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Daughters of Partition
16-year-old Taji Kaur is living a blissful life – after a grand and lavish wedding ceremony she has her first baby and is expecting the second in August of 1947. In the backdrop, the British Raj in India is coming to an end and a line of partition is being proposed between India and Pakistan. Taji and her husband, Indian Sikhs, find themselves on the wrong side of the border. Amidst the ravages of riots and bloodshed, they make a desperate attempt to cross a mountainous region to reach India; but the journey is far from straightforward. This is a heart-wrenching, real-life story of borders, civil unrest, loss, migration, religion and incredible bravery, told through the eyes of one woman who lived through these tragedies.
236 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2020
25 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Fozia Raja
1 book7 followersFozia Raja is an author, creative writer, and corporate Human Resources professional working for a multi-national company. She was born and brought up in Manchester, UK, where she has fond memories of pursuing her passion for reading - carrying a heavy backpack to the local library each Saturday to pick out her next seven books for the week ahead.
She was brought up in a close family with four siblings and she pursued her fascination with her family’s history. This included vivid childhood memories of the stories shared by her grandmother about her surviving the partition of India. For hours, Fozia would listen to these historical narratives in rapt attention – motivating her later in life to complete a master’s degree in Creative Writing.
The manuscript Fozia wrote as part of her master’s thesis had been gathering dust for more than a decade, while Fozia’s career in Human Resources was taking off. That all changed during a recent work trip to India, where Fozia met with her grandmother’s siblings for the first time, and she was inspired and motivated to revisit the manuscript and share her incredible family story. Her grandmother’s wish that Fozia “write the story of my life” came to its fruition with this publishing.
Fozia is an avid reader, foodie and gym-goer; and when she’s not travelling, London is home.
She was brought up in a close family with four siblings and she pursued her fascination with her family’s history. This included vivid childhood memories of the stories shared by her grandmother about her surviving the partition of India. For hours, Fozia would listen to these historical narratives in rapt attention – motivating her later in life to complete a master’s degree in Creative Writing.
The manuscript Fozia wrote as part of her master’s thesis had been gathering dust for more than a decade, while Fozia’s career in Human Resources was taking off. That all changed during a recent work trip to India, where Fozia met with her grandmother’s siblings for the first time, and she was inspired and motivated to revisit the manuscript and share her incredible family story. Her grandmother’s wish that Fozia “write the story of my life” came to its fruition with this publishing.
Fozia is an avid reader, foodie and gym-goer; and when she’s not travelling, London is home.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 27, 2020
A powerfully written book that so beautifully portrays the journey and resiliency of Taji, women and families during the Partition. Her story is so relatable, relevant, heart-breaking and inspiring, all the same time. I shed more than a few tears throughout the book. The pain and trauma of Taji and migration during partition is written vividly, with immense clarity that takes you on a journey with those leaving behind their homes, lands, families and loved ones.
For me, this book also truly shed new light about my roots and South Asia, at turn of history as the colonizers left. A must-read for all those wanting to learn more about post-colonial trauma, the socio-political shifts that defined the South Asian continent and the immense resiliency of its people. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would!
For me, this book also truly shed new light about my roots and South Asia, at turn of history as the colonizers left. A must-read for all those wanting to learn more about post-colonial trauma, the socio-political shifts that defined the South Asian continent and the immense resiliency of its people. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would!
September 8, 2021
It has the energy and passion of a deeply personal story but lacked finesse. I wish the author had done research on Sikhs of the period. I can’t imagine any Sikh family would have referred to patents as Ammi/Abbu disappointed with book
July 24, 2020
Partition refers to the “end” of the British Empire in India, and the creation of 2 states: India and Pakistan. It is the largest forced mass migration in recorded history. Ultimately, it led to 2 million deaths and 12 million people displaced. Every single one of those people has a story.
This book follows Taji Kaur’s story, the grandmother of the author. At the beginning of the book, her world is filled with hope, with colour, with joy. She’s newly married to a man who becomes her best friend. She’s had her first child; the second is on the way.
Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims in Mirpur live together in peace, respecting and befriending one another. However, in other parts of India, political unrest is growing as the British have agreed to leave India, but given no info on when or how, igniting tensions. Sikhs and Hindus in Mirpur are under attack as this area will fall under Pakistani territory. Her family is forced to leave immediately.
We follow Taji’s journey. What stood out to me was her courage, determination and throughout it all, her warmth. Even after enduring immeasurable amounts of trauma and grief. The story itself was very well told. The pace was perfect and we truly felt every moment.
Partition is something we don’t speak about enough; we especially do not speak about the gendered impact of partition on women and girls. This necessary story is of loss, identity, family and sacrifice. It is not unique but it is unforgettable. What a beautiful way to remember those we love.
Easily a 5 star read.
This book follows Taji Kaur’s story, the grandmother of the author. At the beginning of the book, her world is filled with hope, with colour, with joy. She’s newly married to a man who becomes her best friend. She’s had her first child; the second is on the way.
Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims in Mirpur live together in peace, respecting and befriending one another. However, in other parts of India, political unrest is growing as the British have agreed to leave India, but given no info on when or how, igniting tensions. Sikhs and Hindus in Mirpur are under attack as this area will fall under Pakistani territory. Her family is forced to leave immediately.
We follow Taji’s journey. What stood out to me was her courage, determination and throughout it all, her warmth. Even after enduring immeasurable amounts of trauma and grief. The story itself was very well told. The pace was perfect and we truly felt every moment.
Partition is something we don’t speak about enough; we especially do not speak about the gendered impact of partition on women and girls. This necessary story is of loss, identity, family and sacrifice. It is not unique but it is unforgettable. What a beautiful way to remember those we love.
Easily a 5 star read.
April 17, 2020
Such a beautifully written and enthralling book. Raja skillfully envelops the reader from the opening pages, depicting the traditions and refinements of upper-class Indian society during the 1940s, piquing the reader’s interest in the protagonist, the rich cast of characters, and India itself. As the book unfolds and we learn the tragedies that befall India during the partition, it is impossible to not care and cry for all the people involved. Daughters of Partition captures a country in turmoil and the bravery and will of one woman to survive and triumph. The book is complex, stunningly descriptive, and immensely heartfelt. This was the first book I read on India’s partition, but it certainly won’t be the last. Five stars!!
March 2, 2020
This story shone a new light on the India Pakistan partition for me. You think about the politics and how it affected the country, but you can never imagine how it disrupted innocent human lives and families. This book shows that humanity is above all religion & politics, and how the partition is one of the saddest moments in the world's history, stemmed by reckless & unnecessary decisions made by those most unaffected by it. I felt each and every moment described in this book and it shook me to my core. I couldn't stop my tears from flowing.
March 4, 2021
Fozia Raja’s story of her grandmother has left a lasting impact on me and I’ll hold her story close forever. The plight of women during the partition, one of the many stories that should never be forgotten.
February 6, 2020
Amazing true story
Incredibly moving tale of one family during partition, the horrors, and the changed lives that emerged on the other side.
Incredibly moving tale of one family during partition, the horrors, and the changed lives that emerged on the other side.
April 8, 2020
Such an amazing novel, never have I been more moved by a story than Rasheed’s. I highly recommend everyone to read this.
May 13, 2023
Some books live with you only as long as you’re reading them, others last a few days, maybe months. But some, like this one will not only stay with you forever they will change how you feel about everything you think you know.
I’m not really sure where to start with this real life story about Taji a young girl whose life wasn’t just turned upside down, but was torn to shreds during the Partition in 1947.
If you were reading this as a work of fiction you would, at some points in the book, think the tragedies that Taji goes through wouldn’t happen to an 18 year old girl in such a short space of time. But they did, it was her real life and it’s both haunting and devastating.
As this book was written by her granddaughter the emotion is palpable and it will make you cry. How anyone ever comes to terms with what she (and thousands of others just like her) were put through and witnessed I don’t think I’ll ever be able to comprehend.
Whatever problems you might be going through today, they are NOTHING compared to Tajis.
(As I side note, I had tickets for a musical in the West End today but after reading this book, the impact it has had was so strong, the last thing I felt I could do was go to the theatre. This book deserves a period of respect and time to completely digest, as does Taji)
Please read this, it’s a life changer on so many levels. X
I’m not really sure where to start with this real life story about Taji a young girl whose life wasn’t just turned upside down, but was torn to shreds during the Partition in 1947.
If you were reading this as a work of fiction you would, at some points in the book, think the tragedies that Taji goes through wouldn’t happen to an 18 year old girl in such a short space of time. But they did, it was her real life and it’s both haunting and devastating.
As this book was written by her granddaughter the emotion is palpable and it will make you cry. How anyone ever comes to terms with what she (and thousands of others just like her) were put through and witnessed I don’t think I’ll ever be able to comprehend.
Whatever problems you might be going through today, they are NOTHING compared to Tajis.
(As I side note, I had tickets for a musical in the West End today but after reading this book, the impact it has had was so strong, the last thing I felt I could do was go to the theatre. This book deserves a period of respect and time to completely digest, as does Taji)
Please read this, it’s a life changer on so many levels. X
June 10, 2025
4.5 stars
August 28, 2024
Essential read if you are desi. True story of the author’s grandmother during the partition of India and Pakistan. Heartbreaking and harrowing, really well written
August 7, 2020
One of those books you can’t put down once you start reading. 11/10
September 6, 2021
Daughters of partition is the Story of Taji a Sikh girl living in what became Pakistan after 1947. The story, although fiction, is based on real accounts of the life of Sofi Raja’s Dadi, Taji who later becomes Rasheed.
This story had me feeling every emotion, from moments of laughing, happiness, sadness and left me in absolute tears.
Raja so perfectly depicts the life of Taji before partition drawing the reader into this beautiful story and the lives of each of the characters. There are small references to the ongoing political tension however initially these remain subtle. From these short conversations amongst the male characters regarding the political situation we are taken to the day when civil tensions become catastrophic.
I absolutely loved how Rajas portrayed the realities of the political tension at that time. She depicts how there was peaceful coexistence amongst the differing religious communities and despite the political unrest that was slowly increasing the characters were occupied in their happy lives. This is the reality of war. Normal people and normal lives are destroyed. There is no real anticipation for the destruction that befalls. Innocent lives are destroyed, everything people own, their hard earned possession, their peace, their families everything is destroyed in a way that they could never prepare for.
I don’t want to reveal what happens to Taji and her family but it left me heartbroken.
This story had me feeling every emotion, from moments of laughing, happiness, sadness and left me in absolute tears.
Raja so perfectly depicts the life of Taji before partition drawing the reader into this beautiful story and the lives of each of the characters. There are small references to the ongoing political tension however initially these remain subtle. From these short conversations amongst the male characters regarding the political situation we are taken to the day when civil tensions become catastrophic.
I absolutely loved how Rajas portrayed the realities of the political tension at that time. She depicts how there was peaceful coexistence amongst the differing religious communities and despite the political unrest that was slowly increasing the characters were occupied in their happy lives. This is the reality of war. Normal people and normal lives are destroyed. There is no real anticipation for the destruction that befalls. Innocent lives are destroyed, everything people own, their hard earned possession, their peace, their families everything is destroyed in a way that they could never prepare for.
I don’t want to reveal what happens to Taji and her family but it left me heartbroken.
March 16, 2021
Fozia has written the account of her grandma’s experience so beautifully and with so much love and respect.
I was drawn to reading this book instantly, Fozia has a really good way of writing and keeping the reader engaged.
I smiled, I cried, I laughed and I was left wanting to learn more about Fozia and her family - she left me so inspired.
Thank you for capturing this invaluable insight and much love to your family.
Priya
I was drawn to reading this book instantly, Fozia has a really good way of writing and keeping the reader engaged.
I smiled, I cried, I laughed and I was left wanting to learn more about Fozia and her family - she left me so inspired.
Thank you for capturing this invaluable insight and much love to your family.
Priya
September 2, 2021
“These cruel people were our neighbours, friends and fellow villagers, who all believed in good and worshipped a God, even if that God was given a different name by us.”
incredible story of survival and the on-the-ground repercussions of the partition on the lives of women.
incredible story of survival and the on-the-ground repercussions of the partition on the lives of women.
October 12, 2020
Very sad account of the author's grandmother's story during the time of the partition. Such a poignant re-telling of a horrendous time of absolute upheaval, chaos, devastation, and the destruction of so many lives and the heart of a nation. There are so many messages in the story, though am still processing it all.
For a first novel, the story was compelling and well done. I only wish there had been more about Taji's life after the partition and sharing of those details. Skipping forward 30 years left many unasnwered questions for me. I also found the time jumps were a bit confusing. Nonetheless, an excellent book!
For a first novel, the story was compelling and well done. I only wish there had been more about Taji's life after the partition and sharing of those details. Skipping forward 30 years left many unasnwered questions for me. I also found the time jumps were a bit confusing. Nonetheless, an excellent book!
February 18, 2021
Wonderful, heart-wrenching, wholesome read. What an incredibly resilient family Fozia has. I read this in a day and have recommended it to my family. It’s great to see a fictional narrative about the partition and has inspired me to learn more from my own grandparents. Thank you Fozia!
February 27, 2021
I was raving about this book even before I got my hands on it. As anticipated, a page turner, extremely engaging, elegantly simple to read, beautifully descriptive, soulful read. 5 stars !!!
November 7, 2022
A powerfully written book that so beautifully portrays the journey and resiliency of Taji, women and families during the Partition. Fozia Raja's story of her grandmother has left a lasting impact on me and I'll hold her story close forever. The plight of women during the partition, one of the many stories that should never be forgotten.
"These cruel people were our neighbours, friends and fellow villagers,
who all believed in good and worshipped a God, even if that God was
given a different name by us."
For a first novel, the story was compelling and well done. I only wish there had been more about Taji's life after the partition and sharing of those details. Skipping forward 30 years left many unasnwered questions for me.
"These cruel people were our neighbours, friends and fellow villagers,
who all believed in good and worshipped a God, even if that God was
given a different name by us."
For a first novel, the story was compelling and well done. I only wish there had been more about Taji's life after the partition and sharing of those details. Skipping forward 30 years left many unasnwered questions for me.
January 10, 2021
Wow...just wow.
This book was incredibly moving and incredibly raw. I laughed and cried along with Rasheed throughout. This needs to be a movie! I feel fortunate to have been given access to Rasheed’s life, when so many have struggled to relay their stories of immense trauma. It’s so important to have these stories for the next generations. I will always pray that Rasheed is in peace.
A big round of applause for Parvez for being so brave to completing this story full circle and giving his precious mother the chance to reunite with her family and her identity!
Thank you Fozia, for bringing this story to us all in such a precious, colourful and honest manner.
This book was incredibly moving and incredibly raw. I laughed and cried along with Rasheed throughout. This needs to be a movie! I feel fortunate to have been given access to Rasheed’s life, when so many have struggled to relay their stories of immense trauma. It’s so important to have these stories for the next generations. I will always pray that Rasheed is in peace.
A big round of applause for Parvez for being so brave to completing this story full circle and giving his precious mother the chance to reunite with her family and her identity!
Thank you Fozia, for bringing this story to us all in such a precious, colourful and honest manner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2024
Partition history- still painful and raw
This book had me in tears. My parents went through this imposed ‘partition’, where neighbours became enemies:(
My father never shared what he went through- I think he may have had PTSD as he was a teenager, taking his mother sister and grandmother across to India. This story gives me some idea what he went through. He’s no longer with me, but I thank him for his bravery, so that his family and future family would live in freedom. No one wins in war, no one 🙏🏽
This book had me in tears. My parents went through this imposed ‘partition’, where neighbours became enemies:(
My father never shared what he went through- I think he may have had PTSD as he was a teenager, taking his mother sister and grandmother across to India. This story gives me some idea what he went through. He’s no longer with me, but I thank him for his bravery, so that his family and future family would live in freedom. No one wins in war, no one 🙏🏽
September 6, 2022
A heart-breaking tale of Partition-era India/Pakistan. It's an uneasy mix of fiction based on real life and, accordingly, there is no ending as such; it's more of a celebration of the life of the person it's based on rather than a fictionalised novel.
August 27, 2024
Wow, such a surreal and gut wrenching report of the experience of the partition that affected our ancestors. Its so heartbreaking to hear of the tragedies but so important to remind ourselves of what our grandparents endured to bring us to safety.
September 27, 2022
fascinating read
Beautifully and sensitively written.
A story that really deserved to be told.
A real page turner
Thank you for sharing your grandmas story.
Beautifully and sensitively written.
A story that really deserved to be told.
A real page turner
Thank you for sharing your grandmas story.
December 6, 2022
One of my favourite books! I must have read it 15 times.
January 26, 2022
Being of Pakistani heritage, I was keen to learn more about the partition and stumbled across this book - I am so glad I did. This book is completely heart wrenching, Taji’s story is truly heartbreaking and so so important. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it had me thinking about it days after finishing it. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews