Freedom at Midnight
Product ID: 207105671
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“There is no single passage in this profoundly researched book that one could actually fault. Having been there most of the time in question and having assisted at most of the encounters, I can vouch for the accuracy of its general mood. It is a work of scholarship, of investigation, research and of significance.”—James Cameron, The New York Sunday Times “Freedom at Midnight is a panoramic spectacular of a book that reads more like sensational fiction than like history, even though it is all true….. The narrative is as lively, as informative and as richly detailed as a maharaja’s palace.”—Judson Hand, The New York Daily News “Outrageously and endlessly fascinating is my awestruck reaction to Freedom at Midnight. The new sure-to-be bestseller by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre. It is all here: maharajas and tigers, filth and squalor, extravagance and macabre sex, massacres, smells, starvation, cruelty and heroism. Collins and Lapierre have made human history breathtaking and heartbreaking.”—Margaret Manning, The Boston Globe “No subject, I thought, as I picked up Freedom at Midnight, could be of less interest to me than a story of how Independence came to India after three centuries of British rule. I opened the book and began to flip through the photographs: here was a picture of Gandhi dressed in his loincloth going to have tea with the King of England; there was a picture of a maharaja being measured against his weight in gold; and another of thousands of vultures devouring corpses in the street. I began to read, fascinated. Here was the whole chronicle illustrated with anecdotes and masterful character sketches of how the British had come to India, how they had ruled it and how, finally, compelled by the force of economics and history, they had been forced to leave it divided…… Collins and Lapierre are such good writers that their books are so interesting that they are impossible to put down.”—J.M. Sanchez, The Houston Chronicle *** The end of an empire. The birth of two nations. Seventy years ago, at midnight on August 14, 1947, the Union Jack began its final journey down the flagstaff of Viceroy’s House, New Delhi. A fifth of humanity claimed their independence from the greatest empire history has ever seen—but the price of freedom was high, as a nation erupted into riots and bloodshed, partition and war. Freedom at Midnight is the true story of the events surrounding Indian independence, beginning with the appointment of Lord Mountbatten of Burma as the last Viceroy of British India, and ending with the assassination and funeral of Mahatma Gandhi. The book was an international bestseller and achieved enormous acclaim in the United States, Italy, Spain, and France. This edition contains 20 black-and-white photos, five maps, a full bibliography, extensive notes, and a dedication from Dominique Lapierre to the memory of his longtime writing partner Larry Collins. *** About the Authors – Larry Collins & Dominique Lapierre The enormous success of the international writing partnership of Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre was based on the phenomenal bestsellers Is Paris Burning?, Or I’ll Dress You in Mourning, O Jerusalem!, Freedom at Midnight, and The Fifth Horseman. The last-named work was their fifth novel. Collins and Lapierre were a unique team in that each wrote in his own language and their works were then published simultaneously in French and English before being translated into sixteen other languages. Their work was distinguished by immense attention to detail and thorough research. Since the publication of their last joint work, The Fifth Horseman, Collins has published three bestselling novels, Fall From Grace, Maze, and Black Eagles, while Lapierre published two nonfiction bestsellers, The City of Joy and Beyond Love. Review: A fascinating, and gut-wrenching chronicle of a birth of two nations - This book is a fascinating and deeply moving account of one of the seminal events in world history, the emergence of India and Pakistan as sovereign nations. Collins and LaPierre, in their infinitely researched, nuanced account of the independence of the Indian subcontinent, relate their story in prose that approaches the lyrical rhythm of poetry. Some may take issue with the point of view of the account, insisting that it is written primarily from the British line of sight, but regardless of any bias, it so beautifully and successfully relates the stories of those in the highest seats of power and the impact of their often wrenching decisions on the common person. I have always held that in order for history to teach us, it must be delivered in a form that seduces us into understanding it. By developing the characters whom most of us already know - Gandhi, Nehru, Mountbatten, Jinnah, Churchill - we find ourselves in the venues of the account as quiet observers as the die is cast to deliver India to its destiny. The book underscores the power of language, with excerpts from the inimitable speeches delivered extemporaneously by Nehru, in quick succession, upon the birth of the nation, and ultimately the death of its father. It is also a cautionary tale for the present, by showing so clearly how false distinctions between people, riven by such things as religion, wealth, and power, can so readily cause diverse communities living in harmony for centuries to shatter the peacefulness of their coexistence and turn on each other in abhorrent communal violence at a moment's notice, leaving us stunned and questioning our humanity. Perhaps this understanding can encourage us not to repeat this insanity. A marvelous book - highly recommended. Review: Great Book. Worst Kindle Edition - I am not sure How to review this book. About the Book ***** (5 Star) Kindle Edition 0 (Worst) About the Book. Book can be summed up in one sentence - "Every Indian Must Read It Once" The Story of India during the transfer of power from British, Division, Riot and the sacrifice of the greatest human being that lived and died. Detailed. Authentic with master writing. About Kindle Edition This is the worst of Kindle edition I have read and Paid for. Too many spelling mistake but some of the biggest problems. 1. Words are split and wrong point. Useless spaces make it difficult to read. something like: T hi sis w ha ty ou may g etwhen re adin g fr eedo mat mid ni gh t. 2. Drop Case Problem. The first letter of chapter appears on a different line than the rest of the words. 3. Annotations and Footnote. I don't understand why annotation and footnote are not written as annotation and footnote as per ebook standard. Its written just as plain text and because the page size is not fix foot note beocmes annoying. Please update it
| Best Sellers Rank | #141,326 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #30 in Colonialism & Post-Colonialism |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,224 Reviews |
O**N
A fascinating, and gut-wrenching chronicle of a birth of two nations
This book is a fascinating and deeply moving account of one of the seminal events in world history, the emergence of India and Pakistan as sovereign nations. Collins and LaPierre, in their infinitely researched, nuanced account of the independence of the Indian subcontinent, relate their story in prose that approaches the lyrical rhythm of poetry. Some may take issue with the point of view of the account, insisting that it is written primarily from the British line of sight, but regardless of any bias, it so beautifully and successfully relates the stories of those in the highest seats of power and the impact of their often wrenching decisions on the common person. I have always held that in order for history to teach us, it must be delivered in a form that seduces us into understanding it. By developing the characters whom most of us already know - Gandhi, Nehru, Mountbatten, Jinnah, Churchill - we find ourselves in the venues of the account as quiet observers as the die is cast to deliver India to its destiny. The book underscores the power of language, with excerpts from the inimitable speeches delivered extemporaneously by Nehru, in quick succession, upon the birth of the nation, and ultimately the death of its father. It is also a cautionary tale for the present, by showing so clearly how false distinctions between people, riven by such things as religion, wealth, and power, can so readily cause diverse communities living in harmony for centuries to shatter the peacefulness of their coexistence and turn on each other in abhorrent communal violence at a moment's notice, leaving us stunned and questioning our humanity. Perhaps this understanding can encourage us not to repeat this insanity. A marvelous book - highly recommended.
V**A
Great Book. Worst Kindle Edition
I am not sure How to review this book. About the Book ***** (5 Star) Kindle Edition 0 (Worst) About the Book. Book can be summed up in one sentence - "Every Indian Must Read It Once" The Story of India during the transfer of power from British, Division, Riot and the sacrifice of the greatest human being that lived and died. Detailed. Authentic with master writing. About Kindle Edition This is the worst of Kindle edition I have read and Paid for. Too many spelling mistake but some of the biggest problems. 1. Words are split and wrong point. Useless spaces make it difficult to read. something like: T hi sis w ha ty ou may g etwhen re adin g fr eedo mat mid ni gh t. 2. Drop Case Problem. The first letter of chapter appears on a different line than the rest of the words. 3. Annotations and Footnote. I don't understand why annotation and footnote are not written as annotation and footnote as per ebook standard. Its written just as plain text and because the page size is not fix foot note beocmes annoying. Please update it
A**E
HOLY TYPO, BATMAN!
The book Freedom at Midnight is a classic. It is beautifully written and meticulously researched. The information, the insights, the humanity it portrays of one of history's most important events are impeccable. BUT.....I have never in all my Kindle-reading years encountered such an unmitigated mess of terrible editing and typos. There are periods in the middles of sentences, quotation marks without their partners, question marks just because. I cannot fathom how such butchery happened to the digital version of this incredible book, why nobody caught the problems and errors, or how the person responsible could possibly still be employed in the digital book business. Please note: The 4 star rating is due SOLELY to the editing nightmare. Simply a MESS.
A**N
Very interesting book. You don't need knowledge in Indian History to Appreciate this...
i read this book when i was 18 as part of supplementary reading for my high school special paper on contemporary indian history (i am not indian and studied indian history purely as personal interest). unlike my indian history text books, Freedom at Midnight was easy to read and so much more interesting. The writers adopted a story telling style such that readers can appreciate the story without the academic jargon. even if you have no interest in history, i highly recommend this book as the story is engaging and complex. on a sidebar. i found it so sad that, india, pakistan and bangladesh were all one country, all brothers and sisters. however, as events unfolded, india and pakistan became sworn enemies as if two blood brothers became strangers focused on annihilating the other. even as a non indian (non pakistan), i feel the sadness. i hope these two peoples would eventually find the reconciliation to become friends if not brothers/sisters again.....
C**L
Very enjoyable read. Neutral if not always fair.
When it comes to writing about the Independence of India and the partitioning of the country that happened with it, it is hard to find a neutral source of information. Luckily 'Freedom at Midnight' is one such source. Unfortunately, with neutrality comes the perspective of someone outside looking in, which is also what happens in this book. That being said, this book is a MUST read for all fans of history and people interested in understanding Pakistan-India dynamics and the culture of the sub-continent. The one issue I have with the book is the glorification of the role that Mountbatten and Gandhi played in the aforementioned events. There is in some sense, a simplification of their actions and intent. The reality (at least as perceived by citizens of the two countries) is much more complicated. Gandhi's own auto-biography is more revealing, nuanced and provides a better insight into the thoughts (many naive or unsavory) of India's great leader. The final aspect, which should make this a fun read for everyone (including people who are not fans of history) is the colorful and detailed description of the (often futile and vain) life of Indian nobility. If you ever wondered what (unimaginably crazy) life the Indian princes enjoyed, make sure you read the book.
N**N
Great copy of a classic on modern Indian history.
As for the vendor and book quality, the book arrived in time and better quality than claimed. Very pleased will look for this seller when buying books. As for the books content, this is my favorite book of all time. Had a copy which I lent to someone and never got it back. Now replaced it with a better personal hard cover copy. This book is must read for anyone who is interested in modern Indian history. Provides the context for Pakistan’s creation and root causes for Bangladesh independence. Readers will enjoy the first hand account of Kashmir’s annexation to india and escapades of various maharajas in British India. One word. Buy it.
R**O
Excellent summary of India’s independence
This book provides a very good understanding of India’s independence, presented in a clear and pleasant way by two wonderful writers. I first read the book in a paper version and after 20 years I read it again in the kindle version. The kindle version has many gramatical and typing errors as a result of the scanning process but I still like it since provided me with the flexibility of reading it in my IPad. I recommend it!
L**Y
Kindle version full of errors
Great book, but the kindle version is riddled with spelling and formatting errors that I found distracting and even sometimes confusing.
J**H
Fascinating!
First read this book over 30 years ago, and decided to read it again given that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the partition of India. Reading it again once again proved that Freedom at Midnight continues to remain the definitive book for those readers seeking to understand the events that led to the the most monumental 'divorce' in history, but through a book that is extremely 'easy' to read, given the style it was written in, a hallmark of the style of its authors, Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre.
T**E
A masterpiece that brings history alive!
Freedom at Midnight isn’t just a history book—it’s an experience. The authors have turned the story of India’s independence into something vivid and human. Every page feels alive with emotion, from the intense politics of Partition to the quiet courage of ordinary people. What I liked most is how smoothly it reads. Even complex events—like the creation of Pakistan or the last days of the British Raj—are explained with gripping detail and storytelling flair. It feels like watching history unfold right in front of you. If you love India, or simply want to understand one of the most dramatic moments in world history, this book is essential. A perfect blend of truth, research, and heart.
A**E
Living the history
Wonderful reconstruction of an epic history moment. Complete and full of marvellous little stories about all of his characters.
A**V
Interesting writing
It is written from a westerners point of view and it glorify British. Some pages were bound wrongly and have to read by flipping pages in the opposite direction.
R**A
Damaged book.
Pages were torn at the rear of the book. Not at all happy. Return or compensate me for the damage.
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