The Stranger Who Was Myself

Barbara Jenkins writes about her personal and family-centred life in Trinidad, exploring the psychological acuteness of her experiences in the economic, social, and cultural contexts of her childhood and youth in the colonial era, and her adult life as a migrant student and young mother in Wales. She also writes about gender conflict and strong matriarchal women, and how migration was a chance for her to move to Wales in the 1960s. Her memoir is beautifully written and moving, resonating with anyone who has navigated race, class, and girlhood in the West Indies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 02 September 2022
Publisher: Peepal Tree Press Ltd

Barbara Jenkins vividly captures the essence of a personal and family-centered life in Trinidad, delving into the intricate tapestry of psychological nuances with remarkable acuity. She skillfully intertwines the personal narrative with a profound understanding of the economic, social, and cultural contexts that shaped her experiences. Jenkins' memoir unfolds against the backdrop of a childhood and youth rooted in the colonial era, followed by an adult life that commenced at the very moment of Trinidad's independent nationhood. Born into poverty in a rapidly changing colonial city, she embarked on a journey that saw her life expand in remarkable ways through the privilege of education, a rarity for girls from her economic background. This education granted her an intense and unique perspective, as she navigated the hierarchies of race and class that defined Trinidad's society.

Jenkins' memoir is a poignant exploration of gender conflict, as she vividly depicts the domestic environment where her mother faced beatings and misogynistic control. However, it is also a testament to the strength and resilience of strong matriarchal women who played pivotal roles in her life.

Opportunity, for many Caribbean individuals, seemed to reside solely in the realm of migration, as was the case for Jenkins. In the 1960s, she embarked on a journey to Wales, driven by the promise of scholarships and the allure of a new life. However, there was a subtle caveat attached to this arrangement: the legal obligation to return to Trinidad upon completing her studies. Jenkins fulfilled this promise, returning to Trinidad and spending the remainder of her life there. This unique experience has imbued her writing with a distinctive insider/outsider sharpness of perception, allowing her to offer a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on her homeland.

From her childhood in colonial Port of Spain to her experiences as a migrant student and young mother in Wales, to her return to Trinidad post-independence, Jenkins weaves her own life story with the emotional sensitivity of a natural storyteller, the insight of a philosopher, the scope of a historian, and the infectious good humor of a Trini. This beautifully written and deeply moving memoir resonates with readers on multiple levels, evoking a range of emotions as it delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and the human experience. Jenkins' memoir is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who navigate the challenges of life, seeking solace and meaning in the pursuit of a better future.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781845235345