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From Ibadan to Hell Yard
From Ibadan to Hell Yard
Step into the tumultuous era from the early 1800s to 1962, where Trinidad & Tobago becomes the stage for the stirring tales of John, Sally, Jackson, and Jacob, and the genesis of the renowned Hell Yard. Among them, Jacob grapples with racial injustices, igniting a transformative odyssey that unravels his true identity within Hell Yard's heart. Inspired by the valor of his ancestors, Jacob fearlessly confronts the formidable families of former slave masters, steadfast in his pursuit of true freedom for the newly emancipated. Jacob’s love for the steelpan inspires him to unite his community in this riveting, historical tale of a generational struggle. The novella intertwines through significant events like slavery, the Canboulay Riot, Emancipation, suppression of African culture, and the relentless pursuit of independence. Yoruba & Orisha customs, Carnival, Canboulay, Patois, and the inception of the Steelpan infuse the narrative with vibrant cultural hues. Themes of identity and societal change resonate, provoking readers to ponder - Are we, as a people, freer now than in the mid-19th century? Has the plantation mentality truly departed? Fortuné's prose captivates with its dramatic, adventurous, and thought-provoking tone. "From Ibadan To Hell Yard" embodies the indomitable spirit of resilience, exalting the essence of "Trinis" and their enduring struggle for liberty. Embark on this riveting historical journey, where echoes of the past reverberate, entwined with the fervent quest for freedom and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Step into the tumultuous era from the early 1800s to 1962, where Trinidad & Tobago becomes the stage for the stirring tales of John, Sally, Jackson, and Jacob, and the genesis of the renowned Hell Yard. Among them, Jacob grapples with racial injustices, igniting a transformative odyssey that unravels his true identity within Hell Yard's heart. Inspired by the valor of his ancestors, Jacob fearlessly confronts the formidable families of former slave masters, steadfast in his pursuit of true freedom for the newly emancipated. Jacob’s love for the steelpan inspires him to unite his community in this riveting, historical tale of a generational struggle. The novella intertwines through significant events like slavery, the Canboulay Riot, Emancipation, suppression of African culture, and the relentless pursuit of independence. Yoruba & Orisha customs, Carnival, Canboulay, Patois, and the inception of the Steelpan infuse the narrative with vibrant cultural hues. Themes of identity and societal change resonate, provoking readers to ponder - Are we, as a people, freer now than in the mid-19th century? Has the plantation mentality truly departed? Fortuné's prose captivates with its dramatic, adventurous, and thought-provoking tone. "From Ibadan To Hell Yard" embodies the indomitable spirit of resilience, exalting the essence of "Trinis" and their enduring struggle for liberty. Embark on this riveting historical journey, where echoes of the past reverberate, entwined with the fervent quest for freedom and the preservation of cultural heritage.
146 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2023
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 7, 2024
An intriguing book about extraordinary people.
How did an obscure folk instrument from a little Caribbean island come, seemingly overnight, to be played, appreciated - loved - by all kinds of people all over the world?
The passion and determination of a tiny group of musicians brought the pan, or steel drum - the only musical instrument invented in the 20th Century - to life, in the teeth of vicious colonial oppression, social discrimination, colour prejudice, and grinding poverty.
Through the eyes of the close-knit ghettoized community that gave birth to pan, Fortuné draws us into the story of those musical pioneers who traveled to Britain in 1951 as the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra; their tribulations and adventures, their historic struggle and ultimate triumph.
Sharing that journey, as a reader, is an uplifting, beautiful and thoroughly rewarding experience.
Fortuné has
How did an obscure folk instrument from a little Caribbean island come, seemingly overnight, to be played, appreciated - loved - by all kinds of people all over the world?
The passion and determination of a tiny group of musicians brought the pan, or steel drum - the only musical instrument invented in the 20th Century - to life, in the teeth of vicious colonial oppression, social discrimination, colour prejudice, and grinding poverty.
Through the eyes of the close-knit ghettoized community that gave birth to pan, Fortuné draws us into the story of those musical pioneers who traveled to Britain in 1951 as the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra; their tribulations and adventures, their historic struggle and ultimate triumph.
Sharing that journey, as a reader, is an uplifting, beautiful and thoroughly rewarding experience.
Fortuné has
January 17, 2025
Looking for a good read this Carnival season? Pick up From Ibadan to Hell Yard by Stuart W. Ramon Fortuné. This historical fiction is set in Trinidad and Tobago. It covers the formation of the steelpan and the pan yard. Follow Jacob on his journey of self-discovery, as Trinidad steelpan cultural develops alongside a nation and the main character. This is a lovely weekend read that will effortlessly capture your attention with a blend of everyday language and familiar communities. Overall is it a good read.
February 2, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this novella! The story revolves around a young protagonist who is about to have his life turned upside-down and details the origin of the steelpan and the evolution of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. It hit the spot for me as right now Carnival season is in full swing back home and I’m far away unable to partake in the festivities.
The retelling of historical events and vivid descriptions of the way Trinidad and Tobago was around the turn of the century was really compelling.
However, I did feel like some of the events in the latter half of the novella could’ve been fleshed out a bit more.
I may be a bit biased as a Trinidadian but I feel like anyone with an interest in Trini culture will enjoy this book!
The retelling of historical events and vivid descriptions of the way Trinidad and Tobago was around the turn of the century was really compelling.
However, I did feel like some of the events in the latter half of the novella could’ve been fleshed out a bit more.
I may be a bit biased as a Trinidadian but I feel like anyone with an interest in Trini culture will enjoy this book!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews