Caribbean New Wave: Contemporary Short Stories

by Stewart Brown

This anthology provides readers with a sampler of the energy, commitment, and sheer brilliance of a whole new generation of Caribbean writers.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 1990

About the author

Stewart Brown (born 1951 in Southampton, UK)[1] is an English poet, university lecturer and scholar of African and Caribbean Literature.

(wikipedia)

Reviews

[Tawallah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This collection of Caribbean short stories touch on everyday life in late 70s to early 80s. The editor in his introduction wanted to provide newer authors. From this collection the authors that are well known included Jamaica Kincaid, Earl Lovelace and Olive Senior.

There are two major themes- emigration and women. A few are humorous or thoughtful. But most tend to be quiet and don’t stand out. But all are familiar to anyone who lives or lived in the Caribbean. Despite the span of the islands, there are many tales that transcend nationality.

Unfortunately quite a few of the stories were too short. As soon as you get into the style, the plot seems to abruptly end. And quite a few I wished could be fleshed out more. But the stand out stories were The Two Grandmothers by Olive Senior, The Thursday Wife by Hazel Campbell, Bella makes a life by Lorna Goodson. Stories that have also stayed with me are Miss Dorcas by James Berry, Insecurity by Neil Bissoondath, Yardstick by Amryl Johnson and The Duel in Mercy Ward by Ian McDonald.

Wish I could recommend this collection, but it was underwhelming tales.

[Mad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some stories hit, some didn't. But the ones that hit went hard. I did cry.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book-sometimes you have to read it out loud to get the dialect to make sense.