A review by lyricalimpress
Waiting in Vain, by Colin Channer

reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

To me, the cover of this book doesn't do it justice, this book is beautifully written and captures so many aspects of Jamaican culture and it's diaspora so well.  Colin Channer masterfully explains a series of complex dynamics within Jamaican culture which include but are not limited to the social and economic class system which extends to the United Kingdom . He is able to capture the movement of this story through two islands as well as the United States and England with each location being it's own character.     I love that he explores all aspects of each character in thoughtful and insightful ways. Adrian and Sylvia have their own social circles and different approaches to their respective aspirations and goals.  They are each trying to navigate through romantic relationships and friendships that they have outgrown while Sylvia seems to continue to turn a blind eye to certain aspects of blatant manipulation in her own relationship and friendships.  Although Adrian seems to be more cognizant and almost accepting of those realities with respect to the nature of his relationship with Blanche. As they move towards one another, you have the intersectionality of their social circles which effect their careers and personal lives.  I personally appreciate the patois and the honesty with both the expectation and disappointment of love, however, I would like to see a follow up to how these characters evolve as human beings rather than being deduced to a trope by the end of that winding road to one another