In the vibrant, sun-drenched landscape of Trinidad, three lonely souls find themselves anchored by a tragedy that binds them together in ways they never expected. Betty Ramdin, a woman fleeing an abusive marriage, and Mr. Chetan, a closeted gay man navigating the complexities of his own heart, forge an unlikely family with Betty’s son, Solo. Their bond is a quiet, resilient protest against a world that demands they remain hidden.
As the years unfold, this beautifully rendered narrative explores the heavy weight of secrets and the transformative power of forgiveness. It is a story that breathes with the rhythm of the Caribbean, capturing the lush scenery and the deep, often painful, currents of domestic life. While the characters navigate loss and the ache of yearning, they eventually discover that love is not a finite resource, but a force that can heal the deepest fractures in the human spirit.
This award-winning novel is a masterclass in emotional honesty. It manages to be both heart-wrenching and profoundly hopeful, inviting readers to witness the bravery required to be oneself. If you are looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately feel understood, this is an essential addition to your shelf.
Great book!! Purchased a used copy and it was like brand new.
C
C. Ellen Connally
August 17, 2020
Verified Purchase
Defining family
While I liked this book a lot, but you do have to get used to reading the dialect. Once you get used to that is flows.
The novel is essentially about family and what is family. Most people think of the traditional family of mother and father and children. But those are not always wholesome relationships. In our new and changing world, family is often created in different ways. And family relationships often end different ways and not just by death. When a family rejects a person, then that family relationship is over, just the same way when a person dies.
This is a story of domestic abuse; life as a homosexual man; life as an immigrant; life as a mother and life as a widow. It is about grief and anger. It deals at length about people who self mutilate which is apparently a big problem.
It seems that all of the characters are looking for happiness, especially Mr. Chetan who manages to find love in all the wrong places. The place that he did find love, with Betty, is a place that he could not accept or did not want to accept.
It's an interesting read about the culture of the Indian people who have lived in Trinidad for many generations. It is also very depressing but faces many of the problems that people face in real life.
K
Kindle Customer
May 24, 2023
Verified Purchase
Emotional and heartfelt
Beautiful story about love, loss, and forgiveness. This story will warm your heart, make you laugh, and cry both happy and sad tears. Brave characters and written in such a way you will feel every emotion they experience. One of the best books I have read this year. Highly recommend.