Reviews

Naipaul's "first written, though third published novel." A series of character sketches from a Port-of-Spain (Trinidad) slum, related by an East Indian Trinidadian child becoming adolescent, sketch by sketch. They read like practice pieces, exercises in portraiture and dialogue, in the peculiar syntax that I suppose is (was?) characteristic of the Port-of-Spain proletariat. Book is of interest mainly for understanding Naipaul's development of his craft. Time is impressionistic, child's time. The early sketches take place in the "once upon a time," or disappeared eternity, of the experience of one who is very new to the world and to whom all adults seem immutable. The story I found most memorable is "B. Wordsworth," the poet who never existed and who was never a poet and who may or may not have survived a girl poet pregnant with their little poet, but who still left the boy narrator with the sense that he carried poetry in him. (1982.10.28)

wovenstrap's review against another edition

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5.0

Excellent series of character studies of all the lunatics who live in an impoverished part of Trinidad, clearly influenced by Naipaul's own youth.

More than a bit marred by the frequent approving (or anyway non-judging) mentions of beating one's wife with a cricket bat.

dan_pierre_'s review against another edition

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5.0

An amazing collection of short stories and fascinating characters set in Port of Spain. They come to life in a dynamic and realistic city, facing a multitude of social, economic and personal challenges that reflect the distinct era that they occupy in TT's history.

The characterisation is excellent, with narratives that progress smoothly to fitting (if unfortunate) endings. The funny, unique and tragic tales of the people of Miguel Street kept me engaged throughout. I'll definitely be rereading in future.

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