Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” But it can also start with a really good book.
Reading can transport us beyond our wildest imaginations and is a great primer to get acclimated to a country’s culture before heading off on your next trip.
Cindy Allman is a Jamaican book blogger who lives in Trinidad & Tobago and is known for her astute book recommendations and detailed, vivid reviews of the latest literature drops. She also has a strong passion for travel. Allman shared with Travel Noire her Caribbean-related book picks to immerse yourself in before your next adventure.
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In her review, Allman describes How to Love A Jamaican as “a collection of 11 short stories that perfectly captures everyday Jamaicans, Jamaican life, culture, history and a bit of folklore in a truly electrifying way.”
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This debut novel highlights the darker side of the Jamaican tourist trade with themes of racial prejudice and exploitation.
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The winner of the Costa Prize for Best Novel is set on the fictional island of Black Conch where a fisherman has a magical encounter with a mythical figure.
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An alien invasion in the US Virgin Islands? This is the intriguing premise of Turnbull’s intergalactic tale.
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Named after the Jamaican community of August Town, Allman’s review likens it to a “history lesson or commentary on the political, social and spiritual happenings during a particular time in Jamaica.”
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This is Mc Ivor’s debut collection of twelve short stories which according to Allman’s review, “explores so many themes that are timely and relevant including mental illness, dating in the 21st century, domestic abuse, heartbreak, betrayal, infidelity and love.”
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One Year of Ugly follows the Venezuelan Palacio family and their imbroglios while unknowingly living illegally in Trinidad & Tobago.
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This collection of stories about community, family, and love is the winner of The National Book Critics Circle Award, The Story Prize, and The 2020 Vilcek Prize In Literature.
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Love After Love is based on Persaud’s birthplace of Trinidad and examines complex family dynamics, love, and secrets.
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Growing up in the Caribbean means having practically a million aunties. Artist Chris learns this as he visits his mother’s homeland of Jamaica, he finds out that family can come in many forms.
Follow Cindy Allman for the latest book reviews and recommendations at @bookofcinz on IG, Twitter, and on her website.