Celebrating Caribbean Literature Day

Today, July 12th, 2024, marks the fifth Caribbean Literature Day, an annual celebration launched by House of Nehesi Publishers in 2020 to honour Caribbean literary heritage. This date coincides with the commemoration of the 1562 burning of sacred Mayan texts. Join us in celebrating Caribbean literature by exploring, purchasing, and sharing Caribbean books, and engaging in readings, recitals, and discussions across diverse genres.

As the Caribbean recovers from the recent devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, it is crucial to deepen our understanding of the region, its people, cultures, and the vulnerabilities exacerbated by the legacies of colonialism.

Caribbean literature transcends geographical boundaries, enriched by significant diasporic contributions from Caribbean Canadian writers. Here in British Columbia, writers such as David Chariandy, Nalo Hopkinson, Jasmine Sealy, Lorna Goodison, Junie Désil, and Christina Cooke contribute to this vibrant legacy.

I recommend two recent works by queer Caribbean Canadian writers, highlighting the richness of Caribbean literature today, particularly in light of the recently concluded Pride Month:

Broughtupsey by Christina Cooke:

“Broughtupsy follows Akúa, a young Jamaican woman, who returns to Jamaica from Canada following her brother's death. Carrying his ashes, she reconnects with her estranged sister and confronts her identity amid family rifts. As she bonds with another woman, Akúa navigates her sexuality in Jamaica, while contemplating family, belonging, and the true meaning of home. This remarkable work challenges our understanding of migrant fiction by shifting focus from arrival in Canada or departure from the Caribbean to the narrative of return, prompting reflection on the multiple journeys Caribbean people undertake to find grounding in/for their lives.”

West of West Indian by Linzey Corridon:

“West of West Indian is a stunning poetic exploration of collective and individual queer Caribbean experiences, gathering a uniquely queer Vincentian Canadian perspective on love, agency, grief, pain, and pleasure. This book is special as it wades through the nuances of identity and desire with grace, offering a testament to the resilience and richness of queer Caribbean lives. As the ending of the title poem urgently asserts, ‘Let me remind you that I, that you, / that we will never be extinguished.’”

Join us in celebrating Caribbean Literature Day and share your favourite books by Caribbean writers with us!