Priya: intelligent and idealistic, resolved to follow in her father's footsteps and become a doctor, though society frowns on it.
Deepa: the beauty, determined to make a marriage that will bring her family joy and status.
Jamini: devout, sharp-eyed, and a talented quiltmaker, with deeper passions than she reveals.
Theirs is a home of love and safety, a refuge from the violent events taking shape in the nation. Then their father is killed during a riot, and even their neighbors turn against them, bringing the events of their country closer to home.
As Priya determinedly pursues her career goal, Deepa falls deeply in love with a Muslim, causing her to break with her family. And Jamini attempts to hold her family together, even as she secretly longs for her sister's fiancé.
When the partition of India is officially decided, a drastic--and dangerous--change is in the air. India is now for Hindus, Pakistan for Muslims. The sisters find themselves separated from one another, each on different paths. They fear for what will happen to not just themselves, but each other.
Hardcover, 288 pages
Published January 17, 2023
by William Morrow
5/5 stars
How gorgeous is that cover, there is so much said in that picture without words needed.
“The year is 1947. It is the best of times, it is the worst of times.”
Independence is the story of three sisters. The year is 1947 when the British basically walked out the front door on India leaving the Hindus and Muslims to fend for themselves. The result is that Pakistan and Bangladesh were born. But it was a far cry from an easy transition.
Told from the povs of three sister, each sister with distinct personalities, goals and strengths. But they also have secrets, which I won't get into. If you don't know the history of what happened in 1947 then this is a great book to read. It is rich in history but also full of heartache. Right now I don't feel this review will adequately express my feelings for this book.
Independence is a very well written historical story surrounded by fact. It's a story of family, country and the lengths one will go for those they love. I listened to part of this in audio format, the reader did an awesome job.
This is my first time reading a Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, she has set the bar high as I hope to read more. If you are a HF fan or just want a gripping story about 3 women facing challenges and the bonds that connect them, then this is the book for you.
This book was part of my 2023 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#34)
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