A review by serendipitysbooks
Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 Independence is historical fiction, set in rural Bengal during the time of the Partition. It starts off slowly and is mostly centred on older sister Priya’s struggle to become a doctor. As partition draws nearer, religious conflict mounts and violence erupts, forever altering the family and broadening the novel’s focus. Middle sister Deepa marries a Muslim and ends up isolated from her family and in an increasingly perilous situation. Meanwhile younger sister Jamini embarks on a course of action that could alienate her from Priya forever. Then violence hits again and the family dynamics change once more. I enjoyed the way the point of view rotated among the three sisters, enabling the reader to better understand their unique perspectives. Each sister’s story highlighted different problems women faced in India at the time of partition. Despite their disappointments, heartbreaks and disagreements all three kept going, and when the chips were down they came together to support each other. Apart from sisterhood the novel also explores themes of family and friendship.  I was struck by the sudden and seemingly inexplicable rise in religious hatred. Neighbours of different religions had lived happily side by side for years but it didn’t take much to provoke them into violence against each other. The author captured this well. The book is divided into five sections and each begins with short literary note providing historical context, and also a bit of foreshadowing which always made me want to read on. A solid read centring the experiences of women during the turbulent time of Partition. 
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