 Set preceding the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan, this story of turmoil and politics is told from the alternating points of view of three very different narrators. Margaret is a privileged British girl, living in India because her father is one of the cartographers finalizing the borders that will divide the country into two separate religious states. She is spoiled and finds India hot, loud, and dangerous, but is enthralled by the culture. Anupreet, a beautiful Sikh girl, once confined to her home to protect her from violent angry men, is employed as a maid for Margaret’s family, where her family believes she will be safe. Eighteen-year-old Tariq, a Muslim, hired as a translator for Margaret’s father, is caught between his forbidden interest in Anupreet and Margaret, who might be able to help with his goal of studying at Oxford. It is a dark and violent time, when no one is safe. Ultimately, 10 to 14 million people in India relocated and over one million died as a result. The time of Partition is underexplored in Western literature, especially in young adult historical fiction. A Glossary defines words used in the book and also mentions places and foods. An Author’s Note offers even more information and details Bradbury’s connection to India. mjw |
| Title: A Moment Comes Author: Jennifer Bradbury Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster, New York Copyright: 2013 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-4169-7876-3 Hardcover pages: 288 Age range: 12 up Genre: Historical fiction Book setting: Jalandhar, India Author’s ethnicity: U.S. Author’s residence: U.S. Author has lived in India. Awards: 2014 South Asia Book Award Subjects: Culture, Household employees, India, Muslims, Pakistan, Partition 1947, Punjabi, Radcliffe Line, Sikhs, Tolerance |
A Moment Comes
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