This is a vapid look at mainly second ( and in a few third) generation Jamaican living in the diaspora. The stories carry the same beat Edited review
This is a vapid look at mainly second ( and in a few third) generation Jamaican living in the diaspora. The stories carry the same beat of disconnection of an authentic Jamaican identity and in most cases modern black woman living in mainly white spaces. Not even being an athlete can ensure success. Whilst it involves different cities and cultures, this collection tends more an introspective glance under-utilising even these disparities between American, Canadian and English influence. The only exceptions are the first story titled Florida Lives, the naive immigrant in The Gifts and the story that gives a peek into Jamaica/Panama titled Canal.
This had the potential to be great and ended up being lackluster.
Not quite sure why I was scared to read this. Guess it is not easy to see poets transition to short story collection where there is not one story thatNot quite sure why I was scared to read this. Guess it is not easy to see poets transition to short story collection where there is not one story that isn’t memorable. And scared to see flowery prose as well. Groundless fears.
These short stories are often told from the white point of view for the majority of the time. Hughes instead of using flowery language paints vivid pictures of his settings and the characters who populate his tales whether they are sophisticated or rural farmlands. And as usual, his tales spring from the everyday clash between white and black people that range from the comic satire, blind naivety, seemingly “Christian” love to the outright aggression of mocking ridicule to lynching. And if you know Hughes he managed to bring his favorite topic, music into most of the stories.
It will be difficult to pick a favorite character or story. Though I think if you want the happy ending, then The Blues I’m playing or Slave on the Block are the closest. The rest are poignant even despite the hardships mentioned.
Milton Crane composed an intriguing collection of short stories which included translated works which give a complete at the human character. There arMilton Crane composed an intriguing collection of short stories which included translated works which give a complete at the human character. There are some notable authors who are included, not necessary with their best work but the pieces chosen were well crafted stories. Even those lesser known authors stood well with their more famous peers. And most of the stories have been discussed online for those of us who are not as well versed with classics.
Overall the title holds up to its promise. I find it hard to pinpoint a favourite story. But the one I liked the least was Thrawn Janet by Robert Louis Stevenson, mainly for being written in Scot dialect which is not easy for non-speaker to interpret at times. The authors I already know - Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allen Poe, H.G. Wells, Edith Wharton, O.Henry - were in their typical form. I really enjoyed the translated tales by Alexander Poushkin, Anatole France, Guy de Maupassant. And I enjoyed The Evening Sun, A Good Man is hard to find and the Golden Honeymoon more on the re-read.
Recommend this short story collection to everyone. ...more
Reading this debut short story collection of mundane lives, reminds me how extraordinary life can be. As readers we often seek escapism for a few momeReading this debut short story collection of mundane lives, reminds me how extraordinary life can be. As readers we often seek escapism for a few moments. But there are books that manage to make mundane seem breathtaking. You walk away feeling as if you are so focused on the next step you fail to appreciate humanity. Not just the bad that makes you want to gnash your teeth but those small moments that are bewildering, sometimes a gut punch or sometimes a slow awakening to how far you have drifted from who you want to be for such little rewards.
Can’t wait to fall into this collection again....more
This 2021 release has been getting rave reviews from Caribbean readers. Written as interconnected short stories, this book provides a picture of a impThis 2021 release has been getting rave reviews from Caribbean readers. Written as interconnected short stories, this book provides a picture of a impoverished town in Trinidad, Pleasantview. It is character based collection, reminding me of Minty Alley by C.L.R James but quite modern look at the issues facing Trinidad. Be prepared to meet characters that will linger in your mind for days, who you long to know the rest of their story.
I understand the hype for this as you feel thrust into Trinidad - the language, the food, the culture and the music. Recently, there has been quite a bit discussion on the intertwining of colonialism and tourism with the current slogan of I live where you vacation. This book definitely would be a great way to counter the glossy nature given to the Caribbean. My major critique would be the stereotypical view of most of the characters. TO be fair, this book gives a look without judging the characters for their action. But.......... I wanted more, I wanted to be challenged at how I view certain classes in society. And that happens for one character - Sister Ivy. This isn't meant to dissuade or counter the love, it is a compelling read. I read it in 24 hours and obviously it struck a chord. And I am keen to see how this author grows. ...more
This short story collection is thought provoking, mixing older style science fiction with modern takes. Chiang hits all the right chords for the majorThis short story collection is thought provoking, mixing older style science fiction with modern takes. Chiang hits all the right chords for the majority of this book. Each story leaves its mark and stays with you long after you close the last page. To single a single story as the pinnacle is difficult. Some are harder to process given the philosophical bent but engaging these grey cells is worthwhile. This is a much better collection that his prior work - Stories of your life and others....more
This short Story Collection felt like a Collection of vignettes. Most of the stories like Fishy Waters, Kikimoro, Goodbye Marcus, Goodbye RRating 3.5
This short Story Collection felt like a Collection of vignettes. Most of the stories like Fishy Waters, Kikimoro, Goodbye Marcus, Goodbye Rose are sparsely written but wonderfully executed. They often display a wry sense of humour but requires slow unhurried parce to capture the intent of the prose.
I‘m looking forward to another short story collection from this Dominican author who recalls her past and incorporated all her experiences in England and France. ...more
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