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181
Novel • Fiction
Mano Majra, India • 1940s
1956
Adult
18+ years
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
36,277 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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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.
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.
36,277 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Iqbal Singh
An educated Sikh political activist visiting Mano Majra, he faces suspicion and personal conflict as he navigates the challenges in the village community.
Mr. Hukum Chand
The local magistrate whose decisions deeply affect the course of events, navigating the tension between duty, corruption, and personal guilt.
Meet Singh
The village's Sikh leader, known for his hospitality and kindness, particularly towards newcomers, with an influential role in the community's dynamics.
Imam Baksh
The blind Muslim leader of the village, respected despite his age and disability, concerned for his community's precarious future.
Nooran
The daughter of Imam Baksh and Juggut Singh's love interest, caught in the crossfire of cultural and religious tensions.
Haseena
A young Muslim performer connected with Mr. Hukum Chand, representing the intersection of personal and societal issues during times of upheaval.
The Subinspector
A police official under Hukum Chand, initially decent but gradually compromised by the demands of his superiors.
Malli
A violent gang leader whose actions escalate the village's predicament, pushing the boundaries of law and order.
The Boy
A young Sikh militant intent on recruiting others for a militant cause, symbolizing youth radicalization during partition tensions.
181
Novel • Fiction
Mano Majra, India • 1940s
1956
Adult
18+ years
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