Literature Reviews - 2025

Book Review: The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

Introduction

The Night Diary is a historical fiction novel by Veera Hiranandani, published in 2018. The book takes place during the Partition of India in 1947 and follows the journey of twelve-year-old Nisha, a shy girl of mixed Hindu-Muslim heritage, as she and her family flee from what becomes Pakistan to find safety in the newly independent India.

Told through Nisha’s diary entries to her deceased mother, the novel is an emotionally powerful and educational account of one of the most significant and traumatic events in South Asian history. The book has received critical acclaim and was awarded a Newbery Honor and the Walter Dean Myers Award for outstanding children’s literature.

Plot Summary

On her twelfth birthday, Nisha receives a diary as a gift and begins writing letters to her mother, who died giving birth to her and her twin brother, Amil. She pours her thoughts and fears into these entries, confiding in her mother as she struggles to understand her place in the world.

Nisha and her family—her father, her grandmother (Dadi), and Amil—live in Mirpur Khas, a town that, after Partition, will belong to Pakistan. Because they are Hindu, they are no longer safe there. Their cook, Kazi, who is Muslim and like family to them, must stay behind, further complicating Nisha’s feelings of belonging and separation.

As violence erupts between Hindus and Muslims, Nisha’s family is forced to flee, embarking on a perilous journey by foot and train to Jodhpur, India. Along the way, they face hunger, illness, near-death experiences, and the constant fear of being attacked. Their journey takes them to Rashid Uncle, Nisha’s mother’s Muslim brother, who provides them with temporary refuge and changes Nisha’s understanding of family and identity.

Through her diary, Nisha processes the pain of losing her home, the danger surrounding them, and the struggle to make sense of the deep divisions caused by religion and politics. In the end, she emerges stronger, learning to find her voice and a sense of hope in her new reality.

Strengths of the Novel

1. A Child’s Perspective on a Complex Historical Event

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to present the Partition of India in a way that is accessible to young readers. Rather than focusing on politics or historical figures, The Night Diary tells the story through Nisha’s innocent and questioning voice. She does not fully understand why people who were once neighbors have turned against each other, making her perspective both heartbreaking and compelling.

Hiranandani does not shy away from the realities of Partition—violence, displacement, and religious conflict—but presents them in a way that is appropriate for middle-grade readers.

2. Powerful and Emotional Storytelling

By using diary entries, Hiranandani allows readers to experience Nisha’s fears, hopes, and emotional growth intimately. The personal nature of the story makes it incredibly moving, as we see her struggle with loss, identity, and courage. Her voice is quiet yet powerful, and her reflections on family, religion, and the meaning of home resonate deeply.

3. Exploration of Identity and Belonging

Nisha’s mixed heritage—her father is Hindu, and her late mother was Muslim—adds a unique layer to the story. Throughout the novel, she grapples with what it means to belong in a world that is dividing people based on religion. Her connection to both sides of her identity makes her journey all the more painful, as she feels torn between two worlds.

Her bond with Kazi, the Muslim family cook, is particularly touching, as he serves as a surrogate parental figure. His forced separation from their family highlights the human cost of political divisions.

4. Realistic Character Development

• Nisha starts as a quiet and reserved girl, but as the story unfolds, she grows in strength and resilience. Her experiences force her to confront fear, loss, and survival, making her transformation both believable and inspiring.
• Amil, Nisha’s twin brother, is a contrast to her—loud, artistic, and rebellious. His struggles with dyslexia and his complicated relationship with their strict father add depth to his character.
• Rashid Uncle, Nisha’s Muslim uncle, provides a crucial turning point in the novel, as he defies religious divisions to help his Hindu relatives. His kindness challenges the idea that people must be enemies simply because of their religion.

5. Themes of Family, Resilience, and Hope

Despite the trauma of Partition, The Night Diary is ultimately a story about the strength of family and the human capacity for resilience. It shows how, even in the darkest times, love and kindness can provide hope. The novel also teaches readers about the power of storytelling, as Nisha’s diary becomes her way of making sense of the world and finding her voice.

Criticisms of the Novel

1. Slow Start

Some readers may find the beginning of the book slow, as it focuses on Nisha’s daily life before Partition. While this section helps establish her character and relationships, the real action does not begin until her family is forced to flee.

2. Limited Historical Context

Since the story is told from a twelve-year-old’s perspective, it does not provide much background on the political causes of Partition. While this makes the book accessible to younger readers, those unfamiliar with Indian history may need additional context to fully understand the historical events.

3. Repetitive and Simple Language

Because the novel is written in diary format, the language is straightforward and sometimes repetitive. While this fits Nisha’s character and age, some readers may find it less engaging compared to traditional historical fiction.

4. Lack of a Strong Climax

The novel does not have a single climactic moment, as it focuses more on Nisha’s internal journey than external action. Some readers may feel that the story resolves too quietly, without a dramatic resolution.

Final Verdict

The Night Diary is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful novel that brings the Partition of India to life through the eyes of a young girl. Veera Hiranandani masterfully balances historical depth with personal storytelling, creating a book that is both educational and deeply moving. While the slow start and simple language may not appeal to all readers, the novel’s themes of identity, resilience, and the human cost of conflict make it a must-read.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Middle-grade and young adult readers interested in historical fiction.
• Teachers and students studying the Partition of India or themes of migration and refugees.
• Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and diary-style narration.
• Anyone who appreciates books about resilience, family, and cultural identity.

Who Might Struggle with This Book?

• Readers who prefer fast-paced action over introspective storytelling.
• Those looking for a detailed historical analysis of Partition.
• Readers who dislike diary-format narration or simple language.

Conclusion

The Night Diary is a powerful and necessary addition to historical fiction, shedding light on a significant yet often overlooked moment in history. Through Nisha’s quiet yet profound voice, Veera Hiranandani captures the heartbreak of Partition while offering a message of hope, unity, and resilience. Whether you are learning about India’s history for the first time or revisiting it from a new perspective, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impact.