
In the bustling streets of Lahore, a young orphan named Kim navigates a world of bazaars, opium dens, and colonial intrigue. Though his skin is dark and his speech a blend of English and local dialects, he is technically “white,” the son of an Irish sergeant and a native caretaker. Raised among the city's poorest, he clings to an amulet made from his father's few papers, a talisman that hints at a destiny larger than his humble surroundings.
Kim’s keen eyes and quick wit soon draw the attention of the British intelligence network that operates beneath the surface of the Raj. As the “Great Game” between empires unfolds, he is recruited to spy for the Crown, embarking on a journey that carries him across the diverse landscapes of India—from the dusty plains of Punjab to the sacred hills of the Himalayas. Along the way, he encounters mystics, soldiers, and fellow travelers, each adding layers to his search for identity and purpose.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (576K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Emmy and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2011-03-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1865–1936
Best known for The Jungle Book, Kim, and poems like “If—,” he wrote adventure stories and verse that helped shape English-language reading for both children and adults. His work is still lively and memorable, even as readers continue to debate the imperial ideas woven through much of it.
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