Cracking India: A Novel

Wrenched from the security of the familiar, a young girl gleans intimate knowledge of the nature of betrayal. As a cosseted child, Lenny's short life is defined by the affection of family, friends and her beloved Ayah. As most children who have the blessing of regularity in their lives and know the indulgence of boredom, Lenny is on an intimate terms with mundane household affairs and neighborhood gossip, her extended family ever available for entertainment and amusing peccadilloes. The family's simple life changes forever with the Partition of India in 1947 and the creation of Pakistan for Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs remaining in the state of India. As citizens of the newly formed Pakistan, this family's everyday reality begins to shift with the changing times, threatening to destroy a child's security and trust forever.In Lahore, a city that has welcomed differences and encouraged variety, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus have mixed without incident. After the Partition, the dangers of alliance permanently stamp the mark of change and entire families begin to disappear overnight. In agonizing stages, Sidwha relates this tragic account through Lenny's eyes. And it is that vision, with glimpses of violence flashing around the periphery, that ultimately alerts Lenny to the shape of the future. The juxtaposition of family life and national chaos outlines an insider's interpretation of daily routine and a whole country spinning out of control. Peopled with eccentric characters and quirky personalities, one of the most romantic and beloved is Lenny's beautiful and desirable Ayah. Ultimately, the abrupt disappearance of that Ayah, who has been kidnapped by nefarious characters, is central to the theme of this carefully wrought tale. All sense of harmony and continuity is abruptly shattered by the miasma of violence that seeps under closed doors at night like a poisonous invisible fog. This book is a stunning reminder of the nature of impermanence, "collateral damage" in the form of a loving Ayah, whose lovely spirit is virtually destroyed along with Lenny's innocence.

The story is told through the eyes of Lenny, a young Indian girl whose beautiful Hindu nanny has included her in her friendship with a number of young men of various religions and walks of life. Despite the differences, they are united by their love for her. As their beloved nation drifts toward a complete rupture, violence begins in the streets; the child sees some of the young men changing religions to protect their families, or leaving the city for a safer place. She begins to understand the religious divisions that are ripping the fabric of India. She witnesses scenes of slaughter; her nanny is betrayed and kidnapped, bringing her to a shameful life.No childhood can continue amid this terror, and the reader feels such sympathy for little, crippled Lenny and her young friends. But heart-wrenching as the story is, it is only one story of that time, and Sidhwa tells it very well. She sheds light on this dark period, but in doing so, makes the reader want to know more about that time, and what led to it.

I don’t know why this review format has me write a review, then refuses to post it. I liked the book. I dislike this awkward “Review” format.

pretty good book, easy to read. Really helps immerse you in the indian culture to see what life was like during the separation of india and pakastan. Our main character Lenny was fun to read about while also learning about the roles of women in that part of the world. so many good character, definitely worth a read!

I did not know what to expect when our book group selected Cracking India. I found this story of Partition, from the point of view of a young girl, engaging and thought the author managed the voice of this rather precocious child well. A good choice for those wishing to read Indian writers who choose to write in English.

This book is great, but became increasingly hard to read. There was a different font on every page. "m"s were used instead of "rn," "H"s were used in place of "n"s. There were two chapter 1s?? so it went 1,1,3,4. Super odd. Some of the letters are ridiculously small, that they are like subscripts. Pictures included. Super odd. I paid quite a bit for this book, and I want a regular version, or my money back.

Had to read this for women's lit course. Phenomenal story. Definitely a culture I wasn't aware until I took the course or read this book, I'm glad I was able to read it. I've been lending it out to friends who love it as well.

I saw the movie and was in awe of the characters. This book and books like it are why I love reading. The language, characters and plot transported me back in time to a place where love, hate, loss and acceptance written so convincingly that I cheered, laughed and cried while reading.

Book is missing 2 pages. The numbers don’t make sense nor does the end and start of the surrounding pages. Incredibly frustrating to buy a book that is missing pages.

Il titolo della mia recensione si concentra sulla qualità e la comodità del servizio. Il prezzo del libro di per sè è molto conveniente anche se, includendo la spedizione, va in pari con a quelli che si trovano nelle librerie. Ciononostante non dimentico la comodità di trovarmeli a casa senza dovermi preoccupare di nulla. La velocità della consegna (3-4 giorni senza ritardi) e le condizioni dell'articolo mi hanno lasciato molto soddisfatta: il libro era esattamente come specificato nella descrizione del sito internet.

Brilliantly Written - A heart wrenching story told through the eyes of a child - Bapsi was a great writer who manages to make you chuckle even when you are reading about the partition.

Livre arrivé en bonne condition

Wonderful and interesting perspective and a great "beginners guide" into the partition