BOOK REVIEW: HUNGRY GHOSTS BY KEVIN JARED HOSEIN

ABOUT

 

Trinidad in the 1940s, nearing the end of American occupation and British colonialism. On a hill overlooking Bell Village sits the Changoor farm, where Dalton and Marlee Changoor live in luxury unrecognizable to those who reside in the farm's shadow. Down below is the Barrack, a ramshackle building of wood and tin, divided into rooms occupied by whole families. Among these families are the Saroops--Hans, Shweta, and their son, Krishna, all three born of the barracks. Theirs are hard lives of backbreaking work, grinding poverty, devotion to faith, and a battle against nature and a social structure designed to keep them where they are.

But when Dalton goes missing and Marlee's safety is compromised, farmhand Hans is lured by the promise of a handsome stipend to move to the farm as a watchman. As the mystery of Dalton's disappearance unfolds, the lives of the wealthy couple and those who live in the barracks below become insidiously entwined, their community changed forever and in shocking ways.

A searing and singular novel of religion, class, family, and historical violence, and rooted in Trinidad's wild pastoral landscape and inspired by oral storytelling traditions, Hungry Ghosts is deeply resonant of its time and place while evoking the roots and ripple effects of generational trauma and linked histories; the lingering resentments, sacrifices, and longings that alter destinies; and the consequences of powerlessness. Lyrically told and rendered with harrowing beauty, Hungry Ghosts is a stunning piece of storytelling and an affecting mystery, from a blazingly talented writer.

MY THOUGHTS

In recent years I think that Caribbean literature has been evolving. The books coming out of the islands have been so well written that I am amazed that there has not been a greater excitement about Caribbean authors in the public domain. Hungry Ghosts is an excellent example of a perfect novel.

Set in Trinidad in the 1940s, (which was at the end of Indentureship) Hungry Ghosts tell the story of barrack living, which existed at the time. The different characters Hansraj, Shweeta, Krishna, Tarak The Changoors and others make up an exciting and interesting cast of characters.

The characters are what interested me the most about this book. Marlee Changoor especially. When you read this, you will have questions about her I'm sure especially the relationship with her and Hansraj.

Hansraj and Shweeta's marriage and the unfolding story was so well written that you felt as if you were there and witnessing the highs and lows. The son Krishna's deterioration throughout the book really made me feel for him as well.

Hosein depicted the times well. I love the element of danger with the story of Dalton Changoor and of course who can forget the twins Rustam and Rudra. On POINT!!!!

In all, this was a really good story, gripping and well written.

BOOK REVIEW: CARRIE SOTO IS BACK by TAYLOR JENKINS REID

ABOUT:
 

Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular. But by the time she retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Grand Slam titles. And if you ask Carrie, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father, Javier, as her coach. A former champion himself, Javier has trained her since the age of two.

But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stands of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning player named Nicki Chan.

At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes the monumental decision to come out of retirement and be coached by her father for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. Even if the sports media says that they never liked “the Battle-Axe” anyway. Even if her body doesn’t move as fast as it did. And even if it means swallowing her pride to train with a man she once almost opened her heart to: Bowe Huntley. Like her, he has something to prove before he gives up the game forever.

In spite of it all, Carrie Soto is back, for one epic final season. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells her most vulnerable, emotional story yet.

MY THOUGHTS

What a great start to 2023. I can say everyone that I am hands down a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid. This is my third book from her and all I can say is that she has me hooked, I could not put this one down.

After Carrie Soto was mentioned briefly in Malibu Rising, and knowing that a book was coming out on her had me thrilled to say the least. 

The story line drew me in the most. Here we have Carrie. a retired tennis champion, wanting to come back to a game she not only loved, but also a game that for her was like breathing itself. Jenkins Reid really did her research on tennis because the detail with which she described the games, the plays made me as a reader who knew absolutely nothing about tennis feel as if I was a part of the games and the training.

Carrie was an interesting young woman. Her relationship with her father Javier was one of love and respect.  The depiction of their relationship was well done. What was interesting about Carrie though is that while she seemed to have it all, there was still something missing a void somewhere. I thought about people with tough exteriors (Carrie was tough you will see that) are sometimes using that toughness to hide pain.

But in walks Bowe Huntley. Bowe was just the type of guy that Carrie needed and he was well placed in the story. LOVED THAT!!!!

In all 2023, looks like a great reading year for me.

Follow me on the blog, Instagram and Twitter to see what else I will be reading this year.