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A review by marthaos
The Bread the Devil Knead by Lisa Allen-Agostini
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, which though it tackled some very dark issues, did so with a lightness of touch that made it very readable. It is told in Trinidadian Creole which greatly enhanced the storytelling bringing characters and setting to life.
It tells the story of Alathea, manager of a clothing store, who is regularly beaten and abused by her “lover” Leo. Alathea, who comes across as a strong, independent woman, nonetheless just seems to accept this as part of her lot, and as the book unfolds, we learn how these patterns of abuse originated in her childhood and seemed to perpetuate into her adult years, despite running away, despite finding new lovers….
Leo, who can oscillate between doling out horribly cruel beatings and violent sex, and displaying tender and kind love, is extremely unpredictable and we learn in the story how Alathea fears him, dreads going home, yet just seems to accept it. When colleague Tamika sees some of her bruises and learns what she is putting up with, it sets the story in motion, putting pressure on Alathea to question why this is acceptable. Is there another way?
As the story unfolds, we learn a lot about Alathea’s childhood through her brother, Carl, who later became a priest. Alathea had always enjoyed a close relationship with him until she cut off all ties when she ran from home. Carl is now eager to rebuild this relationship and to help Alathea claim her life back.
As events come to a head in the Festival of Flames, we see that there are no winners in such toxic environments. We see that the victim can become so trapped and vulnerable that they see no way out and worst of all they feel so degraded that they feel unworthy of anything different.
Overall this was a very well written book and a well-told story. That such a difficult subject matter could be explored without the storytelling or the voices sinking down with the weight of it showed Agostini’s skill as a writer. Without shying away from the realities of this protagonist’s experience or in any way detracting from the horror of such daily violence and its consequences, she keeps the story moving forward, the dialogue hugely adding to the narrative, sparkling with beautiful Trinidadian idioms, she brings the characters to life and mostly offers a strong message of hope even in the midst of such pain.
It tells the story of Alathea, manager of a clothing store, who is regularly beaten and abused by her “lover” Leo. Alathea, who comes across as a strong, independent woman, nonetheless just seems to accept this as part of her lot, and as the book unfolds, we learn how these patterns of abuse originated in her childhood and seemed to perpetuate into her adult years, despite running away, despite finding new lovers….
Leo, who can oscillate between doling out horribly cruel beatings and violent sex, and displaying tender and kind love, is extremely unpredictable and we learn in the story how Alathea fears him, dreads going home, yet just seems to accept it. When colleague Tamika sees some of her bruises and learns what she is putting up with, it sets the story in motion, putting pressure on Alathea to question why this is acceptable. Is there another way?
As the story unfolds, we learn a lot about Alathea’s childhood through her brother, Carl, who later became a priest. Alathea had always enjoyed a close relationship with him until she cut off all ties when she ran from home. Carl is now eager to rebuild this relationship and to help Alathea claim her life back.
As events come to a head in the Festival of Flames, we see that there are no winners in such toxic environments. We see that the victim can become so trapped and vulnerable that they see no way out and worst of all they feel so degraded that they feel unworthy of anything different.
Overall this was a very well written book and a well-told story. That such a difficult subject matter could be explored without the storytelling or the voices sinking down with the weight of it showed Agostini’s skill as a writer. Without shying away from the realities of this protagonist’s experience or in any way detracting from the horror of such daily violence and its consequences, she keeps the story moving forward, the dialogue hugely adding to the narrative, sparkling with beautiful Trinidadian idioms, she brings the characters to life and mostly offers a strong message of hope even in the midst of such pain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Racism, and Sexual violence