Earthquake Boy

 

'The Earthquake Boy' is a story set up in India. A boy is found under the rubble after a massive earthquake hit the city of Bhuj in Gujrat, India. While many people die, this boy, the protagonist of this story, gets miraculously saved and is discovered after days of continuous efforts by rescue workers. He receives all possible medical attention and is taken to a local hospital, where he gets treated. With time, he recovers from his physical injuries. But unfortunately, he loses his memory and cannot recall anything from his past. The authorities try their best to locate his family or relatives, but all in vain. Unable to do anything more, it is decided that he be sent to an Orphanage. Fearing a miserable life in the orphanage, the boy decides to run away from the hospital. 

One day, in the thick of dawn, the boy packs a bag with money, a notebook, a pen, and an extra pair of clothes and escapes from the hospital. He runs to the nearby railway station and catches a train, unaware of where the train is heading. The train takes him to the big city of Mumbai.

From here starts a new life for this young boy, who is just 13 years old and by now is called Binna. Binna is not his real name but one given to him by the hospital staff, who didn't know what his real name was. Binna spends a couple of days at the railway platform in Mumbai, eating and sleeping there. But this place is not exactly safe. His encounters with a bunch of street urchins and street gangs make him go on a search for a job and a safe place to stay. Luckily he finds a job in a restaurant where he helps clean tables and washes utensils. This is not a great job, but Binna makes the best of it. He works hard and soon impresses his boss with his honesty and hard work and secures a place in the restaurant for the nights. Here he makes some good friends and feels safe and secure.

But life has more adventures stored for him. An encounter with the leader of the beggar gang turns out to be a blessing in disguise, as he gets saved by some good samaritans and lands up in ' AID ALONE', an organization that helps lost children find their homes. The organization helps him gain admission to a school, and he soon makes good friends here too. At last, Binna starts feeling at home. But he still wants to find his family and yearns to be with them. He tries hard to remember anything from the past, but he can only remember it in bits and pieces - a carved wooden gate, a temple, his birthday...but this information is not enough to find his family.

With AID ALONE supporting Binna, a new search starts for his family. Will Binna be able to remember his past? Will he finally unite with his family? These parts get answered in the last few chapters of the book.

Earthquake Boy is a book written for children upwards of 10 years of age. The protagonist of the book, Binna, is a lovable character. He is charming, and loves making everyone laugh; hence manages to make friends wherever he goes. The language used is simple yet intriguing.

Through this book, the author has tried to bring forward the plight of millions of lost and homeless children who are found on the streets of India.

The author's writing style is simple and logical. She first builds up the story, giving various clues about Binna's life, and slowly unveils the mystery like putting together the pieces of a puzzle. She has packed adventure, mystery, emotions, love for friends, and family into one book. It certainly makes up for an exciting read. 

Click here, to read my review about another book by the name 'Flute in the Forest' by the same author-Leela Gour Broome.

To know about more such exciting books, click here.