Book Review: Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: January 17, 2023
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Publisher’s Description:

Set during the partition of British India in 1947, a time when neighbor was pitted against neighbor and families were torn apart, award-winning author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s novel brings to life the sweeping story of three sisters caught up in events beyond their control, their unbreakable bond, and their incredible struggle against powerful odds.

India, 1947.

In a rural village in Bengal live three sisters, daughters of a well-respected doctor.

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 fiancè

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.

Set against the backdrop of The Indian Partition in 1947 that created Pakistan, three sisters are also searching for their independence. Priya wants to become a doctor, like her father, virtually unheard of for a woman in the 1940s, Deepa falls in love with a Muslim man, which as a Hindu herself, is strictly forbidden. Jamini walks with a limp and wonders if she’ll ever get married and have a family of her own. And she happens to be in love with Priya’s fiancé. When the result of the partition is widespread violence, pitting Muslims against Hindus, their family is torn apart.

This book has it all. Richly developed characters and a fast-paced plot that had some surprising turns. I also learned a lot – I didn’t know much about the history of The Indian Partition.
I chose this book because I loved Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s book Oleander Girl. I’m happy to say I loved this book too. Highly recommended.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.)