A review by bukolayemi
The Same Earth by Kei Miller

funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Heavily character driven novel set in the small village of Watersgate, Jamaica. 

‘Imelda Agnes Richardson learned something important on the morning if 29 September 1983: she found out that things could change overnight. On that morning she walked out of Watersgate, a single suitcase dragging behind her …’

The book starts with Imelda leaving Watersgate but she did return at a later date. We go back in time to learn that when Imelda was born, her father refused to bury her umbilical cord in the land, refused to tether her to the land even though this was what was done for every new born in the village. 

Imelda travels to England and discovers that “Inside almost every immigrant there are two impulses - the impulse to shout, and the impulse to be silent. The second is by far the stronger impulse, for at some point almost every day, the immigrant is afraid of speaking. She is afraid that the sound of her voice will be a loud banner confirming to everyone else her deep fear that she does not belong.  Ironically, the impulse to shout comes from the same reason, for the immigrant will want to hear in her voice proof that she belongs somewhere else, the melodious evidence of a nation that accepts her.”

We read about many other different characters and through them explore themes like identity and belonging, religion and spirituality, community living, race and colourism.

The writing style is brilliant, funny and engaging. Kei Miller uses Bible stories and myths in the mix. This is one to enjoy over and over again.