The Third Edition of Tears in Paradise, one of the most authentic and reverent chronicles of a dark period in human history has just rolled out of the press.
Re-printed by popular demand, only limited copies of the new edition will be available in New Zealand.
Copies of the book can be purchased from selected Paper Plus Stores and PostShops in Auckland. For details, please see the advertisement in this section.
It is a moment of pride for its author and Indian Newslink columnist Rajendra Prasad, for ironically, the book itself carries the saga of human struggle, financial constraints, betrayal and self-denial.
Thousands of people all over the world have reacted to the book, saying that it brought out the trials and tribulations of generations of Indian labourers who were taken to Fiji and subjected to inhuman working and living environment. They endured so that their successive generations could lead better lives.
New Zealand’s Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand (then Ombudsman), who released the book on August 21, 2004 in Auckland, said Mr Prasad was not writing a boring textbook but a heartfelt account of the travail and hopeful triumph for Indo-Fijian people.
“The result is a fine account of 125 years in Fiji expressed with passion and conviction and in ways that don’t mince words. It is a handsome piece of work husbanded for that important part of every book’s journey by the publisher, Gerard Reid and his colleagues,” he said.
His 293-page publication, coming as it did on the heels of the 125th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Fiji, was in essence an emotional journey to trace the roots of his family lost under indentured conditions and of course lapse of time.
Former Fiji Vice-President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi described Tears in Paradise “as a catharsis for Rajendra Prasad.
“The feeling he describes plumbs the depths of emotion simply and without artifice. There is pathos but no pity, pain but not self-centeredness, suffering without sentimentality,” he said.
Cincinnati, Ohio (US) based Writer’s Digest evaluated and awarded 5/5 on structure and organisation of the book.
“Many aspects of this book are likeable: the pictures, in-depth revelation of a hidden history, and the glossary. It is obvious that the author did extensive research and is well informed on the subject.”
Times of India said that even after a century of hard work, enterprise and sacrifice, descendants of the Indian immigrants still shed tears in Fiji because of rising racial hostility in their adopted country.
“It is this heartrending puzzle that Rajendra Prasad seeks to decode in his intense and emotional book, Tears in Paradise.”
In our September 1, 2004 issue, we had commented that the book was in essence an emotional journey to trace the roots of his family lost under indentured conditions and of course lapse of time.
“And yet it exhumed for yet another debate and deliberation, the trials and tribulations of generations locked into destiny of a bygone era and the lives and sufferings of thousands of people who set out on a journey hoping for a better morrow.
“But most of them saw only despair, despondency and death.
“To them, the world was a cruel place to live, with everyone (well almost), perpetrating an act of betrayal.”
We had also said, “Just how the book would be received in the national and international markets remains to be seen but if the audience response at the event was any indication, Tears in Paradise would go into reprint soon.”
Our prophecy was not wrong. About two years later, in November 2006, the Second and slightly revised Edition was released and made its impact worldwide.
We have no doubt that the Third Edition of Tears in Paradise, now in popular bookstands, will stir yet another season of sensation.
The Third Edition of Tears in Paradise is now available in Auckland at Paper Plus Stores in Manukau, Onehunga, Pakuranga, Papakura and Sylvia Park; and at PostShops in Blockhouse Bay and Westgate.
Email: raj.prasad@xtra.co.nz or rajendra@tearsinparadise.co.nz
Website: www.tearsinparadise.co.nz
Photo :Sir Anand Satyanand (then Ombudsman) releasing the first copy of the First Edition of Tears in Paradise in Auckland on August 21, 2004, watched by author Rajendra Prasad
