Freedom at Midnight
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Freedom at Midnight
The story of India's struggle for independence, told in this account (first published in 1975) by two journalists who conducted hundreds of interviews with nearly all the surviving participants - from Mountbatten to the assassins of Mahatma Gandhi.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionFreedom at Midnight by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins is a gripping historical account that vividly captures the tumultuous final year of the British Raj in India. As the clock ticked towards midnight on 14 August 1947, India embraced independence, a momentous milestone that set in motion a seismic shift in the lives of one-fifth of humanity. The book brilliantly reconstructs this pivotal period, examining the intense and often tragic events that accompanied the birth of two nations—India and Pakistan.
At the heart of this narrative is the story of partition, a decision that led to widespread upheaval, displacement, and brutal violence. Freedom at Midnight uncovers the multifaceted dynamics that drove the subcontinent towards division. It delves into the lives and decisions of key historical figures, each playing a crucial role in India's journey to freedom. Mahatma Gandhi, with his unwavering principles of non-violence, strives to keep the country united, while Jawaharlal Nehru advocates for a modern, secular India. Mohammed Ali Jinnah's relentless pursuit of a separate Muslim state propels the creation of Pakistan.
The narrative also spotlights Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, whose task of overseeing the transition of power is both formidable and fraught with challenges. Tasked with the impossible job of ensuring a smooth transfer of power, Mountbatten confronts the reality that independence comes at a steep price: partition, riots, and massacres.
Lapierre and Collins' meticulous research and compelling storytelling paint a vivid picture of this era, from the opulent halls of the Viceroy’s palace to the harrowing scenes of refugee camps. The authors explore not just the political and social upheavals, but also the personal stories of those who lived through the chaos. Their intricate portrayal of events offers a balanced narrative that respects the complexity and sensitivity of India's partition.
Freedom at Midnight is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the profound human cost of political decisions. It captures the resilience of a people on the cusp of change and the enduring impact of a country's struggle for self-determination. This detailed chronicle is both a tribute to the visionaries who led the nation and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the birth of modern India and Pakistan.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Freedom at Midnight by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins receives high praise for its engaging narrative and thorough research. Readers appreciate its detailed portrayal of India's independence and the partition, highlighting key figures like Gandhi and Mountbatten. Some note it reads like a novel, making complex historical events accessible and compelling.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780006388517
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 12 June 1997
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: HarperCollins
Illustration: 8 b/w illus
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 42.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 460g
Pages: 656
About the Author
Larry Collins was born in West Hartford, Connecticut. After graduating from the Loomis School and Yale University, he served in the US Army at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers, Europe) outside Paris, where he met Dominique Lapierre, with whom his name is associated in five major international bestsellers. Collins later became a journalist with United Press International in Paris, Rome and the Middle East, where he joined Newsweek as its Middle East correspondent in 1958. During the course of two turbulent years, he covered ten coup d’etats or violent upheavals in his area and was described in national advertising by his employers as “the correspondent who always managed to be in a country just as a revolution or coup d’etat was about to break out – including one in the Dominican Republic when he was supposed to be on vacation.” In April 1961, he returned to Paris as the Newsweek Bureau Chief. During his Newsweek years, his cover story subjects included the Shah of Iran, Charles DeGaulle, Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and the death of Pope John XXIII. In the summer of 1962, Larry teamed up with Dominique Lapierre on the first of their internationally known bestsellers – Is Paris Burning?, which was followed by four others, all fantastically successful. Larry has subsequently written three others bestsellers, equally as successful, and his most current, Tomorrow Belongs To Us is published in March. Larry Collins is an avid skier and tennis player. He and his wife have two grown up sons and divide their time between properties in London, France and the US. Larry Collins was born in West Hartford, Connecticut. After graduating from the Loomis School and Yale University, he served in the US Army at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers, Europe) outside Paris, where he met Dominique Lapierre, with whom his name is associated in five major international bestsellers. Collins later became a journalist with United Press International in Paris, Rome and the Middle East, where he joined Newsweek as its Middle East correspondent in 1958. During the course of two turbulent years, he covered ten coup d’etats or violent upheavals in his area and was described in national advertising by his employers as “the correspondent who always managed to be in a country just as a revolution or coup d’etat was about to break out – including one in the Dominican Republic when he was supposed to be on vacation.” In April 1961, he returned to Paris as the Newsweek Bureau Chief. During his Newsweek years, his cover story subjects included the Shah of Iran, Charles DeGaulle, Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and the death of Pope John XXIII. In the summer of 1962, Larry teamed up with Dominique Lapierre on the first of their internationally known bestsellers – Is Paris Burning?, which was followed by four others, all fantastically successful. Larry has subsequently written three others bestsellers, equally as successful, and his most current, Tomorrow Belongs To Us is published in March. Larry Collins is an avid skier and tennis player. He and his wife have two grown up sons and divide their time between properties in London, France and the US.
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