tawallah's review
2.0
This collection of Caribbean short stories touch on everyday life in late 70s to early 80s. The editor in his introduction wanted to provide newer authors. From this collection the authors that are well known included Jamaica Kincaid, Earl Lovelace and Olive Senior.
There are two major themes- emigration and women. A few are humorous or thoughtful. But most tend to be quiet and don’t stand out. But all are familiar to anyone who lives or lived in the Caribbean. Despite the span of the islands, there are many tales that transcend nationality.
Unfortunately quite a few of the stories were too short. As soon as you get into the style, the plot seems to abruptly end. And quite a few I wished could be fleshed out more. But the stand out stories were The Two Grandmothers by Olive Senior, The Thursday Wife by Hazel Campbell, Bella makes a life by Lorna Goodson. Stories that have also stayed with me are Miss Dorcas by James Berry, Insecurity by Neil Bissoondath, Yardstick by Amryl Johnson and The Duel in Mercy Ward by Ian McDonald.
Wish I could recommend this collection, but it was underwhelming tales.
There are two major themes- emigration and women. A few are humorous or thoughtful. But most tend to be quiet and don’t stand out. But all are familiar to anyone who lives or lived in the Caribbean. Despite the span of the islands, there are many tales that transcend nationality.
Unfortunately quite a few of the stories were too short. As soon as you get into the style, the plot seems to abruptly end. And quite a few I wished could be fleshed out more. But the stand out stories were The Two Grandmothers by Olive Senior, The Thursday Wife by Hazel Campbell, Bella makes a life by Lorna Goodson. Stories that have also stayed with me are Miss Dorcas by James Berry, Insecurity by Neil Bissoondath, Yardstick by Amryl Johnson and The Duel in Mercy Ward by Ian McDonald.
Wish I could recommend this collection, but it was underwhelming tales.
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