This book discusses the partition of India into India and Pakistan. This division is outlined in the Indian Independance Act of 1947, which dissolved the British Raj. British colonial forces occupied and controlled the Indian subcontinent from 1858 until the dissolution in 1947. While occupied by the British, India faced several serious disasters. Famines occurred with great frequency, resulting in the starvation deaths of many. There was a cholera epidemic, a bubonic plague outbreak, malaria, sexually transmitted infections and diseases, and a staggering issue with leprosy. British officials attempted to implement many public health and infrastructure programs to reduce the impacts of disease. There were major economic impacts, which resulted in famine, including high taxes and over consumption of resources. Women were abducted and raped, many were forced into sex work, and were terrified of returning home to be outcast by their families. People went missing during the move from India to Pakistan (or vice versa). Some people believe that none of these atrocities would have occurred without British intervention into a place they did not belong, while others say that they helped the continent so much with infrastructure and other public works. One of the major players in the partition was Lord Mountbatten, a close family member of the British Royal family.

(As a side note, I can tell you for free I would have hated this man [Mountbatten] soundly had I known him in real life.)

AT ANY RATE: This book gave a good look into the last remaining days of the British Raj in India. It was interesting to look at the decisions that were made. People in government or those that rule other people like to say that they are "for the people" but they are for their pockets and their egos most of the time. There are plenty of strong indicators of that very thing in this particular situation. The book provided decent research and was not boring. It was easy to follow and educational.