Angel

Book by Collins, Merle

This first novel by a Caribbean poet relates a familiar story: thanks to her mother's determination and sacrifices, the daughter of an impoverished provincial family receives a college education and returns to her family alienated by her inevitable politicization, her own growth mirroring the struggles of her country (in this case, Grenada) to gain political autonomy. What distinguishes this work is its lyrical rendering. Collins's characters think and speak in patois: " 'People like you an me so, the harder we work in people kitchen and in people lan, the more we kill weself out and bring riches, is the poorer we get while we sweat goin in other people pocket.' " The initial strain imposed by the singular language quickly abates, and the technique enables the reader to share the perspectives of the protagonists and implicitly challenges the hegemony of "standard" English. In spite of the feminist and political themes, the characters are never reduced to mere mouthpieces; their dignity lies in their remaining conflicted even as they struggle with oppression. When America invades Grenada, the title character says, " 'We wrong. But that don make dem right.' " The combination of artistry and objectivity will commend this book to many readers.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Set on the Caribbean island of Grenada, this first novel vividly portrays the harshness of life in the Third World. It is centered on two women, Doodsie and her daughter Angel, whose lives are played out against the rise of a dictatorship and its overthrow by a socialist government, which led to the American invasion of the island. Angel escapes poverty through education but returns home to teach, entering the struggle against the dictatorship and eventually the American invaders. Although the West Indian dialect makes this book slow reading (a short glossary of terminology helps), perseverance is rewarded. An enthralling look at women's lives in a developing country; highly recommended. Christine King, SUNY at Stony Brook Lib.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.