Seepersad and Sons: Naipaulian Synergies

Seepersad and Sons explores the writing careers of Seepersad Naipaul and his two sons, Vidia and Shiva, within the sustenance and sometimes pain of family connections. Essays by Brinsley Samaroo and Aaron Eastley focus on Naipaul's importance as a journalist, Arnold Rampersad makes the case for a tradition of Trinidadian newspaper writing that achieves literary quality, and Shiva Naipaul's novel, Fireflies, explores the same family territory. Contributors include Kenneth Ramchand, Vijay Maharaj, Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Nicholas Laughlin, Aaron Eastley, Brinsley Samaroo, Arnold Rampersad, Robert Clarke, Andre Bagoo, Sharon Millar, Keith Jardim, Raymond Ramcharitar, Kevin Frank, Jim Hanna, Hywel Dix, Elizabeth Jackson, Paula Morgan, Fariza Mohammed, Meghan Cleghorn, Varistha Persad and Nivedita Misra.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: Peepal Tree Press Ltd

This captivating book, stemming from a conference organized by The Friends of Mr. Biswas, delves into the writing careers of Seepersad Naipaul and his two sons, Vidia and Shiva, while navigating the complexities and sometimes conflicting dynamics of family relationships. As revealed through the publishing histories of his father's collection of short stories and Letters between a Father and Son, V.S. Naipaul worked diligently to conceal the synergies that existed within his family. Brinsley Samaroo and Aaron Eastley's essays shed light on Seepersad Naipaul's significant role as a journalist, who fearlessly exposed the hidden aspects of Trinidadian society. He boldly experimented with creolized reporting styles, providing his sons with a remarkable example of how fiction and non-fiction can be seamlessly combined. Arnold Rampersad, in his poignant essay on his journalist father, Jerome, further strengthens the argument for recognizing a tradition of Trinidadian newspaper writing that achieves literary excellence. Not only is the father given the attention he deserves, but so too is the work of Shiva Naipaul, explored in his acclaimed novel, Fireflies.

The essays in this collection offer fresh perspectives on V.S. Naipaul, with Andre Bagoo delving into his fascination with gay sexuality and cinema, Hywel Dix exploring the concept of "lateness" in his insightful reading of Magic Seeds, and other essays focusing on issues of race, gender, and globalization in the Naipaul's work. Kevin Frank examines the contrast between the father's engagement with Creole society and his sons' recoil, while Elizabeth Jackson and Paula Morgan explore masculinity and motherhood in the Naipaul's oeuvre.

Seepersad and Sons is a highly engaging read, as contributors have followed the example set by the keynote speaker, Professor Kenneth Ramchand, in addressing the re. The book's rich content and insightful analysis make it a valuable contribution to the study of Naipaul's literary legacy and the complexities of family relationships.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 231 x 152 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781845234386