(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“…the same stories and the same bodies blended in my head, lost all definition and all form, became a dark and shapeless mass of giant bodies, that growled, shouted, demanded, cried, pleaded. Were they inventing a new country, a new nation, unknown wars, hidden genocides?
Our unnamed protagonist who immigrated to France seemed to be making a good life for herself. She worked as a translator between the government and those seeking political asylum. These petitioners included Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus.
So why did she risk it all by crashing a glass bottle over a strange man’s head, an immigrant like herself, while waiting for the metro?
As her interrogator tries to understand her motive, we get a glimpse into her perspective of refugee life. This is through flashbacks, reflections, and present-day dialogues. For example, when she visited the immigrant ghettos outside of Paris, she was sickened by some of their collective beliefs. Not only did she feel out of place, but she was shunned. However, she understood these people. She understood why they lie at their hearings and what they went through in their home countries. What happens if your life is constantly in danger but not for political or religious reasons? That is, how can you claim political asylum?
There is a lot to unpack in this novel. The author skillfully portrays the protagonist’s feelings of alienation and misogyny. While relishing in her lyrical prose, we learn the effects of European imperialism. We gain insight into the historical context and how it reverberates in the lives of immigrants today, influencing their identities and actions. This all takes place while we’re still trying to figure out why she committed this violent crime. The reader is constantly engaged in deciphering the web of emotions and experiences that shaped her into the person she is today.
Down With the Poor is a thought-provoking novel that explores the human condition when faced with adversity. It will encourage you to look at the world in a different light and have you think about these issues long after you finish the book.
