Take a photo of a barcode or cover
jazful 's review for:
The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh
by Ingrid Persaud
adventurous
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wanted to learn more about Trinidad and was curious to read this book – and I wasn’t disappointed. The story is set in Trinidad between the 1930s and 1950s, with a focus on the Indian diaspora living on the island. I especially liked that the story is told from the perspectives of four strong women. The chapters are very short, which makes for a smooth reading experience, and the constantly shifting perspectives keep things varied and engaging.
It took me a little while to get used to the language, as the author wrote the book in authentic Trini Creole. But this actually makes the story feel all more real and intimate.
Some reviews and summaries describe Boysie – the man around whom the story partly revolves – as a “charismatic figure.” Um, nope. I hated that guy from start to finish. The book powerfully illustrates how little has changed when men use power, violence, and threats to control and destroy women’s lives.
The book is very informative if you’re looking to understand more about Trinidad’s history and colonial legacy. All in all: highly recommended!
It took me a little while to get used to the language, as the author wrote the book in authentic Trini Creole. But this actually makes the story feel all more real and intimate.
Some reviews and summaries describe Boysie – the man around whom the story partly revolves – as a “charismatic figure.” Um, nope. I hated that guy from start to finish. The book powerfully illustrates how little has changed when men use power, violence, and threats to control and destroy women’s lives.
The book is very informative if you’re looking to understand more about Trinidad’s history and colonial legacy. All in all: highly recommended!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism