Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar

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March 10, 2014 12 Comments

Love Comes Later Joins the Banned Books List

Since I first began contemplating writing a novel about modern love in Qatar (back in 2009) the possibility my book would not be sold in the country where it was set, researched and Lovecomeslaterflowerswritten lurked in the back of my mind.

It didn’t restrain me necessarily, so much as presented an artistic challenge.  Could I write within the sensibilities of the public culture and still have something to say? I fancied myself an Oscar Wilde of the desert; a writer of my times producing content as part of the society I lived in. In case you’re unfamiliar with the big three objections of said public culture in the GCC they include: no sex, no atheism and no politics. Some readers may be disappointed to hear there’s none of any Love Comes Later.

What there is, however, is a sustained examination of life in Qatar for modern twentysomething Qataris. The online news outlet, Just Here, has some insights which situate this latest verbal only decision to ban this book.

There’s a death by car accident; reluctant engagements; difficult conversations with parents; and of course, one passionate kiss.

I’ve no concrete details about which of these chain of events in particular is in violation of the censor’s interpretation of public sensibilities.

But I will keep you posted.

In the meantime, maybe you want to have a read for yourself?

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Barb says

    March 10, 2014 at 7:26 am

    Congrats Mohana!
    You’ve done a great job with this book!

    Reply
    • Mohana says

      March 10, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks for being an avid reader Barb (and book blogger!)

      Reply
  2. Patricia Sands says

    March 10, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    This will only lend even more credence to your book, Mohana! It’s too bad the powers that be cannot justify their decision. As you point out, you have not included any of the three banned topics in the story.

    Reply
    • Mohana says

      March 10, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      I hope you’re right Patricia.

      Reply
  3. Jesi Lea Ryan says

    March 10, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    The thing with banned books is that it always backfires on the censors. When I hear a book has been banned, it makes me want to read it. I don’t think I’m alone in that.

    Reply
    • Mohana says

      March 10, 2014 at 11:55 pm

      Yes lack of access often makes the reader more curiouser :).

      Reply
  4. Chandi says

    March 25, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    I look forward to reading your book!

    Reply
  5. S. Elle Cameron says

    June 25, 2014 at 9:53 pm

    It’s always a challenge artistically when writing something you know people will have an outrage about but it’s great that you chose to write it anyway. It’s the best thing you could do. Always remember that some of the greatest people weren’t appreciated until years later.

    Reply
    • Mohana says

      June 26, 2014 at 1:09 am

      Such great perspective. In our pop culture/reality t.v. world, it’s so easy to forget that 15 minutes of fame don’t really matter. And the sequel will be unbarred!

      Reply

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