Dark Swirl

by Cyril Dabydeen

Folk belief confronts rationalistic science in this poetic fable that sees events through both European and village eyes. Set in the remote Canje region, the villagers feel that they have only the most vestigial remnants of their original Hindu world view. They have indeed absorbed much of the local mix of Amerindian/African folk beliefs, like the existence of the legendary massacouraman. What they still have is a residual Hindu view of the interconnectedness of all living things, though, in their state of rootlessness, this sometimes expresses itself in feelings of mutual hostility and unwarranted cruelty.

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Cyril Dabydeen has written poetry, short stories, and novels, and has edited A Shapely Fire: Changing the Literary Landscape and Another Way to Dance: Contemporary Asian Poetry in Canada and the U.S. His poetry and fiction have appeared in Canada, the US, the UK, India, and the Caribbean, and been anthologized in many places. He has been recommended for a Journey Prize and a National Magazine Award.

Reviews

[Sarah Jeffries · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Dark Swirl, and highly recommend it if you’re looking for something to devour in one sitting. In this novella, the Guyanese legend of the massacouraman monster becomes fertile ground for a thoughtful critique of colonial violence via scientific “exploration” and “discovery.” The figure of the European naturalist—called only “The Stranger” by the Canje-region dwelling villagers—dreams of fame and career accolades for capturing the creature and touring it around Europe and North America. Though surrounded by the natural wonder of rural Guyana, he fails to see the actual magic occurring all around him and thinks only of extracting resources and promptly leaving. Meanwhile, nine-year-old village native Josh experiences a unique spiritual connection to the monster, whose presence casts a kind of spell on the natural landscape. Dabydeen thoughtfully builds anticipation as the relationship between The Stranger and the villagers grows more tense throughout the narrative. The imagery, especially that which describes the jungle setting, is vivid and beautiful. I’m also amazed by the amount of history and commentary the author is able to pack into single lines, particularly in Josh’s father’s internal monologue.

[sauvageloup · Rating 5 out of 5]

very gripping

pros:
- very strong atmosphere created, the writing was very good throughout and the pacing too, and there were some very vivid and beautiful sentences
- really gripping and interesting
- liked the different perspectives of the white man and the villagers
- was glad the animals ended up released from the cages :)
- incorporated a very different folklore to what I've ever heard of, which was interesting
- enjoyed that the villagers' accent was portrayed on the page
- liked the interpersonal relations - the white man as a stranger, but also connected to Josh and a second father to him. Josh's father and the white man's interactions. Josh's parents together and Josh with his siblings. There was a lot of nuance in all of their reactions and superstitions

cons:
- felt like the very last chapter was a little weak, and the second-to-last might have been a better place to end

even though the massacouraman's mystery wasn't solved, I still felt satisfied at the end and would definitely like to re-read at a later date.

[Gina Agnew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible imagery, so vivid and rich.

[A.J. Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful book.