Scan barcode
A review by tawallah
A Brighter Sun by Sam Selvon
3.0
Rating is 3.5.
After reading Golden Child last month, I am happy to read more books set in Trinidad. This debut novel is a coming of age tale set during the final years of World War 2. We follow Tiger, a sixteen year old Indian boy who is being married to Urmilla. This is an arranged marriage and he moves from his hometown of Chaguanas, a sugar cane district to the more urban village of Barataria. Here Tiger struggles to define manhood.
This short novel was unexpectedly humorous. Selvon presents the racial tension in Trinidad very matter of factly. But offers hope for the future through Tiger. The writing style reflects an author who worked in journalism, with the beginning of chapters providing background on the island. But as info dumps which primarily breaks the tension of the book. Despite this flaw, it is well worth the read. The imagery and themes are quite lyrical as there are obvious biblical elements.
Be aware, there is mild language, domestic violence but no graphic sexual content.
After reading Golden Child last month, I am happy to read more books set in Trinidad. This debut novel is a coming of age tale set during the final years of World War 2. We follow Tiger, a sixteen year old Indian boy who is being married to Urmilla. This is an arranged marriage and he moves from his hometown of Chaguanas, a sugar cane district to the more urban village of Barataria. Here Tiger struggles to define manhood.
This short novel was unexpectedly humorous. Selvon presents the racial tension in Trinidad very matter of factly. But offers hope for the future through Tiger. The writing style reflects an author who worked in journalism, with the beginning of chapters providing background on the island. But as info dumps which primarily breaks the tension of the book. Despite this flaw, it is well worth the read. The imagery and themes are quite lyrical as there are obvious biblical elements.
Be aware, there is mild language, domestic violence but no graphic sexual content.