The Saga of Sacrifices. Review on Freedom At Midnight - Dominique Lapierre

“Freedom at Midnight” book covers historical account of India’s freedom struggle, the partition of subcontinent, and Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. It’s written by an American and a Frenchman, Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre.

“Freedom at Midnight” is considered one of the most significant books ever written about the Indian Freedom struggle. If you have an interest in Indian History or are a student of History, this is not the book you’d like to miss.

Writing about historical events in an unbiased fashion, and yet not seeming like uninteresting, clinical bureaucratic record is a daunting task and this task is handled exceptionally well by the authors. History can either become the most boring, theoretical account or a fascinating, inspiring tale of past. This book certainly comes in the latter category, making it an all time classic Indian History book. The authors of this book are skilled history writers and have written two bestseller historical books before writing “Freedom at Midnight” and this book was written after an extensive research of 3 years.

The book starts with the account of the Final phase of the British Raj in India, covers Gandhi’s struggles, the great partition and subsequent Independence, and finally, Gandhi’s Assassination. In the process, lifestyle of Indian Maharajas and British Officers is also briefly described.

Positive Aspects:

I have mentioned about the writers’ outstanding skill of presenting history in a form of an interesting tale and that’s the biggest plus point of the book. Due to my interest in history, I have read number of books about Indian History but reading this book turned out to be a memorable experience because the writers haven’t neglected the emotional aspect of those extraordinary days and expressed them with mastery.

The chapters dedicated to agony of the Partition, the stories of human suffering resulted by the political, social situations of those times will definitely move you. The high point of the book is the last chapter covering Gandhi’s assassination “The Second Crucifixion”. Writers have meticulously described the process in which Gandhi’s murderers planned and executed the act and covered the subsequent grief in which, India and the entire world was drawn after the Mahatma’s death. The subsequent mourning of Gandhi’s death is described remarkably in the last chapter. You’ll feel as if you are watching a historical movie rather than reading a book which I think is a biggest triumph for any history writer. Editing of the book is outstanding; continuity is never lost despite the coverage of plentiful events. The old pictures given in the book are simply amazing and truly memorable.

Negative Aspects:

Reading a book consisting of 774 pages is definitely an intimidating task and thus, reading this book will require time and an interest in history. This book is heavily based on the Interviews given by India’s last Viceroy Lord Mountbatten to the authors in 70’s and by now; it’s proven that his version of those historical events is not 100% accurate. Read “Liberty or Death” by Patrick French to get more rational and contemporary analysis about the Indian Independence and Partition.

Another fact is, this book presents an exaggerated glorification of Mahatma Gandhi and Mountbatten himself while neglects the other key players of those times such as Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Azad and many more. Due to Mountbatten’s personal views, Nehru is portrayed in extreme positivity and Jinnah is projected in extreme negativity. This book was banned in Pakistan due to its negative interpretation of the Quaid-e-Azam, as Jinnah is known in Pakistan. I do not approve of banning this book or rather any book, but presenting history as per the outlook of just one person is certainly a flawed approach.

Do read this one to know our history, our roots, and the hardships our previous generations endured.

Vaibhavi