Desert queen

Author

Jyoti Rajan Gopal

Call Number

• J 921 KUMAR (CEN, EAS, OSH, POW)

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Publication Information

Montclair [New Jersey] : Levine Querido, 2023.

Physical Description

1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 29 cm

Audience

Ages 4-9. CLCD.

Summary

"As a young boy, Harish hears and feels the music of the Thar Desert, all around him: "When the khamaicha thrums and the dholak drums and the boy's feet tap and his fingers sway... it is softly... softly, so no one sees." Harish knows the line between what men and women should want, and he keeps it in sight. But when Harish's family suffers loss, he finds himself in charge of two sisters, in charge of making money. And so he begins to dance publicly, in the bright colors and kohl rimmed eyes of the god Krishna... and in the rhythm-making anklets and the swirling costumes of the female Rajasthani dancers he so admired. A new persona is born. The path of Queen Harish to stardom is not without trial, but it is one of bravery and fearlessness. A story of triumph and inspiration. Something to sing about out loudly, proudly, so everyone can hear." --

"This picture book biography in verse follows the life of beloved Rajasthani drag performer Queen Harish, known as the Whirling Desert Queen of Rajasthan. Lit by an inner fire and propelled by a family tragedy, Harish defied the gender conventions of middle class Indian life, battled discrimination and intimidation, and eventually grew up to dance with Bollywood movie stars and on stages across the world. Jyoti Gopal's rhythmic phrases evoke the particular sounds and beats of the music Harish danced to, and capture the passions and conflicts of his life. The poignant and inspiring tale is interpreted by internationally acclaimed Rajasthani artist Svabhu Kohli in kohl-black lines and shapes and brilliant jewel-like colors"--

Notes

"This is an Arthur A. Levine book"--Leaf preceding title page.