Three sisters of a distinguished doctor live in a Bengali village. Priya is educated and idealistic, determined to become a doctor like her father despite society’s disapproval. Deepa, the beauty, wants a marriage to provide her family with happiness and prominence. Jamini is pious, sharp-eyed, and a gifted quiltmaker with hidden interests.They have a loving, safe home away from the nation’s violence. After a riot kills their father, their neighbors turn against them, bringing the country’s events closer to home. Deepa falls in love with a Muslim and leaves her family as Priya pursues her job. Jamini keeps her family together while secretly longing for her sister’s fiancé. A dangerous transformation occurs when India is partitioned. Pakistan is now Muslim; India is Hindu. Sisters take distinct paths. They worry about themselves and each other.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni outdoes herself with her very emotional story of sisterhood and friendship, painting an exciting and sad account of India’s freedom that will make any reader—new or old—a dedicated lover.
