Memories Of Madness: Stories Of 1947 [Paperback] Singh, Khushwant; Sahni, Bhisham and Manto

Book Details

• Author: Khushwant Singh, Bhisham Sahni, Saadat Hasan Manto

• Brand: Penguin

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 536

• Release Date: 11-09-2002

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780143028635

About the Book

Memories of Madness brings together three powerful works that vividly capture the horror and devastation of the Partition of India in 1947. This collection includes:

• Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh: This debut novel is set in the village of Mano Majra, where Muslims and Sikhs have co-existed peacefully until the chaos of Partition. The arrival of a ghost train bearing the bodies of butchered refugees ignites the simmering mistrust, forcing a Sikh dacoit to attempt to prevent another massacre. Singh’s poignant narrative is a haunting reflection of the deep scars left by Partition.

• Tamas by Bhisham Sahni: Based on the author’s own experiences during the riots in Rawalpindi, this novel presents a chilling portrayal of the communal violence that swept across the subcontinent. The discovery of a pig’s carcass outside a mosque becomes the spark for a tragic chain of events in a small frontier town.

• Stories by Saadat Hasan Manto: Manto, one of Urdu literature's most celebrated short story writers, is known for his uncompromising and realistic portrayal of the human cost of Partition. This selection includes Toba Tek Singh and other poignant tales, where Manto dissects history’s criminals, victims, and unlikely heroes.

Together, these works provide a powerful and emotional exploration of the madness and enduring legacy of Partition. As relevant today as ever, Memories of Madness serves as a reminder of the consequences of communal politics and the loss of humanity in the face of violence.