“I Am A Japanese Writer” by Dany Laferrière (Haiti) Review The short chapters and choppy style of writing appealed to readers the most. They enjoyed the theme of identity – national, racial and authorial – which they found thought provoking. They liked the irony and found many passages to be very funny, especially the ones relying on clichés to create the humour. Even though they … Continue reading I Am A Japanese Writer
“Before Night Falls” by Reinaldo Arenas (Cuba) Review Readers had mixed feelings about this book, with some liking it while others found it hard to read. They described the writing style as being inconsistent as they found some passages well written, whereas others felt very mechanistic. Some readers also thought that there were a bit too many erotic scenes, which broke up the flow of … Continue reading Before Night Falls
“Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys (Dominica) Review Most readers enjoyed the book, liking the language and the descriptions of place. They found that although it was a short novel (120 pages), there was a lot of depth to it, especially in its historical and political context. They found Antoinette’s personal story very sad and were able to empathise with her. Some readers felt that … Continue reading Wide Sargasso Sea
“Distant Palaces” by Abilio Estevez (Cuba) Synopsis and Review “Distant Palaces”: transforming creative energy into life When Victorio learns that his home is about to be demolished he leaves his job, burns his possessions and takes to the streets. Wandering the city, he meets two people who change his life: Salma, a young prostitute, and Don Fuco, an enigmatic old man who performs as a … Continue reading Distant Palaces
“Mr Potter” by Jamaica Kincaid (Antigua) Synopsis and Review “Mr Potter”: a long lament for an absent father In this semi-autobiographical novel, Jamaica Kincaid tells the story of an ordinary man, his century, and his home. The island of Antigua comes vibrantly to life under the gaze of Mr. Potter, an illiterate taxi chauffeur who makes his living driving along the wide-open roads which pass … Continue reading Mr Potter
Nicola's Book Club 