{"product_id":"the-city-of-joy-1","title":"The City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"iframeContent\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"94\"\u003eBook Summary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"96\" data-end=\"328\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"17\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe City of Joy\u003c\/em\u003e (1985) is a powerful narrative that immerses readers in the lives of the impoverished residents of Anand Nagar, a slum in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eThe novel intertwines the stories of three central characters: Father Stephan Kovalski, a French priest who chooses to live among the destitute; Hasari Pal, a rickshaw puller enduring the hardships of daily survival; and Max Loeb, a young American doctor dedicated to serving the community.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eDespite the overwhelming challenges they face—poverty, disease, and social injustice—the inhabitants of Anand Nagar embody resilience and hope, finding joy in their shared humanity.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eLapierre's vivid portrayal of their struggles and triumphs brings attention to the enduring spirit of the human soul.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"96\" data-end=\"328\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/City_of_Joy?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" rel=\"noopener\" alt=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/City_of_Joy?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[0.5625em] font-medium text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between absolute\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"max-w-full grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAbout the Author: \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"730\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDominique Lapierre\u003c\/strong\u003e (1931–2022) was a French author and journalist renowned for his compelling narratives that blend historical events with human stories.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eBorn in Châtelaillon, France, he began his literary career with travel writing, drawing from his own adventures.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eIn collaboration with American writer Larry Collins, Lapierre co-authored several bestsellers, including \u003cem data-start=\"105\" data-end=\"124\"\u003eIs Paris Burning?\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem data-start=\"129\" data-end=\"150\"\u003eFreedom at Midnight\u003c\/em\u003e, which delve into significant historical events with meticulous detail.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eHis deep connection to India, particularly Kolkata, led to the creation of \u003cem data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"92\"\u003eThe City of Joy\u003c\/em\u003e, a novel that garnered international acclaim and highlighted the plight and resilience of slum dwellers.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eBeyond his literary achievements, Lapierre was deeply committed to humanitarian causes.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eHe established the City of Joy Foundation, dedicating half of his royalties from the book to support various charitable projects in India, such as leprosy and polio children's refuge centers, dispensaries, schools, and rehabilitation workshops.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eIn recognition of his contributions, he was awarded India's third-highest civilian honor, the Padma Bhushan, in 2008.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Best of used books","offers":[{"title":"Used","offer_id":44276410712321,"sku":"2PPGLC9OH-Used","price":150.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0421\/4299\/0495\/products\/TheCityofJoy_a3986fd6-c710-4a5d-a0f6-c3ef414f1fce.jpg?v=1650004538","url":"https:\/\/bestofusedbooks.com\/products\/the-city-of-joy-1","provider":"Best Of Used Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}