With Partition literature in English almost entirely focusing on the division of Punjab, US-based author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni says she always wanted to honour the stories left out of it, especially those of the shock and horror of Direct Action Day and the Noakhali killings.
After she completed her novel, "The Last Queen", about Maharani Jindan Kaur, who in the 1840s fought with all her might against the British to preserve the kingdom of Punjab, of which she was the last queen - but she was unsuccessful, largely due to treachery among her nobles and generals, Divakaruni wanted to continue the story.
And that book became "Independence", Divakaruni's new offering which brings to life the sweeping story of three sisters - Priya, Deepa and Jamini - caught up in events of Partition beyond their control, their unbreakable bond, and their incredible struggle against powerful odds.
Growing up in Kolkata, Divakaruni had known elders who had participated in the freedom struggle. Her own maternal grandfather (on whom the character of Nabakumar is based, to some extent) had told her stories, especially of the "shock and horror" of Direct Action Day and the Noakhali killings.
Author of over 20 books including "Mistress of Spices", "Sister of My Heart", "Oleander Girl", "Before We Visit the Goddess" and "Palace of Illusions", migration dominated the early part of the author's writing.
