cover image The Invisibles: A Tale of the Eunuchs of India

The Invisibles: A Tale of the Eunuchs of India

Zia Jaffrey. Pantheon Books, $24 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-679-41577-0

Freelance writer Jaffrey, an American of Indian extraction, traveled throughout India to study eunuchs, or ""hijras."" The subculture of castrated males has existed in India for centuries, owing to their outcast status and the tendency of government officials to discourage inquiries, but their living arrangements, social structure and actual numbers are difficult to verify. Jaffrey provides a wealth of previous research, including folklore regarding hijras' activities, as well as details of the interesting but inconclusive interviews she conducted with hijras living in India today. Although those she interviewed acknowledge that they arrive unasked to bring good luck by singing and dancing at weddings and celebrations for newborns, other questions regarding castration ceremonies, prostitution, religious practices and hierarchical organization elicited elusive and contradictory responses. This study intrigues rather than enlightens. Photos not seen by PW. (Nov.)