Kim: Koko Maailman Pikku Ystävä
1901
Kim: Koko Maailman Pikku Ystävä
1901
Translated by Hannes Leiviskä
A novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a young boy named Kim, who navigates the complex societal landscape of colonial India. Born to a poor Irish soldier in Punjab, Kim lives a life filled with adventure, deceit, and spiritual exploration, interacting with both British and Indian characters. The opening of the novel introduces us to Kim playing near a historic cannon in Lahore, setting the stage for his mischievous nature and the vibrant, multicultural backdrop of British-occupied India. Kim's identity is blurred as he resembles both the local residents and the British, leading to a life of independence as he befriends various characters, including an old Tibetan Lama searching for a sacred river. The narrative establishes Kim's charming persona as “the little friend of the whole world” and hints at his larger journey that intertwines with themes of spirituality and cultural encounters.
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“There is no sin so great as ignorance. Remember this.””
— Rudyard Kipling
“This is a brief life, but in its brevity it offers us some splendid moments, some meaningful adventures.””
— Rudyard Kipling
“I have seen something of this world," she said over the trays, "and there are but two sorts of women in it-- those who take the strength out of a man, and those who put it back. Once I was that one, and now I am this.””
— Rudyard Kipling
“It is not a good fancy,' said the llama. 'What profit to kill men?'Very little - as I know; but if evil men were not now and then slain it would not be a good world for weaponless dreamers.””
— Rudyard Kipling
“For Kim did nothing with an immense success.””
— Rudyard Kipling
“No need to listen for the fall. This is the world's end.””
— Rudyard Kipling
“Something I owe to the soil that grew”
— Rudyard Kipling
“Those who beg in silence starve in silence,””
— Rudyard Kipling
“I am Kim. I am Kim. And what is Kim?" His soul repeated it again and again.””
— Rudyard Kipling
