Exploring the hidden corners of Mauritius, this poetic thriller delves into the lives of four young individuals yearning to break free from the pervasive cycle of fear and violence in their homeland. Through their contrasting perspectives, the narrative unveils the stark realities of life beyond the tourist façade, highlighting their struggles and aspirations for a better future.
‘If I had only one word to define this book, it would be aliveness-a synonym, plausibly, in Ananda Devi’s idiolect, for freedom. Everything-from the Night in the title, to skin, to mud, to a green sari, to sound, to Time itself-is alive … Translated with calm dexterity and breathtaking attention by Kazim Ali, this is a collection that held my body-eyes and heart and brain-in its jaws from beginning till end.’ — Karthika NairAnanda Devi’s poetry singes and sings of the body electric, bound by the complex, colonial island politics of Mauritius and yet boundless like the waters that surround it. This book of harsh lyric and enigmatic and erotic prose, takes on a second life in Kazim Ali’s sensitive translation.
The demented romance between an elderly white woman and a British-Jamaican boy, comes to horrific climax as white supremacy and class conflict collide on the streets of London.
I wouldn’t sayYou’ve changed me as a person.I would only sayYou’ve broken the prisonThat the real me was held inAfter all this time.