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readwithsabs's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An absolutely brilliant Historical fiction book set in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹 . It's been a long time since I read such a well written immersive book with such strong character development 👏🏽 ❤️. Ingrid has done it again, bravo 👏🏽.
jmatkinson1's review
4.0
Boysie Singh is a bad man but one that women love. His childhood sweetheart loves him and bears his child but he lives with Popo, an ex-prostitute. When he meets Doris she sees a way into society but she needs to smarten him up. Each woman thinks she can control Boysie Singh and each is destined to suffer before making her escape.
This is quite a slow-burner of a novel. It is written in a Trinidadian patois and it does help to have a little understanding of Panjabi as well, however the language is lyrical and the story so compelling that the reader is hooked. Boysie is a very unlikable character but is based on those 'bad boys' that the girls can't keep away from and the setting in 1950s Trinidad is evocative and vibrant.
This is quite a slow-burner of a novel. It is written in a Trinidadian patois and it does help to have a little understanding of Panjabi as well, however the language is lyrical and the story so compelling that the reader is hooked. Boysie is a very unlikable character but is based on those 'bad boys' that the girls can't keep away from and the setting in 1950s Trinidad is evocative and vibrant.
jescasreading's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a readalong I did with Tandem collective.
We had the choice of listening or reading the book, I mainly listened as I felt it told the story better to hear the voices.
You can tell that Ingrid Persaud did so much research into the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago, and this was very obvious.
I felt a lot of pity for the women in this story, they seemed utterly besotted with Boysie, and would do anything for him.
This book is definitely better being an audiobook in my opinion. I feel to get the full experience you need to listen to the stories they tell.
I think the characters who had the hardest time was Mana Lala, she went to such extremes to try and get Boysie attention and I had so much pity for her. In the end she realised her worth she realised Boysie wasn't worth it. She was definitely my favourite character.
Popo who had it rough and thought she was getting out a situation.
Doris... I feel she had the most impact on Boysie and I feel he wouldn't have been caught if it wasn't for her.
And Rosie, someone who's know Boysie a long time and she probably knows him the best out of all the women.
Well wrote characters that each had their own personality and choices.
And Boysie got the punishment he was due.
We had the choice of listening or reading the book, I mainly listened as I felt it told the story better to hear the voices.
You can tell that Ingrid Persaud did so much research into the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago, and this was very obvious.
I felt a lot of pity for the women in this story, they seemed utterly besotted with Boysie, and would do anything for him.
This book is definitely better being an audiobook in my opinion. I feel to get the full experience you need to listen to the stories they tell.
I think the characters who had the hardest time was Mana Lala, she went to such extremes to try and get Boysie attention and I had so much pity for her. In the end she realised her worth she realised Boysie wasn't worth it. She was definitely my favourite character.
Popo who had it rough and thought she was getting out a situation.
Doris... I feel she had the most impact on Boysie and I feel he wouldn't have been caught if it wasn't for her.
And Rosie, someone who's know Boysie a long time and she probably knows him the best out of all the women.
Well wrote characters that each had their own personality and choices.
And Boysie got the punishment he was due.
reallyslowreader's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bookofcinz's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
Brilliant, captivating, brimming with culture, and dark piece of Trinidad and Tobago’s history, the perfect read if you love Caribbean literature.
Ingrid Persaud knows how to write Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, history and lifestyle in the most nuanced way and she shows us this, first with Love After Love and now with The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh . This is an un-put-downable read filled with characters you will scream at, cheer for and won’t ever forget.
If you don’t know, Boysie Singh was a notorious Trinidadian killer who was eventually hanged for murder in the mid-1950s. He was charged three times for murder and on the third time he was convicted and hung. The historical fiction book is the story of four women who were charmed and some would say in love with Boysie Singh. The book is told from the perspective of four women who some would say fell in love with Boysie Singh and how their love for him impacted their lives and the life of those around them. We meet:
Popo is a known prostitute who is trying to change her ways. Boysie Singh is one of her clients, and after an unfortunate situation he invites her to come and live with him. She helps him starts and manage his business with the hopes of changing both their lives for the better. What happens when she “oversteps” her boundaries?
Mana Lana is Boysie Singh’s baby mother, she is deeply devoted to Boysie and their son, she wishes a steady family life for them but Boysie refuses to choose her. She sticks around with the hopes of one day being the woman Boysie chooses.
Doris, born and grew up in Toco but knows she isn’t meant for such a “small space”. She makes her way to Port-Of-Spain where she meets Boysie Singh. He woos her relentlessly but she is a woman who knows what she wants and once Boysie decides to marry her, she unleashes her plan to help them climb Port Of Spain social ladder.
Rosie is a storeowner who is being made to pay a “rent” to Boysie and his men. She just wants to run her store and not have anything to do with Boysie, as fate would have it, she gets caught in the crossfire.
These four women were impacted by one man, a gangster, murderer and con artist- who will survive? Who will be forever changed and how do they move pass their relationship with the infamous Boysie Singh.
This book is specatular. It is clear that Ingrid Persaud did her search into the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago during that period. She writes the Trini dialect with amazing precision and brings each character to life their they specific tone and voice. I think that is the think I love most about Persaud’s writing, her ability to capture characters who are believable while still be flawed. Yes, I didn’t love Boysie Singh, but I found myself wanting to see him win, even though, historically I know how story ends.
The women in the book are layered, engaging, and keep you invested. Through the writing, you understand who they “fell” for a man like Boysie and you journey with them as they come to their senses.
I cannot begin to recommend this book enough. How Ingrid writes about the food, the culture and tells this very known story in a unique way… its time that everyone reads this book!
Ingrid Persaud knows how to write Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, history and lifestyle in the most nuanced way and she shows us this, first with Love After Love and now with The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh . This is an un-put-downable read filled with characters you will scream at, cheer for and won’t ever forget.
If you don’t know, Boysie Singh was a notorious Trinidadian killer who was eventually hanged for murder in the mid-1950s. He was charged three times for murder and on the third time he was convicted and hung. The historical fiction book is the story of four women who were charmed and some would say in love with Boysie Singh. The book is told from the perspective of four women who some would say fell in love with Boysie Singh and how their love for him impacted their lives and the life of those around them. We meet:
Popo is a known prostitute who is trying to change her ways. Boysie Singh is one of her clients, and after an unfortunate situation he invites her to come and live with him. She helps him starts and manage his business with the hopes of changing both their lives for the better. What happens when she “oversteps” her boundaries?
Mana Lana is Boysie Singh’s baby mother, she is deeply devoted to Boysie and their son, she wishes a steady family life for them but Boysie refuses to choose her. She sticks around with the hopes of one day being the woman Boysie chooses.
Doris, born and grew up in Toco but knows she isn’t meant for such a “small space”. She makes her way to Port-Of-Spain where she meets Boysie Singh. He woos her relentlessly but she is a woman who knows what she wants and once Boysie decides to marry her, she unleashes her plan to help them climb Port Of Spain social ladder.
Rosie is a storeowner who is being made to pay a “rent” to Boysie and his men. She just wants to run her store and not have anything to do with Boysie, as fate would have it, she gets caught in the crossfire.
These four women were impacted by one man, a gangster, murderer and con artist- who will survive? Who will be forever changed and how do they move pass their relationship with the infamous Boysie Singh.
This book is specatular. It is clear that Ingrid Persaud did her search into the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago during that period. She writes the Trini dialect with amazing precision and brings each character to life their they specific tone and voice. I think that is the think I love most about Persaud’s writing, her ability to capture characters who are believable while still be flawed. Yes, I didn’t love Boysie Singh, but I found myself wanting to see him win, even though, historically I know how story ends.
The women in the book are layered, engaging, and keep you invested. Through the writing, you understand who they “fell” for a man like Boysie and you journey with them as they come to their senses.
I cannot begin to recommend this book enough. How Ingrid writes about the food, the culture and tells this very known story in a unique way… its time that everyone reads this book!
emma_therabbithole's review
4.5
A fictionalised account of the life of real-life Trinidadian gangster, Boysie Singh, as told from the point of view of four women in his life. For me, this book had me completely engaged from the off. Authentically told throughout in the local dialect, it builds wonderfully on a sense of place, with the voice of each woman feeling unique, seeing a different side to the infamous gangster. Fascinating historical fiction that has ensured Ingrid Persaud a place on my must-read list!
bookedupandbusy's review
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a fictional story inspired by the true life of Boysie Singh. Boysiecaused terror in Trinidad during the 1940s/1950s and was a big time criminal and gangster. He loved his women and the story is told from the viewpoint of his 4 lovers:
🙍🏾♀️Mana Lala - She will do anything to be the last one standing with Boysie and his son.
🙍🏿♀️Popo - A prostitute who is very smart, until she isn’t!
🙍🏽♀️Doris - Known as the red light skin Catholic woman who Boysie literally chases down.
🙍🏾♀️Rosie - she has known Boysie from childhood and is involved in Boysie’s businesses.
Of all the women, I was most interested in Mana Lala’s chapters, she was obsessed with Boysie and carries out some questionable acts. I was intrigued by both hers and Boysie’s mental health throughout, I know love can make you so crazy things but… 🤦🏾♀️
I enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and the portrayal of women chasing a man who is no good for them was worrying. Boysie had a hold on these women. The story did send me down the Google rabbit hole, researching Boysie’s life. He did not treat women well and his crimes were horrendous.
Religion and spirituality is a heavy theme. I learnt a lot about Hinduism and the spiritual methods some would seek to control their lives. At first, I did struggle with the writing. The whole story is written in a Trini dialect - well done to the author for keeping this story authentic 👏🏾. I had to research meanings of words, but once I knew what they meant, it became easier to read.
Apart from there being no ‘’quotation marks’’ on the dialogue (I hate this in books!), the first half being stronger than the second half and the story being rather too long, I enjoyed buddy reading this with
rensbookishspace's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.5
jotheblackbookworm's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Stay and they go kill you dead. Run, they go still kill you."
The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh is the hotly anticipated release from the author of Love After Love, Ingrid Persuad. When I heard that a new book was on route I just had to get it (Thanks Nicola 💖).
Boysie John Singh; A badjohn; A gangster; A father; A pirate; A businessman; A womaniser. He is a man who wears many hats. A man who is both feared and loved by many, especially the women in his life.
Popo; She hopes to free herself from her present condition as a pr*stitute.
Mana Lala AKA Man clown; She will do absolutely anything to hold onto Boysie & their family.
Doris; Societies newest high climber, but will Boysie's money be enough to help her reach new social heights?
Rosie; A stong minded woman who doesn't take no back chat.
The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh is a novel which is narrated by each of the above women. These women tell an intertwined story of his life through their experience of love & heartbreak at the hands of the illustrious criminal mastermind Boysie Singh.
The fact that this novel is based on the life of the real Boysie Singh really chilled me. I made the mistake of doing my Googles whilst reading, which to a degree spoiled some elements of this story. But as legend goes Boysie was a real bad man. He reigned his terror over Trinidad between the years of 1947 & 1956. This fictional adaptation of Boysie's life adds a layer of humour & context to an otherwise darkened aspect of history.
The first half of this novel started off extremely strong, the pacing was excellent, and the characters were so intriguing, especially PoPo & Mana Lala. I really enjoyed the social commentary relating to; Trinidadian culture; class; and religion. I loved the heavy Trini dialect throughout, but many may struggle with this
My only critiques of this novel are as follows:
- The length, this novel boasts a total of 547 pages. I think it could have ended at maybe 380.
- I wanted a bit more context regarding Boysie's childhood. He definitely had some mummy issues.
Overall, it was an entertaining read & I recommend you adding this to your TBR!
Release date: April 2024
The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh is the hotly anticipated release from the author of Love After Love, Ingrid Persuad. When I heard that a new book was on route I just had to get it (Thanks Nicola 💖).
Boysie John Singh; A badjohn; A gangster; A father; A pirate; A businessman; A womaniser. He is a man who wears many hats. A man who is both feared and loved by many, especially the women in his life.
Popo; She hopes to free herself from her present condition as a pr*stitute.
Mana Lala AKA Man clown; She will do absolutely anything to hold onto Boysie & their family.
Doris; Societies newest high climber, but will Boysie's money be enough to help her reach new social heights?
Rosie; A stong minded woman who doesn't take no back chat.
The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh is a novel which is narrated by each of the above women. These women tell an intertwined story of his life through their experience of love & heartbreak at the hands of the illustrious criminal mastermind Boysie Singh.
The fact that this novel is based on the life of the real Boysie Singh really chilled me. I made the mistake of doing my Googles whilst reading, which to a degree spoiled some elements of this story. But as legend goes Boysie was a real bad man. He reigned his terror over Trinidad between the years of 1947 & 1956. This fictional adaptation of Boysie's life adds a layer of humour & context to an otherwise darkened aspect of history.
The first half of this novel started off extremely strong, the pacing was excellent, and the characters were so intriguing, especially PoPo & Mana Lala. I really enjoyed the social commentary relating to; Trinidadian culture; class; and religion. I loved the heavy Trini dialect throughout, but many may struggle with this
My only critiques of this novel are as follows:
- The length, this novel boasts a total of 547 pages. I think it could have ended at maybe 380.
- I wanted a bit more context regarding Boysie's childhood. He definitely had some mummy issues.
Overall, it was an entertaining read & I recommend you adding this to your TBR!
Release date: April 2024
trusselltales's review
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The kind of book I get more satisfaction out of talking about than actually reading.
ARC
ARC