A review by patricia68
Small Island, by Andrea Levy
5.0
This was a re-read having watched the performance at the National Theatre. Small Island foci is on the 'small island' being Jamaica and Britain. Also the injustice of those who believed Britain to be the 'mother' country is evident and at times brutally cruel as their disappointment is conveyed.
The parallel narrative of the four characters highlight the optimism, racism, bigotry and the lack of opportunity met or meted out to the characters. You care about the characters - the humour of Gilbert and his optimism of being in 'the mother country' the reader feels his disappointment but cheer him on as he is so determined to make his mark. The bigotry and racism of Bernard is truly felt. Despite him fighting in the war, seeing and enduring hardship the war seemed to have made him worse and unfeeling. The real heroes are Hortense, who is haughty and difficult to please, the reader sees her maturity and growth as a character. Queenie shows her strength and tenacity as a character - well married to Bernard she needed it - and her practical nature. The final scene with her is heart wrenching and one of the saddest scenes to read.
Levy's research and references to real live events convey the realism of the novel. The moving from prior to the War and back to the present the author weaves these time sequences seamlessly.
Each narrative voice is distinct.
Heart wrenching, funny and brutally honest is the only way I can describe this novel.
I wish Levy had a sequel or focused on Michael Roberts in a separate novel.
Loved this book!
The parallel narrative of the four characters highlight the optimism, racism, bigotry and the lack of opportunity met or meted out to the characters. You care about the characters - the humour of Gilbert and his optimism of being in 'the mother country' the reader feels his disappointment but cheer him on as he is so determined to make his mark. The bigotry and racism of Bernard is truly felt. Despite him fighting in the war, seeing and enduring hardship the war seemed to have made him worse and unfeeling. The real heroes are Hortense, who is haughty and difficult to please, the reader sees her maturity and growth as a character. Queenie shows her strength and tenacity as a character - well married to Bernard she needed it - and her practical nature. The final scene with her is heart wrenching and one of the saddest scenes to read.
Levy's research and references to real live events convey the realism of the novel. The moving from prior to the War and back to the present the author weaves these time sequences seamlessly.
Each narrative voice is distinct.
Heart wrenching, funny and brutally honest is the only way I can describe this novel.
I wish Levy had a sequel or focused on Michael Roberts in a separate novel.
Loved this book!