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Tributes pour in as French author Dominique Lapierre of 'City of Joy' dies at 91

'City of Joy' narrates the story of unsung heroes of the Pilkhana slum in Kolkata, India

PARIS, FRANCE: Author of best-selling books, 'Freedom at Midnight' and 'City of Joy', Dominique Lapierre dies at 91. His wife, Dominique Conchon-Lapierre confirmed the news to the French publication Var Martin on Sunday, December 4. "At 91, he died of old age," she said. Further, she added, she is "at peace and serene since Dominique is no longer suffering."

According to Daily Mail, 'Is Paris Burning?' is one of his most famous books in collaboration with the American writer Larry Collins which almost sold close to ten million copies in thirty languages. They have sold about 50 million copies of the six books they have written together.

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'Is Paris Burning?' mostly focussed on the situation of the French Capital when Nazi Germany surrendered its control. Later, the book was also adapted to the silver screen by Francis Ford Coppola and Gore Vidal. The writer was born on July 30, 1931, and attended the Jesuit school in New Orleans. He was academically brilliant and won many scholarships including studying at the Aztec civilization in Mexico. He secured the Fullbright scholarship when he was just 18. Lapierre studied economics at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

He has also been famous for his love of cars and traveling. Dominique was also popular for his collaboration with Collins. He met Collins at a cafe as he was transferred to SHAPE headquarters during his tenure with the French army. The duo specialized in highly researched dramatizations of historical events. Dominique has also worked as a reporter for magazines such as Paris Match. The duo also wrote books such as 'O Jerusalem!' and ' Is New York Burning?'  Lapierre donated half the royalties he earned from the book, 'City of Joy' to support several humanitarian projects in the Indian state Kolkata, specifically for refuge centers for leper and polio children, dispensaries, schools, rehabilitation workshops, education programs, sanitary actions, and hospital boats. His wife since 1980, Dominique Conchon-Lapierre, was his partner in the 'City of Joy' Foundation. 

They also co-wrote 'Or I'll Dress You in Mourning', a biography of the Spanish bullfighter El Cordobes, and two fiction thrillers about terrorist plans to destroy New York -- 'The Fifth Horseman' in 1980. Later, he was awarded 'Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, which is the third highest honor in the country. Meanwhile, the royalties from his book, 'Five Past Midnight' was contributed to the Sambhavna clinic in Bhopal, which provides free medical treatment to the victims of the 1984 Union Carbide Bhopal disaster. He also visited Mother Teresa during his time in India and contributed $5000 admitting it was "only a drop in the ocean of need." Meanwhile, the nun reportedly replied, "If this drop did not exist, even the ocean would not."

'RIP Dominique, unite with Larry'

The Internet quickly reacted to his death. Rajdeep Sardesai, a famous Indian News Anchor tweeted, "Dominique Lapierre, the celebrated author who gave us Freedom at Midnight and City of Joy, has passed away. Donated bulk of his royalties from City of Joy to social causes in Kolkata. RIP." A user added, "RIP Dominique Lapierre! While growing up, I read all the books by him, including those he wrote with Larry Collins. Those were product of deep work and have lasting value. Journalists today would do well to emulate him, instead of wasting everyone's time with frivolity."

A user said, "RIP Dominique, unite with Larry I would always consider you less as a French but more as an Indian so for me it is a national loss. #DominiqueLapierre #LarryCollins." "RIP the man who gave us a name for our city - the city of joy! #Kolkata #DominiqueLapierre," added another. NDTV journalist, Maya Sharma stated, "Oh… Read Freedom At Midnight earlier this year and was thoroughly engrossed by it." A tweet read, "One of the best books i've read leading up to independent India. I remember devouring each page, and its engaging prose. From my notes: The song of India. If you haven't read this larger than life magnum opus, you haven't read much. RIP Dominique Lapierre." Journalist, Deepal Trivedi claimed, "He showed us the true lagta of Kolkata . #DominiqueLapierre, the celebrated author who gave us Freedom at Midnight and City of Joy, has passed away."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.