Freedom At Midnight Paperback – Big Book, 1 October 2011

Although print of the book was very poor butThe book Freedom at Midnight by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins is a masterful account of one of the most pivotal periods in modern history—the final year of British rule in India and the subsequent partition in 1947. The authors, through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, bring to life the complex web of political maneuvering, cultural upheaval, and human emotion that defined this era.What sets this book apart is the unparalleled access the authors had to key historical figures, including Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. This unique perspective allows readers to gain an intimate understanding of the intense pressures and critical decisions that shaped the subcontinent’s destiny. The vivid descriptions make historical events feel immediate and personal, from the delicate negotiations between leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Jinnah to the heartrending experiences of ordinary people caught in the crossfire of communal violence.The activities of Princes in their princely state are written in so much detail. The narrative is both educational and deeply moving. It highlights the heroism, the failures, and the sacrifices that accompanied India's birth as an independent nation. Lapierre and Collins' portrayal of Gandhi’s steadfast commitment to peace and Mountbatten’s complicated role adds layers of nuance to well-known historical accounts.Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual reader, Freedom at Midnight provides a captivating journey into a momentous chapter that reshaped the world. It is a testament to the power of storytelling that intertwines grand historical events with the human stories at their heart. This book is an essential read for those who wish to understand the complexities of India's independence and the lasting impact of partition.

The book contains a lot of new information that you would certainly not find easily in other books. It touches on many aspects of our freedom fighters, especially Gandhi and Nehru, and to a limited extent, Sardar Patel. It is evident that the authors have researched thoroughly for this book. However, some topics are not covered in detail, such as the Kashmir issue and the struggles by Indians before 1946. Even the Britishers' behavior towards the country is discussed in a limited manner. The information feels somewhat restrictive, and some revelations about the princely states sometimes seem exaggerated—possibly included just to spark interest in the reader’s mind.But overall, if you want to learn about history, this book is worth reading.

The author makes it clear about his intentions in the beginning of the book. If you accept that, it is a good rendition of events.

Fabulous read

Very good book everyone should read it greatly told last years of India's freedom , also describes past and how were our freedom fighters

A book about history of what happened during and after independence of India. Every page was enthralling and immersive that you felt like you were in the story, and events are happening in front of your eyes. Gandhi and his lonely fight is written beautifully, and days leading to his death is very well articulated and researched.

Beautifully written with lot of research. Duration from Jan 1947 to Jan 1948 is explained in detail.Scenes become vivid when you read through.Good points : Some of the Conditions are explained in detail like the pomp and crankiness of Indian Maharaja's. Mahatma Gandhi's sacrifices for piece and the plight of common man due to partition can make your eyes moist. Role of Hindu mahasabha and RSS and finally the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.Bad points : Basically it is more of a biography of Mountbatten and he is portrait as Hero of this book. Most of the time Britishers role was explained in total bias. It looks all the good things which happened were due to Britishers and all the bad things were due to Indian leader politics and religious differences. Book explained how Mountbatten has done efforts to avoid Indian partition but the fact is that Partition was a byproduct of Britishers policy of Divide and Rule. To check this detail, I recommend to Read book "India Divided" by Dr Rajendra Prasad.Anyhow overall it is good package to read and get an overview of Indian freedom and partition.

Freedom at Midnight is a landmark work — unmatched in its scope, unmatched in its storytelling, and unforgettable in its impact. Anyone seeking to understand the soul of India’s independence, this classic is the must read for them.