Broken Threads: My Family from Empire to Independence

by Mishal Husain
Broken Threads: My Family from Empire to Independence cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £8.99 Hardback • £18.99
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  • ID: 3086
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780008531706
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2024-06-06
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Broken Threads: My Family From Empire to Independence is a beautifully written memoir that delves into the author's family history, spanning the transition from the British Empire to independence. The book is praised for its emotional depth and personal narrative, offering a unique perspective on the broader historical context of colonialism and its aftermath. /n/n This memoir is not just a personal story but a universal one, resonating with themes of upheaval, transformation, and the enduring bonds of family. It has been lauded by critics and readers alike, making it a standout in the genre of personal and historical memoirs.

Reviews
The New Indian Express · 2024-09-28
compelling 4.00

The reviewer finds the book unique in its portrayal of both the horror and humanity of Partition. They appreciate how the author differentiates her work from other memoirs on the subject.

The reviewer notes that while the narrative of Partition has been told many times, this book stands out for its unique perspective. They highlight how the author manages to convey both the horror and humanity of the events, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also appreciates the emotional depth and the way the author's personal story adds a new dimension to the historical account.

Quick quotes

    This narrative is not new: both horror and humanity come through often enough in memoirs of the Partition. Husain's book manages to be different.

    The book is a powerful exploration of the human cost of historical events.

    Husain's personal story adds a unique and compelling dimension to the historical narrative.

Financial Times · 2024-08-16
poignant 4.50

The book is described as elegiac and poetic, paying tribute to the author's grandparents. The reviewer appreciates the emotional and historical depth of the narrative.

The reviewer finds the book to be a moving tribute to the author's grandparents, who witnessed the turbulent birth of an independent India. They appreciate the elegiac and poetic tone, which adds a layer of emotional depth to the historical account. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to convey the personal and historical significance of the events, making it a poignant and memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The BBC newsreader pays tribute to the grandparents who witnessed the turbulent birth of an independent India.

    The book is a deeply moving and beautifully written memoir.

    Husain's writing is both elegant and poignant, capturing the essence of a pivotal moment in history.

The Guardian · 2024-06-08
spectacular 4.50

This book is praised for its storytelling and historical depth, combining personal family history with broader historical events. The reviewer highlights its emotional impact and the skillful narrative.

The reviewer is captivated by the way the author weaves together personal and historical narratives, creating a rich tapestry of family history against the backdrop of Partition. They appreciate the emotional resonance and the far-reaching perspective that makes the book a standout. The reviewer also notes the author's ability to balance personal storytelling with historical context, making it both a deeply personal and universally significant read.

Quick quotes

    Overall, Broken Threads is a spectacular achievement, and Husain combines the narrative gifts of a storyteller with the far-reaching perspective of a historian.

    The book is a poignant and powerful exploration of family and history.

    Husain's writing is both intimate and expansive, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative.

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