Kim

by Rudyard Kipling
Kim cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Adventure
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Waterstones
Paperback • £4.99–£13.99 Hardback • £14.99
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Technical
  • ID: 10442
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9783368319687
  • Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
  • Published: 2022-11-23
  • Formats: 8
  • Reviews: 3

Kim is a captivating tale set against the backdrop of British colonial India, following the journey of a young orphan named Kimball O'Hara. The novel delves into themes of identity, culture, and the search for belonging, as Kim navigates the bustling streets and diverse communities of the subcontinent. His adventures are intertwined with the spiritual quest of a Tibetan lama, creating a rich tapestry of human experiences and philosophical reflections. /n/n Rudyard Kipling's masterful storytelling brings to life the vivid landscapes and intricate social dynamics of 19th-century India, offering readers a profound exploration of the human condition. The narrative is not just an adventure but a deep dive into the cultural and political landscape of the time, making it a timeless classic that resonates with readers across generations.

Reviews
Metaphorosis Reviews · B. Morris Allen · 2020-10-30
mixed 3.50

The reviewer recalls liking the book but not being overwhelmed, preferring other works by the same author. They found the characters interesting, especially the protagonist, but felt the subplot was not thrilling.

B. Morris Allen shares their experience of reading Kim, noting that they liked it but were not overwhelmed. They recall preferring other works by Rudyard Kipling. The reviewer found the characters interesting, particularly the protagonist, Kim, but felt that the subplot involving the Great Game was not particularly thrilling. Overall, they appreciated the book but did not find it to be their favorite work by the author.

Quick quotes

    I first (and last) read Kim about 40 years ago. I recall that I liked it, but wasn't overwhelmed; I liked Kipling's other work better.

    The characters are interesting, especially Kim, the roguish streetwise kid.

    The Great Game subplot didn't really thrill.

The Guardian · 2013-12-14
comforting 4.50

This book is described as the ultimate comfort read, offering joy and color that can be relished during tough times. The vivid descriptions and rich characters make it a compelling coming-of-age story.

The Guardian highlights Kim as a comforting read that brings joy and color, making it a perfect escape during difficult times. The reviewer praises the vivid descriptions and rich characters, noting that the book's setting and narrative make it a compelling coming-of-age story. They emphasize the book's ability to transport readers to a different world, filled with adventure and depth. The reviewer also mentions that the book's themes and characters are timeless, making it a classic that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Quick quotes

    This is the ultimate comfort read, and the promise of its joy and colour is always something to cling to as you trudge across a desert of bad weather, hard work, or emotional turmoil.

    Filled with rich description and vivid characters, this beguiling coming of age story is considered to be Kipling's masterpiece.

    There is a fine antidote to all manner of morbidness in the brilliant pages of Kim.

The Atlantic · 1901-12-12
brilliant 4.75

The book is praised as a brilliant work that serves as an antidote to morbidness. The reviewer considers it the author's best work, highlighting its vivid and untamed narrative.

The Atlantic reviewer describes Kim as a brilliant work that offers an antidote to morbidness. They consider it the author's best work, praising its vivid and untamed narrative. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to captivate readers with its rich descriptions and compelling characters. They note that the book's themes and settings make it a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The reviewer also mentions that the book's exploration of identity and spirituality adds depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    There is a fine antidote to all manner of morbidness in the brilliant pages of Kim.

    Mr. Kipling's last work is, to my mind, his best, and not easily surpassed.

    Kipling's Kim is so untamed and sunburned that very few see him as white, or even know that his father was a sergeant in the Mavericks and that his mother was a half-caste.

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