Jamaican Authors

Every since I got back from the Calabash Literary Festival, I've been obsessed with Jamaica. I've pledged allegiance to this tiny Jamaican restaurant near my house, chatted up any and every person I meet with a connection to Jamaica and read as many books by Jamaican authors as possible.

I finished She's Gone by Kwame Dawes as soon as I returned from Calabash. As one of the Calabash founders, I felt I owed it to him to read his book first. Next, I devoured Andrea Levy's , Fruit of the Lemon. Levy was born in London to Jamaican parents and writes about the Jamaican experience abroad. I loved this book because the main character, also a Jamaican born in London to Jamaican parents, struggles with an identity crisis, namely, trying to figure out what it means to be Black in a mostly White world.

Currently I am reading The Pirate's Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson. It's a fabulous tale based on a real-life incident that took place in Jamaica in 1946 involving American movie star, Errol Flynn. Loving it.

I think the reason I'm so attracted to Jamaican authors, besides their fantastic storytelling abilities, is that the meltingpot theme is so present in their work, whether the story takes place at home or abroad. So I'm just going to keep on reading my Jamaican authors and if anyone has a suggestion on who I should read next, send me a note.

BTW, Malcolm Gladwell and Zadie Smith. Did you know they were Jamaican?

Peace.

Kinky Gazpacho in Jamaica

We interrupt the regular programming here at the Meltingpot to make mention of an exciting Meltingpot literary event taking place this weekend in the Caribbean.

The Calabash Literary Festival 2008 is: " A three-day festival of readings and music with other forms of storytelling folded in the mix. Calabash is earthy, inspirational, daring and diverse. It’s the only annual international literary festival in the English-speaking Caribbean. All festival events are free and open to the public. Passion is the only price of entry."

Unless you roll like that (or you live in Jamaica) it's probably too late to show up this year, but check out the website and imagine the magic that will be taking place as some of the world's most talented writers and musicians gather together in a tropical paradise to share their love of the written word. I get goosebumps just thinking about it and the best thing is, I'll be there this year! Yes, Lori L. Tharps (that's me, I just like to write in the third person on this blog so it doesn't get too personal. LOL!) will be representing at Calabash. Rubbing elbows with my literary heroes, Colin Channer, Lorna Goodison, and Margaret Cezair-Thompson, just to name a few. Soaking up a culture that exemplifies cultural cross-pollination. And, I won't lie, hitting the beach with the Spaniard. Can't wait!

Check it out and support a very Meltingpot Festival if you can.

1 Love

Peace!

(Image is from Calabash Festival '05)