The Rites of Cricket and Caribbean Literature

The book explores the role of cricket in Anglophone Caribbean literature, examining works by canonical and understudied authors and discussing themes such as masculinity, heroism, and father-son relationships. It also highlights female engagement with cricket and explores the historical and cultural significance of the sport in the Caribbean.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the multifaceted role of cricket in Anglophone Caribbean literature, examining a wide range of literary works from canonical authors and understudied writers. Spanning from short stories to novels, poetry to drama, and film, it explores the rich tapestry of Caribbean and diasporic narratives. The literary readings are contextualized within the history of Caribbean cricket and the insights of scholars like Hilary Beckles and Gordon Rohlehr.

At the heart of this study lies C.L.R. James' seminal work, Beyond a Boundary, which serves as the theoretical foundation. The book showcases the iconic West Indies players, including Constantine, Headley, Worrell, Walcott, Sobers, Richards, and Lara, through vivid literary portrayals. The discussion revolves around themes of masculinity, heroism, father-son dynamics, physical prowess, and aesthetic style, highlighting the complexities and nuances of these themes within the context of cricket.

Furthermore, the book pays close attention to mother-daughter relations and female engagement with cricket, drawing examples from notable writers such as Anim-Addo, Breeze, and Wynter. It sheds light on the ways in which women have embraced and challenged the sport, contributing to its cultural and social significance.

Cricket holds a prominent place in the history, culture, politics, and popular imagination of the Caribbean, and this book demonstrates that it also holds a significant and complicated place in Anglophone Caribbean literature. By exploring the intersections of cricket and literature, it offers a fresh perspective on the region's cultural heritage and societal dynamics. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Caribbean literature, cricket, and sports studies.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030659745
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021