Received from the publisher, Graywolf Press through the GoodReads First Reads program.
The book is set in Mauritius during WWII when Mauritius was a British colony and over 1500 eastern European Jewish refugees, who were trying to reach Palestine, were detained there. Translated from French by Geoffrey Strachan.

An amazing book. Told in the voice of a 70 year old Mauricien, who is finally coming to terms with a central year in his childhood. His two brothers die, his family moves from an agricultural camp to a town, and he makes friends with an European Jewish boy being held in a prison near his house. Appanah brings his anguish and regret home to the reader.
This is another piece WW II history that I was totally unaware of.

off to azuki who picked it from the Passport to the World VBB

thanks. sounds very interesting.

An excellent book not only because it's beautifully written, but also because it shows me an unknown page of history and an unknown side of Mauritius. I admit I knew little of the island except the paradisaical version of blue sky and sandy beach.

Now off to zzz who selected it from the Passport bookbox.

Thanks itpdx for sharing this little gem of a book!

OK at least THIS one is in right hands (unlike two other, sent along with this one)
Happy Year of the Ram :)