For this year’s A-Z Challenge, I have
chosen to
highlight some of the authors and
their books, that
we, in our book club, have either read, as a group,
separately or have been recommended by someone
in our on-line group.
we, in our book club, have either read, as a group,
separately or have been recommended by someone
in our on-line group.
C is for Clarke, Austin - The Polished Hoe
From Amazon:
When an elderly Bimshire village woman calls the police to confess to a murder, the result is a shattering all-night vigil that brings together elements of the African diaspora in one epic sweep. Set on the post-colonial West Indian island of Bimshire in 1952, "The Polished Hoe" unravels over the course of 24 hours but spans the lifetime of one woman and the collective experience of a society informed by slavery. As the novel opens, Mary Mathilda is giving confession to Sargeant, a police officer she has known all her life. The man she claims to have murdered is Mr. Belfeels, the village plantation owner for whom she has worked for more than thirty years. Mary has also been Mr. Belfeels' mistress for most of that time and is the mother of his only son, Wilbeforce, a successful doctor. What transpires through Mary's words and recollections is a deep meditation about the power of memory and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Infused with Joycean overtones, this is a literary masterpiece that evokes the sensuality of the tropics.
We all agreed that we liked this book, especially the ending. We thought the naming of the book was especially clever.
From Amazon:
When an elderly Bimshire village woman calls the police to confess to a murder, the result is a shattering all-night vigil that brings together elements of the African diaspora in one epic sweep. Set on the post-colonial West Indian island of Bimshire in 1952, "The Polished Hoe" unravels over the course of 24 hours but spans the lifetime of one woman and the collective experience of a society informed by slavery. As the novel opens, Mary Mathilda is giving confession to Sargeant, a police officer she has known all her life. The man she claims to have murdered is Mr. Belfeels, the village plantation owner for whom she has worked for more than thirty years. Mary has also been Mr. Belfeels' mistress for most of that time and is the mother of his only son, Wilbeforce, a successful doctor. What transpires through Mary's words and recollections is a deep meditation about the power of memory and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Infused with Joycean overtones, this is a literary masterpiece that evokes the sensuality of the tropics.
We all agreed that we liked this book, especially the ending. We thought the naming of the book was especially clever.
If you'd like to
check out or join our on-line book club
please select the
link, What To Read Next
Also considered:
Caldwell, Taylor - Captains & Kings
Collins, Suzanne - Hunger Games
Also considered:
Caldwell, Taylor - Captains & Kings
Collins, Suzanne - Hunger Games
This was a very interesting read and quite an eye opener, Austin Clarke keep you entertained from start to finish! Looking forward to seeing your choice for the letter "D".
ReplyDeleteMonica at Older Mommy Still Yummy
It was hard to imagine the living situation of those times. Austin Clark did a wonderful job of keeping us entertained. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThis sounds very interesting, on the list :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a very good read, Claudia. We really enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI've read very little fiction about the diaspora, having mostly pursued historical study. I can imagine how shaking it is as the foundation for literature...
ReplyDeleteIt was shaking to read about the day to day life of the people and how they survived in their community.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
I found it to be a great read, but saddened by my ignorance of the lives of others. It definitely fits my "Recommend" list.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pat. That was my feeling as well, how ignorant I am of how the rest of the world lives,and lived.
Delete