The cultural and linguistic complexity of postcolonial Trinidadian society is cleverly portrayed in this beautifully written West Indian novel. Hodge uses the voice of the central character, Tee, to tell a story that begins with two young children forced to live first with their aunt Tantie and then with Aunt Beatrice. Tantie’s world overflows with hilarity, aggression, and warmth. Aunt Beatrice’s Creole middle-class world is pretentious and exudes discriminatory attitudes toward people of color in the lower classes. As we follow Tee from childhood to young adulthood, we share the diversity and richness of her struggle to exist in two worlds, fit in with relatives and classmates, learn from differing cultures, and carve out her identity. In addition to Hodge’s powerful, evocative writing and messages, readers are treated to an insightful introduction and study questions, written by Roy Narinesingh, that prompt fruitful discussions of postcolonial issues.
Merle Hodge
