The Year of the Runaways Summary
Sunjeev Sahota

The Year of the Runaways Overview

Sunjeev Sahota’s novel, The Year of the Runaways, depicts a year in the life of four young adults— Tochi, Avtar, Randeep, and Narinder— who emigrate from India to England. The novel is divided into four sections titled after each of the four seasons; it proceeds chronologically, alternating third-person perspectives between each of the four main characters as Sahota explores their struggle to thrive and remain in the country. Three chapters focus on the lives of the four main characters leading up to their emigration. Sahota explores themes of isolation, honor and dignity, sacrifice, and survival.