Independence
Ratings2
Average rating3.3
15
Ratings2
Average rating3.3
“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.
Reviews with the most likes.
I've had a thing for stories set in India lately. I don't think I even looked at the plot when I made my Book of the Month selection. Even if I had I would have scooped it up immediately, but in the end, it just didn't resonate with me.
Three sisters, Priya, Deepa, and Jamini have their sheltered lives shaken by the violent death of their father. Eventually separated as they grow into their own lives, they struggle as the winds of their country have changed.
I enjoyed Priya's POV the most, though Deepa and Jamini's were also interesting. Unfortunately, that interest waned the further I read. Above all else, I enjoyed the backdrop of history and learning more about a time where my knowledge is limited. I didn't latch onto the writing style which was a big reason I wasn't getting pulled into the story.
I don't think I've read anything by Banerjee Divakurani since pre-goodreads day (2006?), but this was a pleasurable, although heart-rending, return. My bestie got me 3 months of Book of the Month for Christmas, and this was my January pick. Calling this historical fiction feels like typecasting it a bit. The title is a reference to both India's independence and that of the three sisters the plot follows, but I think the most powerful themes are really about interdependence within families: how to find ways back to relationships after deep betrayals, grieve losses, and move forward with love and integrity. This was a 3-star for me until about the middle, when everything just clicked in to place and I was enthralled for the later portion.
