Do you find yourself dreaming of a peaceful and relaxing island getaway? Fortunately, the Caribbean is an area filled with so many options to discover and explore with different cultures, traditions, landscapes and travel experiences. This island chain extends from the southern coast of the U.S. up to the northern coast of South America spanning a great distance which in turn creates a diverse and mixed experience. While you plan your Caribbean escape it’s definitely worthwhile to delve into the various cultural and historical backgrounds of the islands in this region. Here are 8 Caribbean books to inspire and enhance your island adventures!
1.Til’ The Well Runs Dry
by Lauren Francis- Sharma from Trinidad
Set between the 40’s and the 60’s in between Trinidad and the U.S., follow the story of Marcia Garcia — an independent sixteen-year-old Trinidadian raising two children and living with a family secret. She ends up falling in love with Farouk Karam, a young policeman, and together they enjoy their romance on the unique island of Trinidad. Their love story is tangled with historical events creating scandals, harming her and risking their future as a family. This book is the perfect read to gain some insight and better understanding of the culture and typical way of living on this small island in the Caribbean.
2. The Book of Night Women
by Marlon James from Jamaica
The story of Lilith, born at the end of the 18th century as a slave on a Jamaican sugar plantation. Lilith meets a group of strong, independent, and revolutionary woman looking to boycott slavery on the plantation and who see Lilith as a great asset to succeed. However, Lilith finds herself pushing her limits to obtain better treatment and a more privileged lifestyle, making her the weakest link in the group. Marlon James uses this story to show the way many enslaved women were constantly seen as objects and property, and how many would take advantage of this to escape the world of slavery and bad treatment. A very inspiring story that could educate many on the challenges women of color have had to deal with for many centuries.
3. Pepper Pot: Best New Stories from the Caribbean
By Various writers from the Caribbean and Edited by Peekash Press
This set of stories is written by relatively fresh authors who live or have lived on any of the islands in the Caribbean. A book that provides an overall glimpse into the culture, lifestyle, traditions, sounds and food from Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. All readers will be able to enjoy a little insight into these tropical and magical regions, and come away with an even stronger craving for a beach getaway.
4. Golden Child
by Claire Adam from Trinidad
The story of a working-class family in Trinidad and Tobago with a father who works for a petroleum company and a stay-at-home mom who takes care of their twin sons, Paul and Peter. Although they are twins, they are nothing alike. Paul has always caused trouble and acted odd and distant, whereas Peter was always destined for greatness. The story evolves after Paul goes missing and the days turn into weeks and months with him being gone. This event changes the family dynamic, testing their sense of parenthood and brotherhood and leaving readers wondering if the family will just accept Paul’s fate. The book invites contemplation of societal issues, with a true sense of the disturbing realities in Trinidad.
5. Black Leopard, Red Wolf
by Marlon James from Jamaica
Many critics call it the African mythology and historical take on Games of Thrones. Black Leopard, Red Wolf is the first book of the Dark Star trilogy and the gateway to an epic and fantastic journey. The story begins with the tales of Tracker, a highly skilled hunter and mercenary searching for a missing child. His travels through magical kingdoms find him encountering magical creatures like Leopard, a shape-shifting half-man half-animal. A book that devles into ideas of society’s true principals, the reaches of power, the over abundance of aspirations, and being able to understand and use all of these characteristics appropriately.
6. An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude
by Ann Vanderhoof
At one point or another most of us have dreamt about quitting our job, leaving behind the rat-race, and escaping to a tropical paradise. Avoiding responsibilities, deadlines, and stress in exchange for a life under the palm trees, the sound of the waves and the salty breeze is certainly a tempting idea. Ann Vanderhoof and her husband are two who dared to do just that, leaving their old life behind and living on a sailboat for two years, discovering 16 countries and 47 different islands. Join them and learn about Caribbean cultures, rhythms, and an overall priority to enjoy life.
7. Island Beneath the Sea: A Novel
by Isabel Allende
Set in the sugar plantations of Saint-Domingue, this story follows Zarité, also known as Tété, born a slave and growing up filled with fear, solitude and uncertainty. In her African traditions, rhythms and music she finds the strength and desire to take control of her future. When Toulouse Valmorain arrives on the island in 1770 he is trapped in a marriage and in a lifestyle he no longer feels connected to. As Tété & Toulouse meet & get to know each other, she becomes his confidant, creating a unique bond that will help them surpass tough decades to come which is define their future.
8. Wide Sargasso Sea
by Jean Rhys from Dominica
Jean Rhy is a Dominica born author known for depicting strong female characters, and that is exactly what she did in Wide Sargasso Sea, her most recent best-selling novel. This modern fiction piece of literature introduces us to a young woman called Antoinette Cosway, a creole heiress, who is sold into marrying Mr. Rochester. Antoinette finds herself oppressed by this new life she is forced into, where her husband ends up changing her name, calling her mentally insane, and shipping her to England. The book touches on the themes of toxic relationships between men and women, especially during racist and postcolonial times.
Curious to gain a more in-depth understanding of the backdrop for these Caribbean stories?
Check out our Dominica Jungle Island Retreat, set on the incomparably beautiful and unique ‘Nature Island’ of Dominica. You will be able to indulge and rejuvenate in this natural paradise, while also gaining personal insight into the people, cultures and traditions that truly set this region apart!
More books for the road!
If you enjoy indulging in a good book where you can imagine walking through Paris’ historic cobblestone streets or lounging in the French countryside, then we have the perfect list of books about France for you. From classics to memoirs and important non-fiction reads that help you embrace the full spectrum of French culture, this list encompasses the whole range.