City of Joy
City of Joy
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985
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
552
Novel • Fiction
Calcutta, India • 1980s
1985
Adult
18+ years
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