Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

INDEPENDENCE by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Before We Visit the Goddess) is a work of historical fiction which is centered primarily in India during the 1940s and the push for independence from British rule. But the title also refers to the struggles for self-autonomy for three sisters: Deepa who is a beautiful singer thinking about marriage; Priya who passionately hopes to become a doctor like their father; and Jamini who aims for virtue and yet sometimes grudgingly takes on the household responsibilities. Each, in her own way, is a rebel against societal, religious, and family expectations. Their lives change dramatically when their father dies and the sisters struggle with life choices about whom to marry and where to live, but the family bonds are strong.  INDEPENDENCE deals with themes of belonging and acceptance, with duty and betrayal, and with selfishness and sacrifice - all on an individual and on a country-wide level. Like other titles by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, this newest one would make an excellent book group choice. INDEPENDENCE received starred reviews from Booklist ("unforgettable prose") and Publishers Weekly ("This is a must.").