Kim

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

2226

Title

Kim

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in colonial India, this adventure follows Kim, a young Anglo-Indian boy raised by a streetwise woman, as he navigates the complex landscape of castes, religions, and politics. Guided by a Tibetan lama on a spiritual quest, Kim balances his life as a street urchin with a secret mission for the British government, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the search for truth in a divided world.

Summary up to 500 words

In Rudyard Kipling's *Kim*, the narrative follows Kimball O'Hara, a mixed-race boy raised in the bustling streets of Lahore by a woman who claims to be his mother's sister. Though of English blood, Kim is dark-skinned and fluent in local languages, earning him the nickname 'Little Friend of all the World.' His father, an Irish sergeant, left him with three vital documents and a prophecy of a 'Red Bull on a green field.' Kim navigates a dual existence: he is a spiritual seeker accompanying a Tibetan lama on a pilgrimage to the Four Holy Places, and simultaneously a secret agent for the British government gathering intelligence on a political plot involving a Tibetan prince. The story weaves together these conflicting identities as Kim learns to meditate and view the world through a spiritual lens while serving the Empire. He faces profound moral dilemmas, particularly regarding whether to reveal his espionage to the lama, whom he deeply respects. The narrative explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the nature of truth in a colonial setting. Kim's journey takes him through the vibrant life of Lahore, from the Wonder House museum to the quiet contemplation of the Himalayan passes. The plot culminates in a dramatic confrontation involving a river, a suicide pact, and the revelation of the lama's true intentions. The lama, seeking enlightenment and the 'Middle Way,' plans to sacrifice his physical body to achieve spiritual freedom, believing his soul will transcend the physical form. Kim must choose between his loyalty to the British Empire and his growing spiritual connection to the lama. Ultimately, the story resolves with Kim finding a path that honors both his heritage and his conscience, realizing that he can serve the world without compromising his soul. The novel concludes with Kim's transformation from a street-smart orphan into a wise figure capable of bridging the gap between East and West, embodying the ideal of a universal citizen.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2226.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg2226.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction
• India
• Orphans
• Boys
• Spies