Windward Family: An atlas of love, loss and belonging

In Windward Family, Alexis Keir returns to the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent to uncover lost memories and rediscover old connections. He uncovers tales of exploitation, endeavour, and bravery of those who had to find a home far away from where they were born, such as a child born with vitiligo, a woman who became one of the earliest Black nurses to be recorded as working in a London hospital, and a young boy who became a footman in a Yorkshire stately home. The book explores the racism experienced by itinerant islanders and their children and the long shadows cast by slavery and colonialism on St Vincent. It is a powerful meditation on what it means to belong, both as a Black Briton in search of self-knowledge and acceptance and as a child born of Caribbean parents in the UK.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group

A profound exploration of the concept of belonging, The Times Literary Supplement has hailed it as "deeply moving." David Lammy, in his review, praised it as "honest, poetic, and deeply researched excellence." Paterson Joseph also expressed his admiration, stating that it took him two decades to embark on a journey to reconnect with the parts of himself that he had left behind in the Caribbean. Upon returning to the island of Saint Vincent, Alexis Keir, now an adult, sets out on a mission to uncover lost memories and rekindle old connections. However, the childhood scars of being separated from his parents and placed in uncaring hands still linger.

Driven by the warmth and hospitality of his Caribbean relatives, Alexis embarks on a quest to unravel the stories of those who left Saint Vincent. He scours through diary pages, newspaper articles, shipping and hospital records, and faded photographs, piecing together the tales of exploitation, resilience, and bravery of those who sought a new home far from their birthplace. Among the individuals he discovers are a child born with vitiligo, torn away from his mother's arms to be showcased as a showground attraction in England; a woman who, in the early 20th century, became one of the earliest Black nurses to be documented as working in a London hospital; and a young boy who transitioned from being a footman in a Yorkshire stately home.

Alexis's mother, a student nurse who arrives in 1960s London, is also a central character in the story. She embarks on a new life in a cold, grey country, but her heart is drawn to a man from her island whom she falls in love with. The novel spans various locations, from the Caribbean to England, North America, and New Zealand, encompassing the experiences of generations of travelers who have left their homes in search of a better life. Through their journeys, the characters confront challenges, overcome obstacles, and forge new connections, ultimately finding a sense of belonging in unexpected places.

"The Parts of Us We Leave Behind" is a powerful meditation on the complexities of identity, migration, and the search for belonging. It sheds light on the experiences of individuals who have left their homes and traversed vast distances, seeking a better life and a sense of purpose. The novel's rich storytelling and vivid descriptions transport readers to different worlds, allowing them to empathize with the characters and their struggles. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909770713