Literature of the Caribbean

by Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert

Overview

The Caribbean is an exotic but not too distant land, full of rich cultural traditions. The literature of the Caribbean reflects the social, political, and cultural concerns of the region and is a valuable tool for learning about the area and its people. This book includes chapters on roughly a dozen contemporary Caribbean writers. Along with plot summaries, these sections discuss major themes and give close attention to how Caribbean culture figures in the writer's texts. To help students conduct further research, each chapter cites works for further reading.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313328459
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/30/2008
Series:	Literature as Windows to World Cultures
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert is Randolph Distinguished Professor of Hispanic Studies at Vassar College.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Michael Anthonys The Year in San Fernando
3. Alejo Carpentiers The Kingdom of this World
4. Michelle Cliffs Abeng
5. Maryse Conds I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem
6. Raphael Confints Mamzelle Dragonfly
7. Edwidge Danticats Breath, Eyes, Memory
8. Zee Edgells Beka Lamb
9. Magali Garca Ramiss Happy Days, Uncle Sergio
10. Jamaica Kincaids Annie John
11. Mayra Monteros The Messenger
12. V. S. Naipauls The Mystic Masseur
13. Patricia Powells A Small Gathering of Bones
14. Jean Rhys Wide Sargasso Sea
15. Simone Schwarz-Barts The Bridge of Beyond
16. Derek Walcotts Omeros
17. Joseph Zobels Black Shack Alley
18. Works Cited

Editorial Reviews

Any high school to college-level library strong in Caribbean world literature will find Literature of the Caribbean a powerful survey. From the analysis of Jamaica Kincaid to Michelle Cliff, extensive biographical and literary histroy for selected Caribbean authors tie into the underlying writings of Caribbean authors as a whole, making this an invaluable survey for any student of the region as a whole.” —Midwest Book Review - The Bookwatch

“Accessibly written and filled with penetrating insights, this book will prove a vital interpretive tool for both previously unacquainted readers and symbol-seeking scholars. Highly recommended for all literature collections.” —Library Jourbanal

“… this guide will serve students as useful introduction to a powerful regional literature.” —Lawrence Looks at Books

“The introduction to this book is worth reading as it explains the choices and selections made by the author. Literature of the Caribbean will be a worthy addition to other undergraduate guides to Caribbean literature.” —ARBA

“Recommended for college libraries.” —Catholic Library World

“. . . an excellent option. . . Literature of the Caribbean is a highly organized volume designed with students in mind and would make a valuable teaching and research tool for undergraduate college and university students, or anyone who has general interest in Caribbean literature.” —College & Research Libraries

From the Publisher

Paravisini-Gebert (Jamaica Kincaid) opens with an abridged essay-style chronology of the West Indies, tracing its frequently violent history-inextricably tied to sugar and tobacco farming-from the arrival of Columbus to the present day. The book's subsequent 15 chapters are devoted to a specific author, including a biography, publications, and description of the author's defining work. Presented are detailed, multipage plot analyses and explanations of relevant historical details, as they relate to narrative comprehension. Accessibly written and filled with penetrating insights, this book will prove a vital interpretive tool for both previously unacquainted readers and symbol-seeking scholars. Highly recommended for all literature collections.

—Savannah Schroll Guz

Library Journal