The Roar of Shells

A funny and dramatic Caribbean novel. A lively and entertaining read about the adventures of a Trini young woman, an immigrant in New York in the 1990s. Love. Conflict. Action. Humour. A total clash and coming together of cultures. Recommended for realists. Recommended for optimists. Very recommended for anyone who dares to dream.



A note from me to my readers:

(All rights reserved)

There are at least two lines in this novel that are likely offensive and that point broadly to racism. There have been many times I thought of taking them out. I always end up leaving them in for several reasons. The first is that the lines did not come whole-cloth from my imagination but they are plucked from real life instances that I overheard myself or that had been recounted to me. I created fictional situations and characters to place said lines, but two of the bias-laden comments themselves are small artefacts from 1990s reality. I feel it is important to highlight them as a small bit of the overall ecosystem of the novel - and with an end to increase awareness rather than to evoke judgment.

Perhaps they can serve as one of the many prompts of present day engagement that invite persons to open up dialogue on matters of race. Indeed, the word racism has a connotation of malicious intent. However, there may be those of us who stumble and bumble into creating offense and perpetuating oppression out of a kind of mindless sleepwalking. Some fear what seems different and so fill gaps in their knowledge with easy and erroneous short-hands and stereotypes. Some try to joke around it, be affirming or do not see themselves as bigoted. Yet, at times throwaway comments, upon closer examination, reflect how society has socialised all of us through institutional racism to buy into assumptions we do not even realise we subscribe to as we negotiate our living. My intention is not to condemn but to open up a space of sharing, listening and mutual learning.

And so... even as you enjoy... read with courage...