Independence: A Novel is a novel written by author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, and published on 30 November 2022 by HarperCollins.[1][2] It 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.[3]
 | |
| Author | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | HarperCollins |
Publication date | 30 November 2022 |
| Publication place | India |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 288 |
| ISBN | 978-0063142404 |
Plot
editThis is a story of three sisters, all with different expectations of life, who are caught in the middle of the Bengal Partition.
Priya: intelligent and idealistic, she is resolved to follow her father's footsteps and become a doctor during a time when society doesn't allow women to pursuean education.
Deepa: the beauty, determined to marry for love even in the dark days of partition.
Jamini: devout, sharp-eyed, and often misunderstood, with deeper passions than she reveals.
This is a tale of sisterhood, sacrifice and the duty to one's nation.
Critical reception
editNandita Bose of The New Indian Express wrote "In this book, the author weaves her own tapestry so exquisitely that just one reading opens up in technicolour the broad sweep of Partition."[4] Mini Kapoor of The Hindu wrote "If this is another echo of Little Women, Divakaruni introduces enough twists to make the narrative chords of the storyline her very own."[5] Shuma Raha of Deccan Chronicle wrote "However, the sisters’ tale, though assiduously studded with seismic political events, remains, at heart, a prim domestic novel."[6] Sonali Mujumdar of Hindustan Times says "Independence, her new novel is a simmering cauldron bringing to a boil, questions of sisterhood, nationhood, love, betrayal, sacrifice and ambition."[7]
References
edit- ^ "Independence: A psychologically adroit successor to Little Women". Firstpost. 17 November 2022. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's New Novel 'INDEPENDENCE' Slated To Release End Of This Year". News18 India. 3 August 2022. Archived from the original on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
- ^ "Exclusive excerpt: 'Independence' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni". The Times of India. 28 November 2022. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "'Independence' book review: Love in the Time of Violence". The New Indian Express. 18 December 2022. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
- ^ "Book review: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's Partition tale, 'Independence'". The Hindu. 30 November 2022. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "Book Review: Love tangles with family as Great Calcutta Killings rage". Deccan Chronicle. 27 November 2022. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "Review: Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni". Hindustan Times. 19 December 2022. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.