“Lion” is a 2013 memoir written by Saroo Brierley alongside his ghostwriter Larry Philip Buttrose. Saroo Brierley tells his story of reconnecting with his Indian family and culture as a man who grew up in Australia after becoming separated from his family at age five. Throughout this text Brierley reflects on his identity as he learns more about his Indian past and family as a man who grew up adopted, detached from his former Indian identity. Throughout the whole of this memoir, Brierley explores how a sense of belonging, identity, and family bonds are vital to living a fulfilled life, highlighting the importance of having a connection to yourself and others. Throughout this memoir, Brierley highlights his personal journey to finding a sense of belonging. Brierley expresses the detachment he felt from his Indian life as a man in Australia who never truly remembered …show more content…
Brierley says “Adoptees, whether or not they ever knew their birth parents, often describe the constant, gnawing feeling of there being something missing: without a connection, or at least the knowledge of where they are from, they feel incomplete.” This shows the value and importance Brierley felt towards finding the family connection and rediscovering his past identity. Another instance in the text where Brierley reflects on the importance of family bonds is when his birth mother, who hadn't seen him for 25 years, told him, “I will build you a home and go out and work hard so that you can be happy.” This shows the importance family holds and that connections and bonds never fade away and will always be a significant part of an individual's identity. The memoir really expresses to the reader that “love is stronger than any obstacle” and has the power to “heal even the deepest wounds.” The family holds the highest importance in Brierley’s life, beyond material possessions or external