The Colour of Forgetting

Merle Collins' novel "Carib" is set on the Caribbean island of Paz and explores the lives of family and community through the ages, from slavery to the 1980s. It conveys a powerful sense of place and the danger of communal violence, and the voice of three generations of Carib women who predict disaster is dismissed as madness. The book signals hope in small things, such as the courage of women, reconciliation between father and son, and the capacity of a young man to confront his innermost fears.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Peepal Tree Press Ltd

Set on the picturesque Caribbean island of Paz, this captivating book weaves a unique narrative that blurs the boundaries between epic poetry and the novel. Through a series of interludes, it delves into the lives of family and community, spanning from the days of slavery to the vibrant 1980s. The story revolves around the intricate inheritance of one family, particularly the disinheritance of those born illegitimate. Throughout, the novel evokes a profound sense of place, encompassing both the attachment to the land and the confines of its smallness. It also highlights the ever-present danger of communal violence that can arise from these pressures.

The novel introduces us to the voices of three generations of women, known as Carib, who possess a remarkable ability to predict disasters. While their prophecies are often dismissed as madness, they possess an unerring sense of what is to come. Merle Collins, the author, delves deeply into the nature of memory and the devastating consequences of amnesia when it comes to learning from the past. While the book is written in the shadow of Grenada's catastrophic event in 1983, it also holds a glimmer of hope. It showcases the courage of women like Mamag, who refuse to be silenced, the reconciliation between father and son that transcends generations, and the resilience of a young man in confronting his deepest fears.

This captivating book invites readers to explore the complexities of human relationships, the power of resilience, and the importance of learning from history. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for growth, reconciliation, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 206 x 134 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781845235512
Edition number: 2 New edition