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- Today, "Les Toits du Paradis" by Mathangi Subramanian, published on January 2, 2020 by Éditions de L'Aube.
- This Indian novel could have benefited from particular light during Livre Paris, where India was the invited country, if the show had not been canceled.
Valérie A, contributor to the reading group "20 Minutes Books", recommends Les Toits du Paradis by Mathangi Subramanian, published on January 2, 2020 by Éditions de L'Aube.
His favorite quote:
“People who are not from here do not see beyond the panel sunk into the ground thirty years ago. Swargahalli, he once said. In English character, straight like soldiers. In Kannada characters, curves like destiny. Today, the sign is split in two, broken by one of the bulldozers that the municipality sent to eliminate us the first time - or was it the second? The third ? (After a while, we stopped counting.) All that's left now is the word Swarga. “Swarga? people wonder. Like the word “paradise” in Sanskrit? To designate such a place? Heaven ? We repeat. Such a place? Sometimes they laugh. Sometimes we laugh too. Most of the time, however, neither of us enjoys their reaction. Because this sign does not tell the truth. But he doesn't lie either. ”
Why this book?
- Because Mathangi Subramanian makes us discover the colorful universe of the Bangalore slum where five young girls live, where life is difficult and sanitary conditions deplorable. But where you breathe scents of dishes and spices in each house, where you admire the colorful and shimmering clothes.
- Because it is a realistic novel on the conditions of women in India, on Indian culture with social inequalities, slums, violence against women in a changing society.
- Because it is also an optimistic novel through the portrait of these five young girls who despite the difficult conditions, laugh, sing, dance, who accept their difference and fight to build a future, to get out of poverty can -be through studies? A novel full of humanity and hope.
The essential in 2 minutes
The intrigue. In the slum of Paradise, five young girls weave indestructible ties. All full of life, these girls share what little they have. When the municipality decides to raze the slum, they go to war against those who want to destroy their homes.
Characters. Banu, the constructive artist, who lives with his grandmother, Deepa, visually impaired, sensitive and dancer, Joy, transgender, born boy, baptized girl, Rushana, who oscillates between the sexes and Padma, the one from elsewhere. Mrs. Janaki, director of the school.
Places. Swagahilli or Paradise - Shantytown in Bangalore city in southern India.
The time. Nowadays.
The author. Mathangi Subramanian is an educator and writer. She is also a political analyst for the New York City Council. She lived a few years in New Delhi. She has received several awards for her novels.
This book was read with. With hope, this novel is a beautiful tribute to women who despite their difficult living conditions keep their zest for life and all hope for a better future.
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