Independence A Novel
Independence A Novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, published by HarperCollins Publishers in February 2024, is a historical fiction that explores the tumultuous period of India’s independence through the lives of three sisters. Set against the backdrop of the 1947 partition, the narrative delves into their unique desires and challenges as they navigate a society fraught with conflict and change. With a page count of 288, this edition presents a vivid portrayal of the sisters’ unbreakable bond amid the devastating events that shape their lives.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and personal struggle woven throughout the story. The sisters—Priya, Deepa, and Jamini—each embody different aspirations and conflicts, from pursuing education to navigating love and familial expectations. As their lives become increasingly intertwined with the historical upheaval around them, the novel highlights themes of friendship and resilience. This edition offers an engaging glimpse into the complexities of identity and belonging during a pivotal moment in Indian history.
Official synopsis Publisher
“Divakaruni tells the story of India’s independence through the eyes of three sisters, each of whom is uniquely different, with her own desires and flaws. I cheered for them and cried with them as they move through the history of their country that is at once devastating, inspiring, and triumphant. You will, too.”– Lisa See, #1 New York Times bestselling author
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.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni outdoes herself with this deeply moving story of sisterhood and friendship, painting an account of India’s independence simultaneously exhilarating and devastating, that will make any reader–new or old–a devoted fan.
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