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39 pages 1 hour read

Train to Pakistan

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1956

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Book Brief

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Khushwant Singh

Train to Pakistan

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1956
Book Details
Pages

181

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mano Majra, India • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1956

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh is set during the 1947 partition of India and focuses on the lives of citizens in the village of Mano Majra, where Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs lived in peace until the arrival of ghost trains filled with corpses shattered their harmony. Stripped of their belongings, villagers face the horror of ethnic cleansing, and a Sikh thief named Jugga must decide whether to incite violence or rise above the hatred. The novel involves graphic depictions of violence and ethnic conflict.

Dark

Mysterious

Melancholic

Gritty

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

36,277 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh is lauded for its poignant depiction of the Partition of India, blending historical facts with compelling storytelling. Reviewers praise its vivid characters and emotional depth but note occasional narrative slow pacing. Critics appreciate its brutal honesty but warn that its stark portrayal of violence may be unsettling for some readers. MLA-style consistent.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Train to Pakistan?

Readers who appreciate vivid historical fiction and nuanced portrayals of human resilience would enjoy Khushwant Singh's Train to Pakistan. Fans of Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance or Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner would find this novel's exploration of partition-era India compelling and emotionally resonant.

4.0

36,277 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Juggut Singh

A well-known local criminal with a complex love for a Muslim girl, he is a pivotal figure whose actions influence the unfolding events in the village of Mano Majra.

An educated Sikh political activist visiting Mano Majra, he faces suspicion and personal conflict as he navigates the challenges in the village community.

The local magistrate whose decisions deeply affect the course of events, navigating the tension between duty, corruption, and personal guilt.

The village's Sikh leader, known for his hospitality and kindness, particularly towards newcomers, with an influential role in the community's dynamics.

The blind Muslim leader of the village, respected despite his age and disability, concerned for his community's precarious future.

The daughter of Imam Baksh and Juggut Singh's love interest, caught in the crossfire of cultural and religious tensions.

A young Muslim performer connected with Mr. Hukum Chand, representing the intersection of personal and societal issues during times of upheaval.

A police official under Hukum Chand, initially decent but gradually compromised by the demands of his superiors.

A violent gang leader whose actions escalate the village's predicament, pushing the boundaries of law and order.

A young Sikh militant intent on recruiting others for a militant cause, symbolizing youth radicalization during partition tensions.

Book Details
Pages

181

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mano Majra, India • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1956

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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