So today, post-school I bought my first Caribbean based piece of GLBT literature. In fact, being 17 and in this country I bought my first piece of GLBT literature ever. Through some fast talking and quick-wit (ie: luck) I even bought said novel with my mother's money, while she was in the store next to me and demanding to see the book.
So, here is my very first Book Review. If my luck holds out, there may be another. It's entitled Sections of an orange and its written by Anton Nimblett. The CAISO website (see previous posts) tipped me off to the presence of a Trinidadian author writing Gay, Caribbean literature -from the relative safety of the US. Needless to say I was intrigued when I found out and ecstatic when they informed me that the novel was carried by NRK (Nigel R' Khan's) my favorite bookstore. The price was 115 dollars which wasn't that bad. Wasn't my money, after all. So, let's begin:
Firstly, the model on the cover is very, very cute. His eyes are amazing. (The tattoo, not so much, but okay.) Secondly, I'm pissed. Anton Nimblett is a good, perhaps great, writer. So the only fault I could find was that the stories finished far too quickly. As it stands I read the entire novel cover to cover in a little under 3 hours. Straight. It was amazing, and now I'm craving more. For my first piece of literature (baby's first gay novel, awwwww) it was a dynamic mix of elements. Both gay and straight relationships, young and old with the telltale whispers of being written by someone who understands far too much for his own good. The stories delve deeply into the realm of Trinidadian living while still migrating back to foreign (American) stories fluidly enough to happen without friction.
So, I don't want to spoil anything about the novel, so I'll just say that while my experience with literature of this genre is limited, I am a reader at heart, and I can honestly say that this IS a good novel. For anyone out there who reads/has read this novel, here's a list of my favorite stories. In no particular order.
5) On The Side (as a critique, the use of similar names for the characters confused me. But I intend to read the entire novel over. That should remedy that.)
4) Sections Of An Orange
3) Ring Games
2) How Far, How Long.
1) One, Two, Three - Push (So much can be said about this story. It's just...epic)
Okay I lied, those ARE in a order. From fifth favorite, to first (most) favorite. That aside, ALL the stories were interesting reads. They've left me wondering exactly what happens to them after the end of their story!? (Especially the first story, Visiting Soldiers.) Mr. Anton, I hold you directly responsible for this.
Overall: Four Out Of Five Stars. Bravo.
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Once you get into gay literature, you'll be stuck forever. Guarantee it. Gay authors know exactly how to relate to "their" people, so to speak, and I imagine this is doubly so with Mr. Nimblett as he is familiar with your locale.
ReplyDeleteWay to go :)
hehe, I must admit I can't resit the urge to keep picking up that novel. Ah, gay literature. Perhaps I should return to NRK and have a conversation with the clerks about similar books. I've always been too shy to do so.
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