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Ever wondered how a simple digital tool like Google Earth can reunite a lost child with his family across continents? Join me, Lluvia, as we embark on the heart-rending journey of Saroo Brierley through his memoir "A Long Way Home" and its film adaptation, "Lion." In this episode of Books vs Movies, I recount my deeply personal experience of finally reading the book and watching the movie, which brings to life Saroo's incredible real-life story of loss, adoption, and an emotional quest to find his roots. We’ll uncover the gripping narrative, from Saroo's perilous childhood escape to his life-changing adoption by an Australian couple, and his persistent memories of an Indian home he could barely recall.

We won’t shy away from examining the artistic liberties the filmmakers took—such as changing the gender of a pivotal character and dramatizing Saroo’s relationships, especially with his friend Asra (Amita in the film) and his adoptive brother, Mantosh. I’ll dissect these differences, questioning their necessity and impact. This episode also celebrates the raw performances of Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel, who breathed life into young and adult Saroo, respectively. Expect an in-depth discussion of Patel’s surprising nomination for Best Supporting Actor and my reflections on why the book remains closer to my heart despite the film’s accolades.

Finally, we honor the selflessness of Saroo's adoptive parents, Sue and John, who chose to change a child's world rather than expand their own family. Their decision is a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the real-life goodness at the core of this story. From the poignant escape scenes to the touching reunion, join me for an insightful comparison of the book and movie, celebrating the incredible tale of Saroo Brierley and the power of human resilience and connection.

All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/share

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