her captivating storytelling and ability to weave intricate narratives. Her latest book, “Independence,” is a riveting tale that explores the lives of three generations of women in a Bengali family. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the inspiration and process behind Divakaruni’s latest work.
The Inspiration behind “Independence”
“Independence” is a story that draws heavily from Divakaruni’s personal experiences and her own family history. In an interview, she revealed that the book was inspired by her own mother’s life, who was a young bride in India during the tumultuous time of partition. She stated that her mother’s stories had always fascinated her, and she wanted to explore the lives of women who had lived through those challenging times.
Divakaruni also shared that the book was a tribute to her mother, who had passed away a few years ago. She stated that writing “Independence” helped her come to terms with her grief and allowed her to honor her mother’s memory in a unique way.
The Writing Process
Divakaruni is known for her meticulous research and attention to detail, and “Independence” was no exception. She spent months researching the historical events that shaped the book’s setting, which included the partition of India and the subsequent creation of Pakistan. She also drew upon her own family history to bring the characters and their experiences to life.
In an interview, Divakaruni revealed that the process of writing “Independence” was emotionally challenging. She stated that she had to relive some of the painful experiences that her mother had gone through and that it was challenging to write about those experiences without becoming overwhelmed with emotion.
However, despite the emotional challenges, Divakaruni persevered, and the result is a powerful and moving story that offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant events in India’s history.