Independence: A Novel

Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a historical fiction taking place during India's partition. Partition always makes me think of the horrific events that happened in the border states and the communal violence. Partition was just an idea people thought would fade off but the way it happened and how it affected many lives will always be in the hearts of the people.

The story was so amazing and heartbreaking. Three sisters' life and the way the turning of events after the death of their father during Direct Action Day. I loved the character Priya a lot, she was so ambitious. Jamini was someone who wished to be loved and her actions make us angry and her yearning makes us feel pity for her. Deepa, I never thought she will take such big decisions and loved Deepa and Raza in a different way for what they are.

“Humankind would be better off if there were no religions” - it's true when I think of the events that are happening and happened and the hatred towards people in the name of religion.

I loved the writing style which was so lucid, and how each character is narrated and their story. It will create the scene while you are reading and give the picture of how partition changed many lives.

”Can you cut up a country as though it were a cake?”

During the tumultuous background of India in 1947, three sisters, each caught up in their own private thoughts and drama, must put it all aside for the sake of family. Friend turns against friend and country turns against country, but the bonds of these three women remain strong. Intelligent Priya, determined to become a doctor like her father, yet still bound by a culture who frowns on it. Beautiful Deepa, following her heart to a marriage that was supposed to bring her and her family success. And pragmatic Jamini, the one always overlooked, who harbors jealousy and fierce love in equal measure. After great change happens within India and threatens the safety of their family and village, differences have to be set aside to protect family.

It took me a bit to get into this one, but I was pretty invested in the safety of the sisters by the end. The writing style was a little choppy in places, and during fast-paced events in the story the short sentences felt almost frantic in their pacing. As the book went on, though, it was easier for me to follow things, I guess because I had gotten used to it by that point.

So, a mostly compelling story during a period of history I don't know too much about. The writing style took some getting used to, but once I got settled, I mostly enjoyed reading the drama surrounding this family. I don't agree with some of the choices made by the family (Priya especially), but I can understand them in the larger context of family and personal goals.

I received a copy of this book free via Goodreads Giveaways.