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.
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.
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