31 pages • 1 hour read
Tamas
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Book Brief
360
Novel • Fiction
India • 1940s
1972
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Tamas by Bhisham Sahni portrays the devastating impact of the 1947 Partition of India. As tensions rise between Hindus and Muslims following the discovery of a pig on a Mosque's steps and the subsequent killing of a cow in retaliation, the city quickly descends into violent riots. The novel explores the experiences of various characters amid this chaos, highlighting the far-reaching, tragic consequences of Partition. Themes of rape, murder, mass suicide, and bureaucratic indifference are present in the narrative.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Bhisham Sahni's Tamas is lauded for its poignant portrayal of the Partition's brutal realities through vivid storytelling and well-drawn characters. Critics praise its emotional depth and historical accuracy. However, some readers find its intense themes distressing and narrative pacing uneven. Overall, it is a powerful, significant work in Partition literature.
Who Should Read Tamas?
Tamas by Bhisham Sahni would captivate readers interested in historical fiction and social issues, especially those who appreciate books like Khushwant Singh's Train to Pakistan. With its deep exploration of the Partition of India, fans of Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children will find its intense narrative compelling.
360
Novel • Fiction
India • 1940s
1972
Adult
18+ years
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