Rudyard Kipling’s story of Kim is gorgeous, full of life and warmth.

Kipling displays an observant, retentive memory; he has keen understanding of life

lived by Indian people of all casts. Kipling had one foot in England and

one in India that enabled him to contrast the two; it is clear which culture he

preferred.

Heart of the story is the boy Kim, an orphan raised from infancy by the bazaar. He

is an outgoing soul, epitomised by his bazaar name Friend of all the World.

Kim’s character captivates all those with whom he meets and with whom he

chooses to interact. Mahbub Ali, the Pathan horse coper, grows to regard Kim as

his son; Kim reciprocates. The Red Lama to whom Kim becomes a loving desciple. The

Old Woman of Kulu who treats Kim as a grandson and who Kim regards as

grandmother. All of Hind is Kim’s home. As Mahbub says to Creighton Sahib: A

fever could kill him, but there is no fear for his safety.

Kim is the story of a boy's growth from childhood through youth into young

manhood and adventure of The Great Game, which is the motivating force,

guided by those who love and care for him dearly. It is a story of humanity at its

best, one that remains fresh and good for the soul of the reader every time it is

read.