In 1980 this book was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. It revolves around four siblings Bim, Tara, Raja, and autistic Baba and their widowed aunt Mira. Set in Old Delhi in 1970 the story talks about the history of their relationship with each other. Their childhood revolves around partition in India thus majorly throwing light on the turbulent times the nation had faced. Family, forgiveness, escapism, the importance of education, family-related scars, religion, trials and struggles within relationships, courage, and pain are the highlights of this slow-paced yet poetic novel.

Bim, an unmarried teacher takes care of Baba whose life solely depends on her. Tara leaves the house after marrying Bakul, a diplomat, and travels the world. Raja chooses a Muslim woman as his wife and settles in Hyderabad. There is a rift between once close Bim and Raja and both are not on talking terms for some years now. Tara halts at her childhood home before heading to Raja’s daughter’s wedding and tries to seek forgiveness for her selfishness and bridge the cold war. Separation is the backbone of the novel that discusses separation within the Das family and India.

Clear Light of Day has characters that are well defined and layered. It focuses on family issues and the influence of a better life. It has a rustic appeal that has glimpses of India throughout. The house in the novel is testimony to decay, growth, disappointment, purity, nurturing, selfless love, and holds symbolic significance. Sibling love and angst make it an interesting read.