Independence: A Novel

”Can you cut up a country as though it were a cake?”

During the tumultuous background of India in 1947, three sisters, each caught up in their own private thoughts and drama, must put it all aside for the sake of family. Friend turns against friend and country turns against country, but the bonds of these three women remain strong. Intelligent Priya, determined to become a doctor like her father, yet still bound by a culture who frowns on it. Beautiful Deepa, following her heart to a marriage that was supposed to bring her and her family success. And pragmatic Jamini, the one always overlooked, who harbors jealousy and fierce love in equal measure. After great change happens within India and threatens the safety of their family and village, differences have to be set aside to protect family.

It took me a bit to get into this one, but I was pretty invested in the safety of the sisters by the end. The writing style was a little choppy in places, and during fast-paced events in the story the short sentences felt almost frantic in their pacing. As the book went on, though, it was easier for me to follow things, I guess because I had gotten used to it by that point.

So, a mostly compelling story during a period of history I don't know too much about. The writing style took some getting used to, but once I got settled, I mostly enjoyed reading the drama surrounding this family. I don't agree with some of the choices made by the family (Priya especially), but I can understand them in the larger context of family and personal goals.

I received a copy of this book free via Goodreads Giveaways.