Freedom at Midnight

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.

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

Great book, but the kindle version is riddled with spelling and formatting errors that I found distracting and even sometimes confusing.

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.

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.....

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!

Freedom at Midnight isn’t just a history book—it’s an experience. The authors have turned the story of India’s independence into something vivid and human. Every page feels alive with emotion, from the intense politics of Partition to the quiet courage of ordinary people. What I liked most is how smoothly it reads. Even complex events—like the creation of Pakistan or the last days of the British Raj—are explained with gripping detail and storytelling flair. It feels like watching history unfold right in front of you. If you love India, or simply want to understand one of the most dramatic moments in world history, this book is essential. A perfect blend of truth, research, and heart.

Wonderful reconstruction of an epic history moment. Complete and full of marvellous little stories about all of his characters.

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.

Pages were torn at the rear of the book. Not at all happy. Return or compensate me for the damage.