10 Great Books To Read From Caribbean Writers
The beautiful Caribbean islands are often known for their beautiful beaches, sunny weather, music, and flavorful food. But, the lesser-known treasures out of the Caribbean are the exceptionally talented authors and novels. These books look at the Caribbean immigrant experience, Caribbean history, slavery, exploitation, colonization, family life, and culture. Storytelling has always been a big part of Caribbean culture as a way to maintain their history, pass down words of wisdom, and educate future generations. In recent years, the books from these small islands have received the international praise they deserve. In fact, the hashtag #ReadCaribbean is used on Instagram and social media platforms to share these incredible works.
If you haven’t read a book from a Caribbean author, you are missing out on some good reads.
Not to worry, though, I won’t let you miss out any longer! I have compiled a list of 10 books from Caribbean writers that you need to add to your reading list. These works will entertain, pull at your heartstrings, and give you a better understanding of Caribbean culture and way of life over the past century.
1. “How to Love a Jamaican” by Alexia Arthurs
“How to Love a Jamaican” is a collection of short stories covering different experiences and perspectives of Jamaicans still on the island or those who now call America home. The author, Alexia Arthurs, highlights the diversity of the Jamaican people and the relationships between family members who chose to stay in Jamaica and those who chose to leave. Typical to Caribbean literature, vivid imagery and symbolism are used throughout, giving the reader strong island vibes. Alexia Arthurs was born in Jamaica before coming to America. “How to Love a Jamaican” was the first of Arthur's books published in 2018.
2. “Patsy” by Nicole Dennis-Benn
Nichole Dennis-Benn's “Patsy” is an emotional story of a woman named Patsy. Patsy follows her friend to New York, leaving her young daughter behind in Jamaica. A similar experience shared by Caribbean immigrants, Patsy saw American as the land of opportunity and a place where she could love who she wanted. As an undocumented immigrant, she faces her share of struggles. Her daughter, back in Jamaica, also struggles to understand why her mother left her behind. Patsy bravely puts herself but not without cost. Nicole Dennis-Benn was born and raised in Jamaica.
3. “Everything Inside” by Edwidge Danticat
“Everything Inside” consists of 8 touching stories set throughout the Caribbean, from Miami to Port-au-Prince. These narratives include romance, personal tragedy, family conflict, and loss. The book has been described as "exploring the forces that pull us together and drive us apart." Edwidge Danticat was born and raised in Haiti before moving to the US at 12 years old.
4. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
“Black Leopard, Red Wolf”, is a mysterious fantasy fiction novel about a tracker known for his superior hunting skills. He has been called upon to find a boy who disappeared 3 years ago. He joins a search group full of unique characters, and the boy is tracked into another ancient city. Drawing from African history and mythology, the book has Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones energy with an African approach. Marlon James is a Jamaican born writer who now lives and teaches literature in St. Paul, Minneapolis.
5. “Love After Love” by Ingrid Persaud
Ingrid Persaud's novel “Love After Love” oozes imagery and Trinidadian culture. A wonderful story about an unconventional family and a woman named Betty. After Betty's husband dies, she invites a man named Mr. Chetan to live with her and her son, Solo. The three live as a happy, loving family until Solo overhears a private conversation between his mother and Mr. Chetan. This secret he overhears torments him, so he flees to New York as an undocumented immigrant. Ingrid Persaud is a Trinidadian writer who now splits her time between London and Barbados.
6. “Annie John” by Jamaica Kincaid
“Annie John” chronicles the life of a young girl named Annie John from age 10 to 17. The story takes place in Antigua in the 1950s and 1960s. It is a Caribbean coming of age story addressing the loss of childhood as well as mother-daughter relationships, lesbianism, racism, depression, poverty, and education. Jamaica Kincaid was born in St. John's, Antigua, and is now a Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University.
7. “One Year of Ugly” by Caroline Mackenzie
Caroline Mackenzie's debut novel, “One Year of Ugly”, is about the adventurous Palacio family and their illegal residence in Trinidad. The family originates from Venezuela, and after moving to Trinidad, they encounter some difficulties with a local criminal called Ugly. The story captures the complexities of dysfunctional families and passionate relationships. Caroline Mackenzie is a Trinidadian writer.
8. “Til' the Well Runs Dry” by Lauren Francis-Sharma
“Til' the Well Runs Dry” is a beautifully written, multigenerational story sweeping the 1940s through the 1960s in Trinidad and the US. The main character, Marcia Garcia, falls in love with a young policeman. A whirlwind romance results in children, but their future is threatened if Marcia's secret is revealed. Lauren Francis-Sharma is a child of Trinidadian immigrants and frequently writes about the Caribbean.
9. “Land of Love and Drowning” by Tiphanie Yanique
This is a magical story set in the Virgin Islands in the 1900s. Two sisters are orphaned in a shipwreck, each sister possessing magical power. The story chronicles 3 generations of an island family, echoing the author's own Caribbean family history. Tiphanie Yanique is a Caribbean American fiction writer from Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
10. “The Book of Night Women” by Marlon James
You may have noticed two Marlon James books on this list, which attests to the talented writer and storyteller she is. “The Book of Night Women” is a story about a girl named Lilith, who is born into slavery on a Jamaican sugar plantation. From a young age, the women around her and Lilith herself recognize her dark powers. The Night Women, a group of enslaved women, including Lilith, are planning a revolt. Lilith pushes boundaries and is feared to be the weak link in the Night Women. This book is award-winning and definitely worth the read!
Comment below which book from this list you’ve already read or can’t wait to read.
