Dive into Summer Adventures with These Captivating Caribbean Reads!
Caribbean writers in 2024 promises an exhilarating journey into the vibrant world of Caribbean literature. Are you ready dive into summer adventures with these captivating Caribbean Reads? Embark on an unforgettable literary journey for summer 2024 with our curated list of captivating books from Caribbean authors that promises to transport you to their vibrant landscapes, intriguing mysteries, and heartwarming tales that will stay with you long after the season fades.
So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole (Jamaica)
Get ready for a suspenseful ride through the streets of Jamaica with Kamilah Cole's gripping narrative that will keep you guessing until the very end. Follow the story of Faron Vincent, a seventeen-year-old with the power to channel the might of the gods themselves. Five years ago, she wielded her divine magic to free her island from the clutches of its adversaries, the dragon-riding Langley Empire. Now, hailed as a legend by her people, Faron finds herself in a peculiar predicament.
Buy: So Let Them Burn on Amazon
Broughtupsy by Christina Cooke (Jamaica)
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and compelling characters of Jamaica as Christina Cooke weaves a story of family, identity, and belonging. In "Broughtupsy," Akúa, grieving her brother's sickle cell anemia death, returns to Jamaica from Canada to reconnect with her sister Tamika. Their journey revisiting childhood spots underscores Akúa's estrangement from her Jamaican heritage after years abroad. As she wanders Kingston with her brother's ashes, she meets Jayda, a stripper, who introduces her to a different side of the city. Akúa grapples with her sexuality against her family's religious backdrop. This debut novel navigates themes of diaspora, identity, and homecoming, exploring the sacrifices made in search of belonging. "Broughtupsy" is a poignant tale of family, grief, and the quest for self-discovery.
Tanglewood by Knicky L. Abbott
Lose yourself in the enchanting world of Knicky L. Abbott's "Tanglewood," where magic and reality collide in a mesmerizing tale. In "Tanglewood," Aoife Ni Coillte, eldest daughter of an Irish Indentured family, pines for George Oliver Williams, heir to Tanglewood Manor. Rejected in favor of heiress Dido Dubois, Aoife's pride leads to cruelty toward Dido's sister, Bellouise. Punished by ancestral spirits, Aoife transforms into the monstrous Steel Donkey, haunting the area until she learns to love. Ten years later, John Jack, a freed slave, befriends Aoife, sparking rumors of the Steel Donkey's sightings. Set in 1840s Barbados, "Tanglewood" is a postcolonial gothic romance delving into Irish Indentured isolation and the origins of local folklore.
The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh by Ingrid Persaud (Trinidad and Tobago)
Explore the depths of love and loss in Trinidad and Tobago with Ingrid Persaud's evocative storytelling that will tug at your heartstrings. In this captivating tale, meet four remarkable women entangled in the web of one man's influence: Boysie Singh, a notorious gangster. Popo strives to break free from her past, while Mana Lala fights to protect her son. Doris sees opportunity in her husband, determined to climb the social ladder despite the warnings. Rosie seeks solace in her lover and her store, simply wanting to mind her own business. As their lives intersect and intertwine, these women share their stories of love, survival, and resilience against the backdrop of Boysie Singh's charismatic but dangerous presence.
Buy The Lost Love Song of Boysie Singh on Amazon
The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez (Dominican Republic)
Alma Cruz, the celebrated writer central to "The Cemetery of Untold Stories," fears the toll of endless writing on her sanity, inspired by her novelist friend's struggle. After inheriting a plot in her homeland, the Dominican Republic, Alma transforms it into a cemetery for her unpublished manuscripts and their lingering characters. But these characters refuse to rest, revealing their untold narratives to Filomena, the groundskeeper. Among them, are Bienvenida, abandoned by history, and Manuel Cruz, a Dominican underground fighter. As the characters rewrite themselves, the novel explores whose stories are told and buried. Ultimately, Alma discovers meaning in the enduring vitality of storytelling, echoing themes of authenticity and unfinished lives akin to Allende and Kingsolver.
Buy The Cemetery of Untold Stories on Amazon
Where Was Goodbye by Janice Lynn Mather (The Bahamas)
Join Janice Lynn Mather on a poignant exploration of love and resilience in the beautiful backdrop of The Bahamas. The impending start of her final high school year is overshadowed by the recent suicide of her brother, Julian. Amidst grief, Karmen grapples with unanswerable questions about Julian's pain and her ability to help him. Sent home from school after an incident, her life becomes more complicated as tensions rise between her parents and her best friend withdraws. New friend Pru offers both confusion and solace, while her crush, Isaiah, adds further complexity. As Karmen navigates these distractions, she seeks an understanding of Julian's struggle and tragedy, wondering if she can find love and happiness amidst her grief.
Buy Where Was Goodbye on Amazon
It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass (Trinidad and Tobago)
Prepare for spine-tingling suspense as Sarah Dass transports you to the mysterious forests of Trinidad and Tobago in this chilling thriller. In "It Waits in the Forest," Selina DaSilva stands apart from her island community, rejecting belief in magic despite its prevalence. Traumatized by her father's murder and her mother's coma-inducing attack, Selina is trapped on the island, resorting to tourist scams for survival. When a visitor becomes entangled in mysterious murders, Selina's denial of the island's darkness is shattered. With her ex-boyfriend Gabriel's help, they race to uncover the truth, but evil lurks, and buried family secrets resurface. As they confront their past and the forest's malevolent force, they realize that justice and answers may come at a perilous cost.
Buy It Waits in the Forest on Amazon
Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson (Jamaica)
Experience the warmth and charm of Jamaica in this delightful read that promises to captivate and enchant. Family dynamics are anything but simple for Pumkin Patterson. With a distant mother, a beloved but resented aunt and a favoritism-playing grandmother, Pumkin seeks solace in the kitchen, crafting Jamaican delicacies. When Auntie Sophie offers a chance to escape to France, Pumkin faces daunting challenges, including escaping her mother's grasp and raising funds for the journey. Drawing on her culinary talents, Pumkin enlists her community's support, but her plans unravel when school and family interference threaten her dreams. Amidst adversity, Pumkin must summon resilience and determination to carve her path to freedom and opportunity.
Buy Sweetness in the Skin on Amazon
Sleeping With the FrEnemy by Natalie Caña
Brace yourself for a pulse-pounding read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end with Natalie Caña's electrifying twists and turns. firefighter Leo Vega's love life is in disarray, exacerbated by a lingering gunshot wound. Despite his return to work, his relationship with Sofi, his sister's best friend, remains strained. Sofi harbors resentment towards Leo and his family after a past betrayal, determined to move on from their tumultuous history. However, fate intervenes, forcing them into an uncomfortable roommate situation. With the help of Leo's great-grandfather Papo Vega and Sofi's mother, the pair are nudged towards reconciliation. As old wounds resurface and familial meddling ensues, Leo and Sofi must confront their past and decide if their love is worth fighting for.
Buy Sleeping with the Frenemy on Amazon
Conclusion
Why not make this summer your most adventurous yet? Pick up one (or all!) of these captivating Caribbean reads and let your imagination soar as you explore new worlds, cultures, and experiences. Whether you're lounging on the beach, relaxing in the park, or simply curled up at home, these books are the perfect companions for your summer escapades. So grab your sunscreen, find a cozy spot, and dive into the magic of these incredible stories. Happy reading!
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