Larry Collins

Freedom at Midnight

1. IDEA 1

   A dramatic account of 1947

   Collins and Lapierre tell the story of India's independence and Partition as a fast-paced narrative. Based on many interviews, the book focuses on the leaders and ordinary people caught up in these events.

2. IDEA 2

   Mountbatten came to end British rule

   The authors describe how Lord Mountbatten arrived as the last viceroy with orders to hand over power. He soon concluded that a quick transfer and division of the country was unavoidable.

3. IDEA 3

   The deadline was moved earlier

   Mountbatten announced that independence would come in August 1947, much earlier than planned. The authors argue that this rush left too little time to prepare for Partition. Many problems were left unsolved.

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