Summary of this article

Set in the early first half of the 20th century, Crossings tells the stories of four young people: Samy, Abdul and Mei Ling, Majeed, and Lily.

The novel offers a rare perspective on colonial-era migration, labour, and war through the eyes of young protagonists discovering identity, resilience, and agency.

The children navigate displacement, hardship, and systemic inequalities, their stories illuminate the courage and aspirations of countless migrant families around the Bay of Bengal.

Samy arrives late to the store that night. At the end of his shift, he’d run to check on Chithappa; still sleeping. The nurses had given him strong medicine for the pain.

Ramalingam waves to him and he sits down next to his friend, but he’s still thinking about the leaflet. Periyar

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