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I knew very little about this book prior to reading it other than (1) it is on the 1001 books to read before you die list; and (2) it was a Kindle deal for 99p! I wondered if it might be depressing but it was quite the opposite. It is written in a Trinidadian patois, with a rambling free-association kind of reminiscing vibe and is full of vividly drawn colourful characters and a strong sense of place and time. Some of the blatant misogyny got me down at times but otherwise a joyful read.
Mar 09, 2020
Pamela
rated it
really liked it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
guardian-1000-read,
boxall-1001-read
Lively account of the immigrant experience in 1950s London. Selvon's characters have all come from the West Indies to find work and a better life, and they are linked by their relationships with Moses Aloetta, whose 10 years of living in London makes him a mentor and facilitator for the various new arrivals.
Selvon skilfully employs his own version of a Trinidadian patois, not only in the dialogue but also in the narration, to give both authenticity and a stylistic rhythm to his work. It also hig ...more
Selvon skilfully employs his own version of a Trinidadian patois, not only in the dialogue but also in the narration, to give both authenticity and a stylistic rhythm to his work. It also hig ...more
Nov 04, 2017
Kai Coates
marked it as to-read
Dec 25, 2008
Erika
marked it as to-read
Sep 03, 2025
Genia Lukin
marked it as to-read
