French Connection

Each one of us has a story that is worth being published. While most of us fail to share it,Chandigarh-based Cecilia Antony says that she could not ignore the irresistible desire.

Each one of us has a story that is worth being published. While most of us fail to share it,Chandigarh-based Cecilia Antony says that she could not ignore the irresistible desire. The chairperson of Panjab Universitys Department of French did choose between penning the work in English or French. Inspired by a French magazine and writer Victor Hugos quote words are the visitors of our soul,she opted for French. The outcome is Le Desir Irresistible (The Irresistible Desire). Published by Langers Publications (Rs 299/Euro 6),the French novel is possibly one of the first of its kind by an Indian. In my experience there have been poems,articles and essays penned in French by Indian authors,but not an original work of fiction, says the 50-year-old Francophone.

Though the book was released in Paris in 2007,the second edition,meant for the Indian market,will be released by the

Algerian Ambassador in New Delhi today. It narrates the story of Flora,a young Indian woman from a remote village in South India,who goes on to become the American Consulate General in France. The story travels through three continents and packs in enough masala fit for a Bollywood script, says Antony who is well-heeled and has travelled nearly 20 countries. Some of my experiences in Europe,where I studied on a scholarship,have made it into the book, says the author who took four years to pen the 210-page novel.

Antony,who grew up reading Russian,Indian and French books,feels that it would be wrong to presume that there isnt an audience for foreign languages in India. French is the most popular and now even schools are teaching the language. My book is light reading. I am sure the inspirational story will be liked by different age groups, says Antony,who wanted the book to be released in India by someone who understood the language. I sent a copy to the Algerian Ambassador with a note saying that if he liked the book then I would like him to release it, says Antony. The work must have made an impression,as the book release will take place in New Delhi today. Is Antony considering an English translation of the book? Not as of now. Actually,I am already onto my second book. This one is in English, says Antony.

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French Connection

Each one of us has a story that is worth being published. While most of us fail to share it,Chandigarh-based Cecilia Antony says that she could not ignore the irresistible desire.

Each one of us has a story that is worth being published. While most of us fail to share it,Chandigarh-based Cecilia Antony says that she could not ignore the irresistible desire.