[Hardcover] Independence

"Independence" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a compelling novel set in India during August 1946, a crucial period leading up to the country's independence. The story revolves around three sisters, Priya, Jamini, and Deepa, who live in the village of Ranipur, Bengal. Their lives are intricately woven with the surrounding river, village, and a grand old mansion, reflecting the essence of India itself.

Dr. Nabakumar Ganguly, their father, is a respected figure in the community, and the sisters feel safe in their cocooned world. However, everything changes dramatically when their father is killed on Direct Action Day, an event that foreshadows the turbulence that is about to engulf the nation.

Priya, the youngest sister, is intelligent and determined to follow in her father's footsteps by becoming a doctor. With the support of Somnath Chowdhury, a zamindar and her father's best friend, she strives to achieve her dreams despite the challenges.

Jamini, the middle sister, is devout and dutiful, helping her mother stitch kanthas to support the family. While she longs for affection, she also harbors a secret desire that she keeps hidden.

Deepa, the eldest sister, is set to have a prosperous marriage, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with Raza, a Youth Leader at the Muslim League. As India faces partition, the sisters find themselves separated, fearful for their own futures and each other's.

The novel delves into themes of loyalty, love, nationhood, and sisterhood, exploring the impact of India's independence movement on the lives of its people. It portrays the exhilarating and devastating effects of a nation in flux, and the sacrifices individuals must make for their independence.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's masterful storytelling vividly brings to life the characters and the historical backdrop of India's struggle for freedom. The novel has been praised for its portrayal of the decolonization and partition of the Indian subcontinent, as well as its moving depiction of how these profound changes affect the lives of three strong and resilient women.