Independence

A Novel

De: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Narrado por: Sneha Mathan

“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 listener—new or old—a devoted fan.

©2023 Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Beautiful story from one of my favorite authors

I am always fully taken in by Chitra Banerjee Divakuruni's writing and this was no exception. I feel like I need to do some historical research into this time period now as my knowledge of the partition is definitely lacking. I am not a huge fan of stories about family dynamics (which I know sounds odd) but I really love her stories. They are beautiful and illustrative.

Beautiful

Such a beautiful story. I cannot begin to write a review to do this story justice. It brings history to Life with deep wonderful characters and an authentic story. And as always, excellent narration by Ms Sneha Mathan. Loved it.

Sisterhood journey

I really love the subject matter of the book. I also loved the sisters and their own unique journeys. I didn’t like Jamini’s marriage and the number of complex characters - I felt like I needed to build a organization workflow to understand how everyone connected and when. I want to read it over again and see if I can understand it better.

Terrific narration book was hard to keep up with

I had to replay in a few sections, but overall a good book with great narration.
I would definitely read another book from this author and listen to this performer again.

A good story

This is the story of a family in India during a time of great political upheaval. The journey to independence had a profound effect on all while taking them on unexpected paths.
A read/listen which worked well because I didn't have to struggle with pronunciation. That always takes me out of a story. Sneha Mathan provided excellent narration.

Love stories in between history making

I was eager to know more of the inside details of Independence of India. This book gave what I wanted and more, with human characters that kept me interested. Great work from Banerjee

A transportive quality to the story

I quite enjoyed the story.

Also, Sneha Mathan is excellent (as usual) in her narration.

R.

Sisterhood, strength, and perseverance

A beautiful story that bounces between sisters and their respective paths through life. Heartache and political turmoil sprinkled throughout.

Beautiful with so much depth

What a beautiful story. Well written, beautifully narrated and very unpredictable. Set around 1947 when India got independence from Britain. Follows the lives of 3 sisters as they navigate family, life, Love and their personal dreams. The political turmoil in the country makes normal life so much more challenging. A reminder of the destructiveness of colonisation, the polarization of religion. So much loss, but in the end Love is the one thing that binds them together, whether they know it or not. A solid 5/5.

Reader and story with historical background

I like historical novels especially when read well. The content discusses the struggle of India.