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 | #185,983 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #45 in Colonialism & Post-Colonialism |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,264 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.
P**H
Riddled with typing errors
Great book, the physical copy I got was riddled with typing errors. How does that even happen? Is the vendor selling fake editions?
J**S
Enthralling
I read this book a decade or so ago, but it has been coming back to my mind recently -- apparently simply because it made such an impact and I now have a medium (Amazon) in which to express my appreciation of it. It is an impressive book in every way: an epic story, with gripping narrative, about extraordinary events and characters. I had had no conception of the monstrous tragedy of the partition of India from Pakistan. This book not only describes its true dimensions, but also makes clear how circumstances can force such absurd things to occur. Much of the book is a biography of Gandhi, and here I could only marvel at the power and authority of this man, and -- on top of everything else -- be riveted by the assassination story in all its detail that I had not known about. Whether there are more accurate accounts of these matters, I am not in a position to say. I can only report that I found this book completely satisfying in multiple respects: as history, as biography, as narrative. At least for a non-expert I can't imagine how it could disappoint as a book, however distressing (and, alas also, timely) its subject matter may be.
A**N
Freedom at Midnight
This book MUST be part of the historic collector's possession! I have only recently received it, but want to just say how beautifully written it is and so true to facts! My friend had lent her copy to a person who didn't return it, which kept on mentioning how upset she was.so asked her for the title. I managed to get it from Amazon UK so am learning another part fo history! It's difficult to put it down, as the authors have written several historic books but this beats them all!!! I very strongly recommend anyone who likes to learn true facts of history that they won't overlook this one - it's incredibly a master piece!
M**R
Five Stars
very powerful piece of history well told
B**.
Must read
Although print of the book was very poor but The 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.
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.
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