"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 reader--new or old--a devoted fan.
