Review of Passage from India

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
User avatar
Mamta Singhal
Posts: 83
Joined: 07 Apr 2024, 02:38
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 82
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mamta-singhal.html
Latest Review: Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress by Gustavo Kinrys, MD

Review of Passage from India

Post by Mamta Singhal »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Passage from India" by Harold Mondol.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


"Passage from India" by Harold Mondol.

Mondol's narrative highlights the complexities of living at the crossroads of different cultures. He emphasizes how these experiences shaped his worldview and personal development. The book illustrates the challenges and opportunities that come with adapting to new environments, whether it's adjusting to life in a bustling Indian city or navigating the academic and social dynamics of an American college.

In 1928, an American missionary named Carolyn Belle Osborn arrived in Bombay after a long journey from the United States. Reflecting on the Titanic and Lusitania disasters, she was thankful for her safe passage. Carolyn had lived in India as a child, as her parents were missionaries there, and she had fond memories of her early years. She anticipated the challenges of adapting to the local culture and environment, drawing strength from her memories and the support of her travel companion, Edna Bradley. Carolyn's return to India was driven by a commitment to continue her family's missionary legacy. She faced the cultural and language challenges with determination. The author left behind the serene yet demanding responsibilities of pastoral ministry in Dansville for a series of short-term jobs, leading to his first serious long-term career. The author feels remorseful for being an inattentive parent, consumed by job goals. Amy, one of the children, shares nostalgic memories of family life and activities in their home and neighborhood.

The author encountered the local "pocket rockets" bus service, a cheap and convenient transportation option. Despite being disappointed by not securing a teaching position at the college, he organized video workshops where he mentored students like Vidas Girskis and Vidmante Czernausky, who went on to pursue successful careers. Despite the challenges, he reflected on his journey and the significant life changes he had made.

From reading "Passage from India" by Harold Mondol, I learned about the profound impact of cultural intersections on personal growth and identity. The book is an autobiography detailing Mondol's life journey, beginning with his parents' missionary work in India and extending through his own experiences in both India and America. For which I give it 5 out of 5 stars, and the book doesn't have any dislikes. One significant theme is the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in diverse cultural settings. Mondol's move from India to America, and later to places like Cozumel and Lithuania, showcases his ability to find common ground and build meaningful connections despite cultural differences. Overall, "Passage from India" is a testament to the enriching experiences that come from embracing cultural diversity and the continuous journey of self-discovery that it entails. I agree with this; the book is well edited and has no errors.

Ultimately, I recommend this book for those who are interested in cultural diversity, personal memoirs, and cross-cultural experiences. It will appeal to those who appreciate stories about adaptation, resilience, and the impact of heritage on personal identity.

******
Passage from India
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”