"The City of Joy" is a novel by Dominique Lapierre that depicts the life of the impoverished residents of Kolkata, India. Set in the 1980s, it follows the struggles and resilience of people living in the slums, highlighting their daily challenges and the vibrant community spirit that emerges despite adversity. The story centers around characters like Hasari Pal, a rickshaw puller, and Max Loewenthal, a foreigner who becomes involved in the lives of the locals. Through their experiences, the novel explores themes of hope, survival, and the enduring human spirit in the face of hardship.