Many readers have been asking me to describe the book launch at the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival, in January 2023, of Independence, my newest novel about three sisters who navigate the turbulent times of India’s freedom struggle and decolonization—and in that process realize what independence really means. Here is a snippet about that memorable day from an informal diary I kept!
Sunday, January 22, 2023: Today my new novel, Independence, will be inaugurated at the Jaipur Literature Festival! I dress in a black sari with kantha embroidery (kantha is of great significance to my novel, as this art often allowed women (particularly in Bengal) to become financially independent), and hurry to the huge Front Lawn stage. I have a moment of panic. What if no one shows up? But thankfully, the seats are full; people are even standing in the back. Sudha Murty graciously inaugurates my book. Aanchal Malhotra conducts a conversation, asking incisive questions about how Partition affected Bengal, where the book is set, and about the three sisters who are my main characters. I speak about the importance of spotlighting women protagonists, particularly in novels depicting tumultuous historical times. I discuss how important women freedom fighters (such as Sarojini Naidu, who is a crucial figure in this novel) have been largely forgotten by history.
The long line at book signing takes well over an hour. Many of my readers are young women. In addition to Independence, they carry battered copies of Palace of Illusions and tell me how the book made them see their lives in a different way. I am grateful and humbled.
Audience at the book launch of Independence (partial view)
With Young readers at Jaipur Lit Fest
To read the entire diary, go to Khabar Magazine: A Beloved Author’s Journey.
Book-buying links for Independence are below.
