HarperCollins Presents And They Lived…Ever After by Rising Flame

naiyya.singh@harpercollins.co.in | 21 March 2024

Presents

 Enchanting fairy tales retold by disabled women

AND THEY LIVED…EVER AFTER

 by Rising Flame

In a world where fairy tales usually demonize characters who live with disability, the authors of this collection seek to retell classic stories by weaving in their own everyday experiences—the struggles, joys and frustrations that may not be known to the non-disabled.

Meet a deaf Snow White, a wheelchair-using Rapunzel, a neurodivergent Ugly Duckling.

 And They Lived … Ever After grew out of a programme organized by Rising Flame, that seeks to build an inclusive world.

‘A unique anthology.’ – Jerry Pinto

Published by HarperCollins

Paperback | Fiction | 224 pp | INR 399

Releasing 21 March 2024

About the Book

Meet a deaf Snow White, a wheelchair-using Rapunzel, a neurodivergent Ugly Duckling.

In a world where fairy tales usually demonize characters who live with disability, these and other fairy-tale characters challenge our understanding of the people around us. The authors of this collection seek to retell classic stories by weaving in their own everyday experiences—the struggles, joys and frustrations that may not be known to the non-disabled. And They Lived … Ever After grew out of a programme organized by Rising Flame, an award-winning non-profit that seeks to build an inclusive world in which diverse bodies, minds and voices thrive with dignity and live free of discrimination, abuse and violence. This book is every bit as enchanting as it is important.

***

Nidhi Ashok Goyal, founder and executive director of Rising Flame, says, ‘Our book is about bringing unseen and unheard stories to people. It is a place for disabled women and youth to find themselves, their realities, challenges and hopes. But most importantly, this book brings a sense of belonging and love, community and friendship to each person who feels left out, misunderstood or different.’

Prerna Gill, commissioning editor, HarperCollins India says, ‘And They Lived…Ever After is, at its heart, a book about people. That is where the magic lives — in the way the stories centre fairy tales around the human experience and its variety. Inclusive, honest and hopeful, this book is for everyone.’

 ***

 Praise for And They Lived…Ever After

 ‘A unique anthology that seeks to change the fairy tale into a safe space of inclusion and acceptance of difference.’ – Jerry Pinto

 ***

 About the Author

 Rising Flame is a national award-winning non-profit organization based in India, working for recognition, protection and promotion of human rights of people with disabilities, particularly women and youth with disabilities. Rising Flame’s vision is to build an inclusive world in which diverse bodies, minds and voices thrive with dignity; live free of discrimination, abuse and violence; and enjoy equal opportunities and access.

Since its establishment in 2017 as an organization led by women and persons with disabilities, it aims to enable persons with disabilities standing at multiple intersections to have a voice, have a space, be heard and lead from the front. The organization has a two-fold strategy—to build capacities of persons with disabilities and to influence the ecosystem. Its major programmes are on leadership, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, research and policy influence. Rising Flame is known for its groundbreaking research Neglected and Forgotten—the first report across the world capturing the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on lives of women with disabilities.

 ***