The Wheel of Surya Summary

Author: Jamila Gavin

Type: Historical Fiction, Fiction,Childrens,Young Adult,Middle Grade,School,Novels

Subject: “The Wheel of Surya” is a novel by Jamila Gavin, and it addresses several significant subjects, particularly in the context of Indian history and the experiences of the Indian diaspora in the UK.The novel deals with:

Identity and Belonging: The story follows the journey of the main character, Amil, who is a first-generation Indian immigrant in the UK.It explores his struggle to reconcile his Indian heritage with his new life in a foreign country.

Cultural Clash: The novel delves into the cultural clashes and challenges faced by Indian immigrants in the UK as they adapt to a different way of life and navigate the complexities of a multicultural society.

Historical Context: “The Wheel of Surya” is set against the backdrop of significant historical events, particularly during the post-World War II period and the changing dynamics of immigration and settlement in the UK.

Family and Relationships: The story focuses on the relationships within Amil’s family and how they are affected by their migration experience and the tensions between generations.

Social Injustice: The novel also touches upon the racial prejudice and discrimination faced by Indian immigrants in the UK during the 20th century.

Overall, the book offers a glimpse into the complex experiences of Indian immigrants and the broader themes of identity, cultural adaptation, and social change.

Summary

When Marvinder and Jaspal are still very young, their Sikh father, who is little more than a child himself, leaves the Punjab for university life in England.As war breaks out in Europe, the distance between them seems to grow.

After the war, the children expect their father to return but their hopes are dashed when India’s independence, and division along religious lines, sparks violence and mass murder.Fleeing for their lives, the children find themselves separated from their family.Alone and frightened, they make a momentous decision they must get to England and find their father.

Set against a backdrop of imperialism, a world war and the partition of India, Marvinder and Jaspal’s journey is emotional as well as physical. Readers will find themselves living the trauma, rejoicing in the small triumphs and feeling overwhelming gratitude to the many kind people they meet along the way.

The significant historical events have a huge and dramatic impact on the lives of the characters but it is still those lives that keep readers gripped. Personal experiences never take second place to history but it is stories like this one that can help us to understand the real events of the past.