saroo display throughout his journey and how does it help him?
Saroo displays resilience (perseverance / strong determination), which helps him push through challenges and setbacks during his long search for his hometown and biological family.
What role does the Indian railway system play in the story?
The Indian railway system serves as both a physical means that separates Saroo from his family and as a symbol of his long journey to reconnect with his past.
What point of view is used and what effect does the author create by using it?
Consider the following example: “I felt a knot of fear in my stomach as I realised I was completely alone.”
The first-person narrative makes the story more personal and immersive, allowing readers to connect deeply with Saroo’s emotions and experiences.
What specific image does Saroo recognise on Google Earth that confirms he has found his hometown? What is the name of his home-town?
Saroo recognizes the water tower near the train station, a distinct feature that matches his childhood memories and confirms he has found his hometown of Khandwa.
Describe how Saroo feels when he finally confirms that the town he found on Google Earth is his hometown.
aroo experiences a mix of overwhelming joy, disbelief, and emotional release as he confirms his discovery. He is relieved and deeply moved by the realisation.
How is Mantosh’s experience in the adoptive family different from Saroo’s?
Mantosh struggles with behavioural and emotional issues that make it harder for him to adapt and find peace, highlighting the varied experiences of adopted children.
How does the depictionn of Saroo’s hometown change from his childhood memories to his return as an adult?
Saroo’s childhood memories are more vivid and emotional, filled with sights and routines, while his adult return is marked by a sense of nostalgia and recognition mixed with the realization of the passage of time and change.
What language technique does the author use in the following example to build suspense during Saroo’s search for his hometown?
“I held my breath. Clicked. Zoomed in closer. The screen revealed the train tracks, the familiar path. My chest tightened. I knew this place.”
The author uses short, tense sentences to develop the intensity of the scene. These are contrasted with longer descriptions of his feelings (rhythm in writing).
What name does Saroo call his hometown?
Saroo believes his home is called “Ginestelay” because, as a young child, he mishears or mispronounces the name of his hometown, Ganesh Talai