Bookish Reflections: 2023 Was A Great Year For Caribbean Literature
I’ve always been a voracious reader but in 2017 (or was it 2018?) I made a commitment to be more intentional about reading more books by regional authors and authors of colour.
I’m happy to report that I’ve been doing quite well in that regard. Where I continue to falter though, is in keeping you all updated on my reading adventures and sharing reviews of the works I’ve read. This now ranks among the top items on my “Do Better In 2024 List.”
To kick things off, I’m sharing a short list of some of the books I read in the last couple months that I think you should consider adding to your TBR list, if you haven’t already.
THESE GHOSTS ARE FAMILY, Maisy Card
The revelation that Stanford Solomon is, in fact, Abel Paisley, a man who orchestrated his own death and stole his best friend’s identity, sets the stage for a narrative that is as emotionally charged as it is intellectually stimulating. As Stanford’s firstborn daughter, Irene Paisley, unknowingly steps into the role of caretaker for the father she believed to be dead, the reader is taken on a journey that spans generations, exploring the far-reaching consequences of Abel’s choices.
The strength of Card’s storytelling lies in her ability to breathe life into a cast of characters grappling with their own ghosts. Vera, the widow forced into single motherhood, and the daughters and granddaughter who unknowingly share a bloodline, each character is carefully crafted with depth and nuance. The narrative deftly weaves between timelines, delving into the personal dramas of infidelity, lost love, and regret, all set against the backdrop of larger historical forces like slavery and migration.
“These Ghosts Are Family” is not just a story about familial bonds but an exploration of individual identities forged in the crucible of trauma. The characters’ struggles to break free from the shadows of their shared history resonate powerfully. Card’s prose is electric and luminous, illuminating the complexities of the human experience with a rare authenticity.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to engage with historical and societal themes without losing sight of the deeply personal and emotional struggles of its characters. The result is an engrossing family saga that not only captures the sweep of history but also the intimate moments that define us.
“These Ghosts Are Family” in my opinion is a poignant exploration of the ties that bind us, the ghosts that shape us, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of a complex and often painful past.
WINDWARD FAMILY, Alexis Keir
Windward Family” by Alexis Keir is a poignant exploration of self-discovery, family bonds, and the enduring spirit that transcends time and distance. The narrative unfolds two decades after the author, Alexis Keir, returns to the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent, embarking on a deeply personal journey to reclaim the fragments of his past.
The book opens with a powerful reflection on the search for lost pieces of oneself, setting the stage for a narrative that spans continents and generations. Keir’s return to Saint Vincent becomes a metaphorical unlocking of a thick, black journal filled with letters, postcards, and diary entries — a metaphor for the layers of memories waiting to be uncovered.
As Alexis delves into the stories of those who left Saint Vincent, the reader is taken on a compelling journey through time and space. The author weaves a tapestry of lives marked by exploitation, endeavor, and bravery. From a child born with vitiligo subjected to exhibition in England to a pioneering Black nurse in 19th-century London, each story is a testament to the resilience of those who sought a home far from their birthplace.
“Windward Family” captures the essence of the diasporic experience, spanning the Caribbean, England, North America, and New Zealand. The narrative seamlessly transitions between windswept islands and the wet streets of London, creating a vivid portrait of a Black British family separated by thousands of miles yet bound together by the universal themes of love, loss, and belonging.
What makes Keir’s storytelling particularly impactful is the meticulous research evident in the rich details of diary pages, newspaper articles, and faded photographs. Through the lives of these characters, the author paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by generations of travelers, emphasizing their collective resilience in the face of adversity.
“Windward Family” is more than a historical account; it is a heartfelt exploration of identity and the complex tapestry that connects individuals across time and space. As the reader accompanies Alexis on his journey of rediscovery, the book becomes an emotional odyssey, reminding us that the search for one’s roots is often a journey toward understanding, healing, and the enduring power of love.
WHEN THE VIBE IS RIGHT, Sarah Dass
As close to perfect as a book could get and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
In Sarah Dass’s enchanting novel, “When the Vibe Is Right,” we are introduced to Tess Crawford, a spirited Trinidadian high schooler immersed in the vibrant world of Carnival and costume design. From the outset, the author skillfully immerses readers in Tess’s journey of self-discovery and romance, set against the pulsating rhythms of Trinidad and Tobago.
Tess, with a passion for masquerade design inherited from her renowned uncle, Russell Messina, faces a dilemma as the future of her family’s mas band, Grandeur, hangs in the balance. Complicating matters are her cousin’s forbidden love affair with a rival band member and the presence of Brandon Richards, a social media influencer associated with the very rival band that threatens Grandeur’s legacy.
The enemies-to-lovers trope unfolds with delicious tension, keeping readers eagerly turning pages as Tess grapples with her feelings for Brandon, the bane of her existence. Dass masterfully captures the authentic rivalry between mas bands, infusing the narrative with the electric energy of Trinidad’s Carnival culture.
What makes “When the Vibe Is Right” a standout is Tess herself. As a protagonist, she is both relatable and endearing, navigating the complexities of family, tradition, and unexpected romance with charm and authenticity. Dass invites readers into Tess’s daily life, making it easy to invest emotionally in her journey, her triumphs, and the inevitable missteps.
The novel is not merely a love story; it’s a celebration of culture and the resilience needed to preserve traditions in the face of change. The lush, gorgeous backdrop of Trinidad becomes a character in itself, enhancing the narrative with its vivid landscapes and the intoxicating spirit of Carnival.
Dass delicately weaves themes of identity and unexpected love, prompting Tess to question everything she thought she knew. The result is a beautifully written tale about finding love in the most unexpected places and the transformative power of embracing the unknown.
For those in search of a light, fun romance , “When the Vibe Is Right” the perfect choice. This novel entertains and resonates with the universal themes of love, self-discovery, and the magic that happens when the vibe is just right.
RIVER SING ME HOME, Eleanor Shearer
Eleanor Shearer’s debut novel, “River Sing Me Home,” is a profoundly moving exploration of love, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Set against the backdrop of the Emancipation Act of 1834, the novel opens with a gut-wrenching revelation: freedom is not what it seems for Rachel and her fellow slaves on Providence plantation in Barbados.
As the master declares them apprentices instead of slaves, Rachel takes a courageous leap into the unknown, fleeing the plantation in search of the children who were cruelly taken from her. The narrative unfolds across the Caribbean – from Barbados to British Guiana and finally to Trinidad and Tobago – as Rachel embarks on a heart-wrenching journey to reunite with her five children.
Shearer’s storytelling is nothing short of stunning. With each page, the reader is drawn into Rachel’s world, feeling the weight of her love, the agony of separation, and the unwavering determination to find her children. The author’s meticulous research is evident, shedding light on the little-known post-emancipation reality where slaves turned apprentices were still bound to the plantations.
The novel serves as a testament to a mother’s love, a redemptive force that propels Rachel through the most harrowing challenges. Shearer captures the essence of Rachel’s bravery as she navigates the Caribbean’s varied landscapes, each step resonating with the universal themes of loss, hope, and the enduring power of maternal love.
The story not only educates but also inspires, highlighting the strength of those who, like Rachel, defied oppressive systems in pursuit of family and freedom. The author seamlessly weaves historical accuracy with a gripping narrative, making Rachel’s odyssey a captivating and emotionally charged experience.
In a genre often laden with despair, “River Sing Me Home” stands out as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the darkest corners of history, the indomitable human spirit can rise. Shearer’s debut is a triumph, a testament to the resilience of Caribbean women and a reminder that stories of courage and love deserve to be heard and celebrated.
WHAT START BAD A MORNIN’, Carol Mitchell
In Carol Mitchell’s debut novel, “What Start Bad a Mornin’,” readers are invited into the complex world of Amaya Lin, a woman in her forties who has meticulously built a satisfying life while concealing the fragments of her traumatic past. The narrative spans the landscapes of Jamaica, the USA, and Trinidad and Tobago, offering a multilayered exploration of Amaya’s life and the repressed memories that threaten to unravel her sense of order.
Amaya’s seemingly stable life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a stranger who claims to have an impossible connection to her. This encounter acts as a catalyst, propelling Amaya into a tumultuous journey of self-discovery and confronting the violent trauma she had buried deep within her consciousness.
Mitchell skillfully weaves three interwoven narratives that paint a vivid picture of Amaya’s past, from her upbringing in Jamaica to her migration to the US in pursuit of a better life. The author succeeds in creating a sense of intrigue by strategically revealing bits of information, compelling the reader to delve deeper into Amaya’s story.
The novel, while engaging, does face some critiques from a reader’s perspective. The pacing is inconsistent, with a rushed ending that ties up the story a bit too neatly. The characters, including Amaya’s husband and friends, are perceived as somewhat one-dimensional, leaving the reader craving more depth and nuance in their portrayal. Despite this, the heartwarming elements of Amaya’s relationship with her neurodiverse son add a poignant touch to the narrative.
One of the strengths of the novel lies in its ability to captivate the reader’s curiosity, prompting them to question the blurred boundaries between memory and reality. The author’s exploration of trauma and self-discovery resonates, and the thematic depth adds layers to the narrative.
HOW TO SAY BABYLON, Safiya Sinclair
Safiya Sinclair’s “How to Say Babylon” is nothing short of a literary masterpiece, a memoir that transcends the boundaries of brilliance.This deeply moving and emotionally charged journey takes us into the heart of Jamaica, where Sinclair recounts her childhood and the complex web of influences that shaped her into the extraordinary woman she is today.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a strict Rastafarian household, where Sinclair’s father, a reggae musician and fervent follower of Rastafari, becomes a formidable force in shaping his daughters’ lives. The concept of Babylon, the immoral influences of the Western world, looms large, and Sinclair’s father becomes obsessed with preserving his daughters’ purity and keeping them obedient.
Sinclair’s storytelling prowess is unparalleled, and the emotions evoked by her words linger long after the final page is turned. Her recollection of her childhood shows layers of complexity, from the strict rules dictating every aspect of her life to the constant threat of violence that accompanies disobedience. Through it all, Sinclair finds solace in her mother’s gift of books, particularly poetry, a lifeline that becomes her means of escape and self-discovery.
The memoir delves into the intricacies of patriarchy, tradition, and the enduring legacy of colonialism in Jamaica. Sinclair’s writing is not just a personal narrative but a universal exploration of a woman finding her own power, defying societal norms, and breaking free from the constraints that sought to silence her.
Sinclair’s depiction of her father’s character is a nuanced and multifaceted portrait that adds depth to the narrative. The father’s evolution, or character arc, as Sinclair aptly describes it, is a testament to the author’s ability to paint a vivid picture of the complex forces at play within a family.
As a reader, I found myself swept away by the emotional journey Sinclair takes us on — from the strict confines of her childhood to the scars that linger into adulthood. The exploration of Rastafarianism and its impact on Jamaican culture, coupled with Sinclair’s personal revelations, adds a layer of depth and insight that sets this memoir apart from others I’ve read.
This is quite possibly one of the best (if not THE best) book I read in 2023.
