A review by francica
Secrets We Kept: Three Women of Trinidad by Krystal A. Sital

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.5


" The mantra of house, lan and motohcah that echoed from one generation to the next was achieved, but at what cost?"

This book was a heavy story, but spoke to a topics that families in Trinidad even now in the 21st century sweep under the carpet in the name of keeping up appearances and holding the family together in spite of the violence, betrayal and confusion.\

This story begins with the patriarch of the family Shiva Singh at death's door. As his wife and daughter Arya deal with everything that comes with sickness, they both at different intervals recount their lives to Shiva's granddaughter Krys. As the story of Shiva is revealed to his favourite granddaughter, she is shocked to know that her beloved grandfather meant something different to both her grandmother Rebecca and her mother Arya. 

I felt every emotion while reading about both Rebecca and Arya's struggles. I felt sad, angry and hopeful that things would get better for them and that they would find the peace that they were both seeking to get out of life. 

What I liked especially about this story is the representation of the culture of the island of Trinidad. The language, the food, the culture was really depicted in a skillful way so while the topics were serious it also gave the reader a view of the way of life on the island and this I appreciated the most.

I do not want to give the story away but I would highly recommend this book.

**Trigger Warning*** Domestic Abuse
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