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A review by anjukris
Remnants of a Separation: A History of the Partition through Material Memory by Aanchal Malhotra
4.0
Firstly, I'm slow when it comes to non-fiction. This book, in my opinion, made for lengthy reading. It is definitely unique and some of the stories tugged at my heartstrings, especially "The Pearls of Azra Haq." Malhotra writes lucidly and never did I find myself struggling to make sense of her narration. She has worked hard to highlight a few among several personal histories born out of this cataclysmic event - the partition of India - which are at risk of getting extinct with the last generation that witnessed this mass bloody exodus from both countries.
My only critique of this book would be the lack of intersectionality across these stories. Almost all the interviewees belonged to wealthy, upper-class/caste families that could afford cars and foreign education in those times, or those of aristocratic lineage. My intention isn't to undermine their struggles or trauma but to highlight that their privilege did come in handy whilst escaping the clutches of communal violence and brutality. That they could cling onto something tangible and reminisce about their homeland is a reminder of their privilege. What about those who lost their families, or got orphaned or had to deal with lasting effects of their trauma for a long time? Perhaps I was looking for something grittier. Perhaps material memory is a privilege in itself.
My only critique of this book would be the lack of intersectionality across these stories. Almost all the interviewees belonged to wealthy, upper-class/caste families that could afford cars and foreign education in those times, or those of aristocratic lineage. My intention isn't to undermine their struggles or trauma but to highlight that their privilege did come in handy whilst escaping the clutches of communal violence and brutality. That they could cling onto something tangible and reminisce about their homeland is a reminder of their privilege. What about those who lost their families, or got orphaned or had to deal with lasting effects of their trauma for a long time? Perhaps I was looking for something grittier. Perhaps material memory is a privilege in itself.