Paris, summer 1996. A procession of protestors is on the move, looking for a fortress from which to defend their rights. When Madjiguène Cissé, their Senegalese spokeswoman, leads them through the doors of Saint-Bernard church in the Goutte d'Or, the struggle can begin.

The month-long occupation culminates in a hunger strike and a siege that will draw the attention of a whole country and put a new category of citizens at the centre of the national debate: undocumented migrants.

In this powerful polyphonic narrative, Gauz' reveals the hopes and dreams of a group men and women who trust in the promise of France, but understand that they must fight to secure it. Based on a true story that captivated a nation - and has powerful resonances today - The Doors is a masterful novel from one of France's most original and daring literary talents.

Translated from the French by Frank Wynne