Published: 2023
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, India, Historical, Indian Literature, Asia, Audiobook, Book Club, Family, Adult, Young Adult
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 11-12
Number of Stars: 5 Stars
Goodreads Link: Independence
Triggers: War, assault, murder, political violence/riots, family separation
Review By: Sara Tripp
Publisher’s Summary:
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 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.
Review:
I love the personal stories of what people go through during the hardships of war. I am a history teacher and I have taught about the Hindu-Muslim split within India. I teach about Gandhi and the Salt March, his mission to unite the Hindus and Muslims but never have I heard a story that puts true emotion to what families faced in India at this time. I was surprised at what I learned about the difference for women within the Hindu and Muslim faiths. What was acceptable in India for Hindu woman was much different than Muslim woman. I was saddened by families and communities that lived side by side for years without conflict suddenly turn on each other in murderous rage. Both sides strong in their religious beliefs start to think they cannot live and survive in a country with the opposing religion. The British imperialism of India led to devastating effects for Indian people. The three sisters Priya, Deepa and Jamini find that their love for each other and their family is more valuable to them than anything else their heart could desire.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- World History / Asian Studies: This novel is an invaluable resource for high school history curricula covering the end of British imperialism, the 1947 Partition of India, and the creation of Pakistan. As noted by the reviewer, it provides an emotional, humanized perspective on geopolitical events, shifting the focus from macro-political timelines (like Gandhi’s Salt March) to the intimate domestic realities of families upended by sudden borders and communal riots.
- Sociology / Women’s Studies: The story offers a compelling look at the differing social expectations, religious dynamics, and career restrictions placed on Hindu and Muslim women in late-1940s Bengal. Priya’s determination to become a doctor despite societal disapproval provides excellent ground for discussing the historical struggles of women entering STEM and medical fields.
Diversity & Representation:
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The novel strongly promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion by amplifying authentic South Asian voices and detailing a pivotal, traumatic period of Indian history. By offering nuanced perspectives on both Hindu and Muslim experiences without demonizing either side, the book explores how systemic colonial manipulation fueled communal violence between neighbors. It provides deep representation for young women by exploring agency, resilience, and personal determination through three distinctly flawed and powerful female lenses.
Readalikes:
- The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
- Train to Pakistan* by Khushwant Singh
- The Book of Gold Leaves by Mirza Waheed
