Kim by Rudyard Kipling

“Those who beg in silence starve in silence…”
A prominent writer of his age, Rudyard Kipling’s works are known for their realistic portrayal of the Indian lifestyle. Significant among his works is Kim, which is set in the backdrop of the rivalry between Britain and Russia in Central Asia.
Kimball O’Hara (Kim), an orphan, meets a Tibetan Lama while wandering the streets of Lahore. Inspired by the Lama’s thoughts, Kim decides to follow him. But when he is offered a chance at espionage, Kim is torn between the desire for secret service and following the Lama.
With this comingofage story, Kipling beautifully captures the dilemma in the young protagonist leaving the readers to wonder whether Kim would choose to be a Sahib or a Chela.