City of Joy
City of Joy
Book Brief
552
Novel • Fiction
Calcutta, India • 1980s
1985
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre, set in Kolkata, India, follows Father Stephan Kovalski, a Polish priest living in the slums, Hasari Pal, a destitute farmer-turned-rickshaw puller, and Max Loeb, an American doctor seeking purpose. The novel explores class separation, caste, religion, and poverty, portraying their intersecting journeys to find hope and meaning amid dire circumstances. Sensitive topics include extreme poverty and suffering.
Emotional
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Challenging
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
7,890 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre is widely praised for its vivid storytelling and compassionate portrayal of life in the slums of Calcutta. Readers commend its emotional depth and the resilience of its characters. However, some critiques point to occasional melodramatic tones and a Western perspective that may lack full cultural authenticity. Overall, it remains a moving and insightful read.
Who Should Read City of Joy?
Readers who relish emotionally charged narratives of human resilience in extreme adversity will cherish City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre. They may also appreciate the textured socio-cultural landscapes in works like The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo.
7,890 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre was inspired by real-life events and people the author encountered during his visits to the slums of Calcutta, offering vivid depictions of the area's vibrant life and struggles.
The book's title, City of Joy, is a translation of 'Anand Nagar', a nickname for a neighborhood in Calcutta known for its spirit of hope amidst adversity.
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Dominique Lapierre donated a significant portion of the book's royalties to charitable organizations dedicated to improving the welfare of the impoverished communities in India, reflecting the social impact of the work.
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552
Novel • Fiction
Calcutta, India • 1980s
1985
Adult
18+ years
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