Standing Heavy

Name: Standing Heavy
Brand: Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand
SKU: 9781529414431
Price: 29.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2023

By GauZ and Gauz'

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3.59

( 1,529 ratings, 258 reviews)

Summary

Standing Heavy by GauZ' explores the experiences of an undocumented immigrant working as a security guard in Paris. Through various perspectives, it delves into the socio-political environment of France, juxtaposing the lives of the guards with the complexities they face in a foreign land. Rich in cultural observations, it offers a satirical yet compassionate look into immigration and identity.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Standing Heavy

$29⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by stories that delve into the immigrant experience and the intricacies of daily life in another country. With its unique perspective and insightful commentary on social dynamics, it offers a blend of humour and sharp observation that can captivate readers interested in exploring diverse narratives within the realm of general fiction.

Standing Heavy

A bitingly satirical novel about undocumented security guards in Paris: for fans of Sam Selvon and George Orwell.

Description

"One of those rare, transformative novels" - KARIM MISKE

"Funny and poignant" - TIFFANY TSAO, author of The Majesties

Initially a little intrigued, all babies eventually return the security guard's smile.

The security guard adores babies. Perhaps because babies do not shoplift.

Babies adore the security guard. Perhaps because he does not drag babies to the sales.

The 1960s - Ferdinand arrives in Paris from Cote d'Ivoire, ready to take on the world and become a big somebody.

The 1990s - It is the Golden Age of immigration, and Ossiri and Kassoum navigate a Paris on the brink of momentous change.

The 2010s - In a Sephora on the Champs-Elysees, the all-seeing eyes of a security guard observe the habits of those who come to worship at this church to consumerism.

Amidst the political bickering of the inhabitants of the Residence for Students from Cote d'Ivoire and the ever-changing landscape of French immigration policy, Ferdinand, Ossiri, and Kassoum, two generations of Ivoirians, attempt to make their way as undocumented workers, taking shifts as security at a flour mill.

Sharply satirical, political, and poignant, Standing Heavy is a searingly witty deconstruction of colonial legacies and capitalist consumption, an unprecedented and unforgettable account of everything that passes under a security guard's gaze.

Translated from the French by Frank Wynne

"Inventive and very funny" - Guardian

"A compact, humane satire" - Financial Times

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Standing Heavy by GauZ is celebrated for its engaging blend of humour and social commentary, portraying the life of Ivorian immigrants in Paris through the eyes of a black, Marxist security guard. Critics highlight its keen observations, satirical wit, and the unique portrayal of Franco-African history amidst modern consumer society. Describing it as both an inventive and transformative novel, reviewers note its ability to entertain while offering poignant insights into immigration and societal dynamics in France.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529414431

Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 May 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: MacLehose Press

Contributors:

Translated by Frank Wynne
Translated by Frank Wynne

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 132g

Pages: 176

Collections

Fiction GauZ General Fiction History & Military Literary Fiction

About the Author

GauZ' is an Ivorian author, journalist and screenwriter. After studying biochemistry, he moved to Paris as an undocumented student, working as a security guard before returning to the Cote d'Ivoire. His first novel, Standing Heavy, came out in 2014 and won the Prix des libraires Gibert Joseph, and was followed by Comrade Papa, which won the 2019 Prix Ethiophile, and Black Manoo. GauZ' is the editor-in-chief of the satirical economic newspaper News & co, and has written screenplays and documentary films.