so-soRead this for #Dominica for #ReadingTheAmericas2023 but it can also be read for #Jamaica.
This was a very atmospherically written book and ideal for people who wanted to know some of Bertha‘s back story from Jane Eyre. I found it a very sad story, with little hope or lightness in it. The writing style really wasn‘t for me and can‘t say I particularly enjoyed the book, but I‘m sure I‘m not the intended audience. Just not my genre or style.
pickThe thing that I found so striking as I read this was how subtle the writing is and how much breath flows through its 171 pages. The themes of power/control/hatred/safety are prominent. Much can also be said about the feeling of being in-between (colonial generations, nationalities, race, etc.) A lot to ponder, and definitely something I will want to reread in the future.
#ReadingtheAmericas2023 #Dominica
pickBorn enslaved on #Montserrat, Dorothy works her way to freedom and eventually a business empire stretching across multiple nations. Based on a real person, this novel looks across Dorothy‘s entire life. It‘s long but worth the time. I enjoyed this.
#ReadingAmericas2023 Also works for #Dominica #Greneda #Guyana
pick“I don‘t know how people live when they know exactly what‘s going to happen to them each day. It seems to me it‘s better to be dead than live like that.”
Anna, the MC, is so naive. Her trajectory is now set and she cannot or will not see it. 😣 I can‘t decide whether I feel pity or scorn for her.
I did not “enjoy” this novel; I don‘t think entertainment was the intent. I‘m left pondering over it, which for me is the hallmark of great writing!
pickIt took me a while to get into this book, but by the end I was so glad I stuck with it. Sad to say I knew next to nothing about the history of slavery in the Caribbean, and this book brought it to life. Thanks @Texreader for bringing this book to my attention.
#TitlesandTunes #IslandVibe
#ReadingTheAmericas2023 #Dominica #Grenada #Barbados #Jamaica
pickAnn and her husband give up their busy lives in Toronto in the mid 90s to sail the Caribbean. This is just my kind of travel book; I love it when it‘s mainly about the wonderful people the travellers meet along the way. The book also contains many recipes too. (Their boat is called Receta)
The blurb says they visit 16 countries, but I don‘t think I spotted them all. Below is my list, some of which I‘m using and some I‘ve already read.
https://youtu.be/UyUh0aLlC1o
#litwithindianlit
#carolshieldsprize
#PeopleApril
#TransGirlApril
#AussieApril
Intro
Weekly highlights
We Should Not Be Afraid of the Sky by Emma Hooper
A Pros and Cons List for Strong Feelings by Will Betke-Brunswick
Rhapsody and Other Stories by Dorothy Edwards
Yann Andréa Steiner by Marguerite Duras, Mark Polizzotti (Translator)
pickBased on the true life of Dorothy (Doll) Kirwan Thomas, born a slave in #Montserrat, she worked countless years to buy her (& her family‘s) freedom to become one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in the Caribbean. Repeatedly raped by her white brother, surviving multiple rebellions, saving a sister from auction, her beginnings were so harsh. She is written as a very real person, with her past very much shaping how she approached life. ⬇️
From the author‘s notes.
I also just learned the author is from #Trinidad, so this book can work for that country. There are also smaller parts of the book that work for #Barbados and #Jamaica
#Dominica
#Grenada
#Guayana
#Montserrat
#readingtheAmericas
@Librarybelle @BarbaraBB @Catsandbooks
This week‘s business trip with evenings in the hotel with nothing to do when I finish working has been good for my reading—I finished both these books! Reviews to come. #foodandlit #Syria
#Dominica
#Grenada
#Guayana
#Montserrat
#readingtheAmericas
@Librarybelle @BarbaraBB @Catsandbooks
19th book finished for November #Rushathon @DieAReader @Ghabi4Roses
@Librarybelle @BarbaraBB (edited) 13mo