Tag: book review

My experience with books set during the time of India’s Partition has been, frankly, underwhelming. I’ve read quite a few, but most failed to strike the right balance between portraying the horrors endured by refugees and the eternal hope they carried in their hearts. That’s why Priya Hajela’s Ladies’ Tailor stands out. It’s arguably the most compelling book I’ve read about that turbulent time.

Best book set in the partition times

At the centre of the story is Gurudev, a Sikh man from a small village in West Punjab. The novel opens with his family’s harrowing journey to Delhi as refugees. While this treacherous migration is a key element; as it is in many Partition narratives; Ladies’ Tailor is much more than a story of escape and loss. It’s about resilience. It’s about how people, even in the bleakest of times, held on to dreams of rebuilding their lives from scratch, armed with little more than hope and determination.

Though the novel primarily follows Gurudev’s story, Priya Hajela skillfully weaves in a tapestry of other experiences through vivid story arcs of supporting characters. She doesn’t shy away from portraying the full spectrum of human behaviour. Some people took advantage of the chaos, while others offered selfless help, even risking their own safety for mere acquaintances. Her characters are authentic and layered, reflecting the complex nature of humanity during a crisis.

I’d be negligent if I ended this post without mentioning the stunning cover. It’s not just beautiful; it’s deeply symbolic. In fact, it’s the most captivating cover I’ve come across in 2025. The design thoughtfully captures the novel’s key themes: tailoring and clothing as a profession, Gurudev’s love for literature, the deep yearning for embroidery artists left behind in Pakistan, and the dual imagery of fire and small green vines—representing both the devastation of Partition and the unyielding hope that persists in the human spirit. All of this is set against a lovely pink background adorned with delicate embroidery motifs. A true work of art, I must say.

Here’s what blurb says

This is a story of Gurdev and his cohort, a group of refugees who travel east from Pakistan after Partition. It is a tale of falling apart and coming together as the world burns around them.

Will Gurdev be successful in his new business of making garments for women? Will he find love after his wife and children leave his side? There may be uncertainty here, but there is also relentless hope.

Journey back in time and experience the refugee spirit as Ladies’ Tailor captures you with all its romance, adventure and one man’s iron will to not just survive, but to thrive with new beginnings.

For more about my views on books, click here.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.