This book-length poem is set at the time of the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 when thousands of people were killed in civil unrest and millions displaced, with families later split between the two countries. Inspired by family history, Moniza Alvi weaves a deeply personal story of fortitude and courage, as well as of tragic loss, in this powerful work in 20 parts. At the Time of Partition was Moniza Alvi's first new poetry book after her T.S.

Eliot Prize-shortlisted collection Europa, published in 2008 at the same time as Split World: Poems 1990-2005. It was also a Poetry Book Society Choice and shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize.