Book Review: Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

“Let something change. Let something break. I don’t care what. I don’t care how.”

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Independence

Review:

I’ve had a thing for stories set in India lately. I don’t think I even looked at the plot when I made my Book of the Month selection. Even if I had I would have scooped it up immediately, but in the end, it just didn’t resonate with me.

Three sisters, Priya, Deepa, and Jamini have their sheltered lives shaken by the violent death of their father. Eventually separated as they grow into their own lives, they struggle as the winds of their country have changed.

I enjoyed Priya’s POV the most, though Deepa and Jamini’s were also interesting. Unfortunately, that interest waned the further I read. Above all else, I enjoyed the backdrop of history and learning more about a time where my knowledge is limited. I didn’t latch onto the writing style which was a big reason I wasn’t getting pulled into the story.

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The time and place of the story.
• The dynamic of the sisters.

What I didn’t like:

• Something about the narration just didn’t absorb me, but I can’t figure why exactly that is.

Afterthoughts:

I may or may not revisit this book in the future. If I do, it will likely be on audio.

Where to buy the book: