Aazadi

• Set in 1946 Bengal, the novel follows Priya, Jamini and Deepa, three daughters of Dr Nabakumar Ganguly. When their father is killed during Direct Action Day, their secure family life begins to unravel. As India moves towards Independence and Partition, each sister faces difficult choices involving family, love, identity and survival.

• Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an award-winning Indian-American author whose writing explores Indian culture, women's experiences, immigration, history and mythology. Her works include The Palace of Illusions, The Forest of Enchantments and Sister of My Heart. Her books have been translated into numerous languages.

The story centres on three sisters—Priya, Jamini and Deepa—living in Ranipur, Bengal, in 1946. Their lives change dramatically after their father's death during Direct Action Day. Priya dreams of becoming a doctor, Jamini struggles with family responsibilities and hidden desires, while Deepa falls in love with Raza, a Muslim League youth leader. When Partition separates the sisters, they are forced to confront the meaning and cost of freedom, while holding on to their bonds of love and family.