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Cracking India

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

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Book Brief

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Bapsi Sidhwa

Cracking India

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

296

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lahore, India • 1940s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

Cracking India, by Bapsi Sidhwa, depicts the 1947 partition of India through the eyes of Lenny, a young Parsee girl in Lahore. Living with polio, Lenny's world expands as she learns about political unrest and religious conflicts from her diverse household. After the partition, she witnesses violence and displacement, grappling with trauma and understanding the potency of her words to influence events. The book includes graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.0

5,881 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Bapsi Sidhwa's Cracking India is lauded for its vivid depiction of Partition-era Lahore, showcasing strong character development and incisive social critique through the eyes of eight-year-old Lenny. While some critics find the narrative voice occasionally inconsistent, the novel's historical insight and emotional depth are widely praised.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Cracking India?

Readers who relish historical fiction with intricate personal narratives and cultural insights will enjoy Cracking India by Bapsi Sidhwa. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner or Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things will appreciate its poignant exploration of Partition-era India through a child's eyes.

4.0

5,881 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Lenny Sethi

The protagonist who lives in a wealthy district of Lahore, India, and is part of the Parsee minority. As a child, she navigates the world with a perspective shaped by her disability and lack of formal schooling.

A Hindu woman who works for Lenny's family; known for her beauty and the attention she receives from suitors of various religions. Through Lenny's eyes, she appears much older and wiser despite being only 18.

A suitor of Ayah's known for selling popsicles and being a conman. He represents the complexities and tensions prevalent during India's partition.

A figure of stability and moral guidance in Lenny's life, providing her with support and life lessons. She holds an unexpectedly powerful and influential position in the community.

Lenny's unnamed cousin who seems to be around her age but is perceived by her as more worldly, especially about matters of sexuality. He wishes to marry Lenny despite her reluctance.

Lenny's younger brother who highlights societal gender disparities through his favored treatment and opportunities. His light skin and striking features allow him certain privileges.

Initially seen by Lenny as a warm caregiver but later recognized as a feminist activist engaged in social justice work. She influences Lenny's understanding of activism and morality.

The great-grandson of Imam Din and Lenny's friend from the Muslim village of Pir Pindo. His experiences highlight the disparities between different social classes and bring a personal connection to the broader historical events.

Book Details
Pages

296

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lahore, India • 1940s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

840L

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