THE HEARTSTONE ODYSSEY REVIEWS

"The epic saga of the mice, I have found to be beautiful and fascinating. The appeal to children from 7-70 is, I believe, irresistible."

'The Heartstone Odyssey' has sold over 65,000 copies since it was first published. Here is what others have said about it:

"....The Heartstone Odyssey is both an admirable work of art and a real contribution towards greater understanding and recognition of the cultures of India and Britain and how they can develop and thrive together. Anti-racist is too glib an adjective for this profound and magical epic but its messages and resonances cannot fail to raise the consciousness of all who read it. Those of us who have visited Britain and India at once feel at home with the style, atmosphere and idiosyncrasies of the writing and the finely-drawn, charming characters. It is clear that Arvan Kumar has deep roots in both England and the sub-continent. The story of the dancer, Chandra, has a special meaning for artists who seek to share their cultural heritage with others but its theme is accessible and universal. Literature - like music or other art forms, has a special ability and a responsibility to change people's appreciation of the world in which we live. The Heartstone Odyssey is a shining example of a book, which can enable readers to look at their environment and the people in it, with new eyes. I am happy to have the opportunity of commending Arvan Kumar's book to children and adults of all ages, wherever they may live."

Pandit Ravi Shankar

Delhi

"...The Heartstone Odyssey confronts what we sometimes call the real world with magic, mystery, danger and rescue, suspense and resolution in the most gripping and entertaining way, and it echoes the heartfelt needs of children for a world that assures them of justice, equality, freedom and respect. I want every school in the land to introduce its children to this story, which is one of the finest I have ever read...."

R.A. German, Former Principal Education Officer, Commission for Racial Equality

"...Some of the most influential animal characters in children's (and for that matter, adult) fiction - Watership Down's rabbits, Winnie the Pooh, Toad of Toad Hall - are about to face competition from the mice of Wellminster Cathedral and the old Eastwich Observatory..."

"...The epic saga of the mice, I have found to be beautiful and fascinating. The appeal to children from 7-70 is, I believe, irresistible. At the same time, this powerful tale gives an insight into many areas of life and provides very positive and worthwhile models. I am looking forward with some impatience to the next part of the story."

Headteacher, London

"...This book has introduced children to the very real injustice that exists in our world. It has given children the confidence to talk about their own experiences."

Headteacher, Manchester

"...I feel that The Heartstone Odyssey is a milestone in putting markers on a programme towards a wholesome and integrated society which inevitably comes into conflict with itself and is afraid to explore what individuals mean to each other. The Heartstone Odyssey sets about laying the foundation for such an exploration and the rest of us must follow its example by providing the brickwork. Hearts and minds are not won by laws and shouting about rights. That way lies confrontation. Live and let live may be a good policy in a prison camp but living with each other in harmony and love will only come about by making outsiders feel insiders. The story told is a moving one, the narrative spellbinding. No person who reads it will ever be the same again. I wish The Heartstone Odyssey well. It is an oasis in a world of conflict."

Dr. S. S. Bakhshi

Medical Officer for Environmental Health

Birmingham City Council

Heartstone Odyssey