BOOK REVIEW - INDEPENDENCE By Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

So, I picked up this book because I saw a lot of reels and reviews about this author and wanted to give it a try. Also, I was thinking of reading a fiction after a long time as I was only reading the best selling self help and motivation books for some time now.

Well, the book revolves around 3 female characters, Deepa, Jamini and Priya - 3 sisters and of course as the name of the book is very clear, the story is placed around the time 1946 where India is on the verge of achieving its independence and continues to 1948, which is the beginning of the post independence era. The one line in the book that I have marked summarizes the whole book -

“ The year is 1947. It is the best of times. It is the worst of times” .

I always thought that the year 1947 is the best for India, because the country achieved its independence after years of struggle and we are no more ruled by the British. However, many of us do not realize the trauma of partition, that the people of Punjab and Bengal went through. I have come across movies and documentaries about partition wherein the violence and the struggles of partition in Punjab have been portrayed and it is very heart breaking to note that the country struggled through this phase. However, this is the first time I have come across a historical fiction which talks about the partition of Bengal into West and East, and the trauma of so many families who had to move and the pain of both the Hindus and Muslims who were victims of communal violence.

In this story of Independence, the author captures the lives of 3 Bengali sisters, who lose their father to the communal violence on Calcutta and have to move on in life. It is a good read because the story flows and you are intrigued to know what happens eventually in each of their lives. It is somewhere disappointing because there is  tragedy, failures, death, failed love lives etc., , but isn't that life? The author also beautifully captures the love story of Deepa and Raza, which shows that love is beyond religion and how one can go to any extent just for the love of their lives. There is also the ambitious Priya, who leaves her love of many years to pursue her ambition, and also leaves her ambitious dreams when her family is in trouble and runs to their rescue. Much relatable??!! The most subtle and difficult character, but the most real is of Jamini who is insecure, jealous, talented, loving, and sacrificial all at the same time. I enjoyed reading this book and it was like watching a series about the Independence day. I look forward to reading other books of Chitra Banerjee as I think I would certainly enjoy reading more books with strong female characters. 

Rating - 4/5