What do you think?
Rate this book
Paradise Once
A historical novel that brings to life the resiliency of the indigenous Taíno people in the Caribbean whose culture was virtually destroyed within two generations of their “discovery” by Christopher Columbus in 1492
PARADISE ONCE TRACES THE AFTERMATH of the massacre by Spanish forces of the fictional Maima village in Cuba in 1513. Some believe the destruction of Maima is the result of angering the cemíes—Taíno spiritual entities—when foreign practices, contrary to the sacred laws of the Taíno, began to infiltrate the village.
Four young people who survive the massacre are unwittingly chosen by the cemíes to save a Sacred Bundle and return it to a cave in the Cauta mountain, the mythological place the Taíno are believed to have come Sekou, an enslaved African born in Spain who has aligned himself with the Taíno resistance; Night Orchid, a young girl and the reluctant bearer of the Sacred Bundle; the young Taíno noble Heart of Palm; and finally Flint, whose mother is part of the “Old Ones,” a remnant group of people on the islands displaced by the Taíno.
The four survivors start off on separate paths and only learn of their roles in the sacred mission when they unite at the holy site and encounter the Maima shaman Candlewood. Under the direction of the cemíes, Candlewood guides them into the cave, where the “dark” shaman Shark Tooth—who has sold his soul to the underworld powers—awaits. As they progress on their journey, Candlewood informs them of the leadership roles they are destined to play in the preservation of the Taíno culture. In time, they will together defend the heartland as resistance fighters who will become known in history as Cimarrones or Maroons. But first they must defeat Shark Tooth in a life-or-death battle for the possession of the Bundle in the sacred ball court at Cauta, the fate of the entire Taíno people in their hands.
Senior’s exquisitely crafted historical fiction authentically evokes the spiritual heart of the Taíno people in this love song to the Caribbean.
PARADISE ONCE TRACES THE AFTERMATH of the massacre by Spanish forces of the fictional Maima village in Cuba in 1513. Some believe the destruction of Maima is the result of angering the cemíes—Taíno spiritual entities—when foreign practices, contrary to the sacred laws of the Taíno, began to infiltrate the village.
Four young people who survive the massacre are unwittingly chosen by the cemíes to save a Sacred Bundle and return it to a cave in the Cauta mountain, the mythological place the Taíno are believed to have come Sekou, an enslaved African born in Spain who has aligned himself with the Taíno resistance; Night Orchid, a young girl and the reluctant bearer of the Sacred Bundle; the young Taíno noble Heart of Palm; and finally Flint, whose mother is part of the “Old Ones,” a remnant group of people on the islands displaced by the Taíno.
The four survivors start off on separate paths and only learn of their roles in the sacred mission when they unite at the holy site and encounter the Maima shaman Candlewood. Under the direction of the cemíes, Candlewood guides them into the cave, where the “dark” shaman Shark Tooth—who has sold his soul to the underworld powers—awaits. As they progress on their journey, Candlewood informs them of the leadership roles they are destined to play in the preservation of the Taíno culture. In time, they will together defend the heartland as resistance fighters who will become known in history as Cimarrones or Maroons. But first they must defeat Shark Tooth in a life-or-death battle for the possession of the Bundle in the sacred ball court at Cauta, the fate of the entire Taíno people in their hands.
Senior’s exquisitely crafted historical fiction authentically evokes the spiritual heart of the Taíno people in this love song to the Caribbean.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published June 3, 2025
About the author
Olive Senior
43 books112 followersOlive Senior was born and brought up in Jamaica in 1941 and educated in Jamaica and Canada. She is a graduate of Montego Bay High School and Carleton University, Ottawa.
She is one of Canada's most internationally recognized and acclaimed writers having left Jamaica in 1989, spending some years in Europe and since 1993 being based in Toronto.
Among her many awards and honours she has won the Commonwealth Writers Prize and F.G. Bressani Literary Prize, was nominated for a Governor-General’s Literary Award, and was runner up for the Casa de Las Americas Prize and the Pat Lowther Award. In 2003, she received the Norman Washington Manley Foundation Award for Excellence (preservation of cultural heritage – Jamaica). Her body of published work includes four books of poetry, three collections of short stories and several award-winning non-fiction works on Caribbean culture.
She is one of Canada's most internationally recognized and acclaimed writers having left Jamaica in 1989, spending some years in Europe and since 1993 being based in Toronto.
Among her many awards and honours she has won the Commonwealth Writers Prize and F.G. Bressani Literary Prize, was nominated for a Governor-General’s Literary Award, and was runner up for the Casa de Las Americas Prize and the Pat Lowther Award. In 2003, she received the Norman Washington Manley Foundation Award for Excellence (preservation of cultural heritage – Jamaica). Her body of published work includes four books of poetry, three collections of short stories and several award-winning non-fiction works on Caribbean culture.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 1, 2026
What a journey... I did not want it to end!
Olive Senior's latest release brings to life the Taino culture and history and I am here for all of it. Set during the of the massacre by Spanish forces of the fictional Maima village in Cuba in 1513. We are taken to the village and the book is told from the perspective of four persons and how they are dealing with the aftermath.
I loved everything about this book especially how Senior wrote the language and culture during that time. An brilliant read.
Olive Senior's latest release brings to life the Taino culture and history and I am here for all of it. Set during the of the massacre by Spanish forces of the fictional Maima village in Cuba in 1513. We are taken to the village and the book is told from the perspective of four persons and how they are dealing with the aftermath.
I loved everything about this book especially how Senior wrote the language and culture during that time. An brilliant read.
July 8, 2025
This was a pleasure to read. I just love these types of stories where the native peoples live in nature and we learn the old ways of how they had lived. It's both an adventure story with action and danger but it's also about a time of much turmoil. Things are changing. It's very similar to the "People of" series by the Gears or the books by Sue Harrison except this is set in Cuba.
In this well written novel the village of Maima faces destruction from the Spanish. I have never read a book set in Cuba about their natives (or not that I remember). There are many unique words from the Taino language in here and I did a great job of remembering what these words meant as I was reading. The book does have a glossary at the back with all the words. I only had to look up each word once as for whatever reason they just stuck in my head.
I was surprised by some of the events in here, like how a simple European common bird caused so much turmoil in the village near the beginning of the book... The book points out how beliefs can affect people in a major way. In a way that bird was a harbinger instead of the gift it was meant to be, but they already had problems brewing in their society. It does an excellent job of pointing out how different beliefs can clash, sometimes in the most innocent of ways. That is, the individual who had brought the bird over had never meant any harm at all... I think that is a big problem today: people don't understand each other.
The story and the various characters just captured my imagination. What was going to happen to Flint, Night Orchard, Heart of Palms and the others? Is Candlewood correct when he talks about the bird? And I absolutely hated that Shark Tooth!! And there are plenty of nail biting scenes in here with danger. A few of them even surprised me. And these scenes are not limited to the Spanish attacking at all. Often these are environment related or from other natives. It's a fast moving, action packed tale.
The entire story is from the viewpoint of the natives so I am left just as confused as they are as to why the Spanish did what they did. I certainly can guess as to the reasons (because we live in modern days and we know why similar things were done to the native American tribes) but the book doesn't really say - the characters don't understand it. But they are strong. Very strong.
Another part of the plot shows society decaying. It's very sad.
I liked the magic in here. And all of the wonderful descriptions of the environment around them, as it's the environment that brings the story to life. It definitely brought something special to the book.
I added this one to my Favorites list.
In this well written novel the village of Maima faces destruction from the Spanish. I have never read a book set in Cuba about their natives (or not that I remember). There are many unique words from the Taino language in here and I did a great job of remembering what these words meant as I was reading. The book does have a glossary at the back with all the words. I only had to look up each word once as for whatever reason they just stuck in my head.
I was surprised by some of the events in here, like how a simple European common bird caused so much turmoil in the village near the beginning of the book... The book points out how beliefs can affect people in a major way. In a way that bird was a harbinger instead of the gift it was meant to be, but they already had problems brewing in their society. It does an excellent job of pointing out how different beliefs can clash, sometimes in the most innocent of ways. That is, the individual who had brought the bird over had never meant any harm at all... I think that is a big problem today: people don't understand each other.
The story and the various characters just captured my imagination. What was going to happen to Flint, Night Orchard, Heart of Palms and the others? Is Candlewood correct when he talks about the bird? And I absolutely hated that Shark Tooth!! And there are plenty of nail biting scenes in here with danger. A few of them even surprised me. And these scenes are not limited to the Spanish attacking at all. Often these are environment related or from other natives. It's a fast moving, action packed tale.
The entire story is from the viewpoint of the natives so I am left just as confused as they are as to why the Spanish did what they did. I certainly can guess as to the reasons (because we live in modern days and we know why similar things were done to the native American tribes) but the book doesn't really say - the characters don't understand it. But they are strong. Very strong.
Another part of the plot shows society decaying. It's very sad.
I liked the magic in here. And all of the wonderful descriptions of the environment around them, as it's the environment that brings the story to life. It definitely brought something special to the book.
I added this one to my Favorites list.
November 23, 2025
Paradise Once is the first historical fiction book I've read that covers the Taino people. It showcases four mainpoints of view from characters of different race and social backgrounds. It highlights the massacre by Spanish forces of the Maima village in Cuba in 1513.
Senior examines Taino mythology and langauge in her work. It was fascinating. I've been reading Fray Ramon Pane's An account of the antiquities of the Indians which pairs well with this work. The ending culminates into the survivors of the massacre becoming maroons, which I really enjoyed. I love how Senior seeks to keep to the spirit and authenticity of the Taino people alive in the work. You can feel the care she had in crafting the story.
As a reader you can feel a bit lost at times, with all the foreign words being thrown at you. I wanted to keep flipping back and forth between the glossary and the main text. However I enjoy a book you have to wrestle with, every once in a while.
Senior examines Taino mythology and langauge in her work. It was fascinating. I've been reading Fray Ramon Pane's An account of the antiquities of the Indians which pairs well with this work. The ending culminates into the survivors of the massacre becoming maroons, which I really enjoyed. I love how Senior seeks to keep to the spirit and authenticity of the Taino people alive in the work. You can feel the care she had in crafting the story.
As a reader you can feel a bit lost at times, with all the foreign words being thrown at you. I wanted to keep flipping back and forth between the glossary and the main text. However I enjoy a book you have to wrestle with, every once in a while.
July 4, 2025
I’ve been curious about the Taino people since I started travelling to the Caribbean more frequently in the past few years and I was so excited to read this book when I saw it was published. This story brings the Taino people to life in a mystical way that kept me intrigued and made my heart hurt at the same time. Loved this story!
July 30, 2025
4/5 STARS! I am so blessed to have received an arc copy of this. This book is a tale of the indigenous people of Cuba before & after the Spanish conquest of their islands. It's beautifully & vivadly written, with characters that feel real & a setting you can feel. Very well researched, this felt like reading a chapter in history. It's riveting, with descriptive writing that entrances you & makes you a part of the culture & magic of the Taino. An absolute must read!
January 8, 2026
This was an interesting read! I’ve never read anything about the Taino people before, so it was really interesting getting a glimpse into their lives and culture! I especially enjoyed seeing their culture before colonialism. It was so heartbreaking seeing the effects of colonialism on the characters. Although, the story concentrated on colonialism, it still felt so hopeful. Especially at the end. The story was seamless and the characters were developed really well.
However, I feel like either the book should’ve been shorter or the plot should’ve included more to fill the book. There were never any pace changes. I found myself skimming through certain parts because I was waiting on something more to happen.
But, overall, I’d recommend this book to people who want to experience pre-colonial Caribbean culture and love character driven stories and don’t mind there being less plot!
CW: mentions of genocide, sexual assault, and incest
However, I feel like either the book should’ve been shorter or the plot should’ve included more to fill the book. There were never any pace changes. I found myself skimming through certain parts because I was waiting on something more to happen.
But, overall, I’d recommend this book to people who want to experience pre-colonial Caribbean culture and love character driven stories and don’t mind there being less plot!
CW: mentions of genocide, sexual assault, and incest
March 25, 2026
I so enjoyed reading a story with indigenous Caribbean representation. The way Olive Senior blends narrative, character development, historical research, indigenous terminology, and mythology is impressive and I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone interested in life in the Caribbean on the cusp of European colonialism/invasion.
February 22, 2026
A historical fictional novel about the Taino people, their lives and rituals before they were literally wiped off the face of the world by colonizers. If not for this book being picked out as a book club read, I would have never known about this important part of the Caribbean history.
The author does an amazing job describing the lives and everyday rituals of this indigenous group that existed in what is now known as Cuba. As we are introduced to the fictional village of Maima, we see a people living normal lives, trading, farming, having their own governing system, their own spiritual beliefs, ceremonies, food before one day, the world is turned upside down by invaders, in this case, Spanish forces. From there, we follow four young people who have been chosen to help restore their people as they are sent on this secret mission.
I felt each and every feeling that the characters experience in this book. Every joy, every pain, every moment of panic, I was there. I gasped, I gagged, I prayed, I believed. I shouted as if it would change anything, not because I thought that I could rewrite this part of history, but because I did not want to believe that this is every Indigenous group's path.
Reading this book reminded me of how important it is for people or communities that exist on the margins to tell their own stories, to document them, to tell them to the younger generations because clearly we might just one day be wiped out of the face of the earth by groups that are historically opressional and exploitative. But it also reminded me that sometimes to exist is actually the only way to resist. Truthfully speaking, this book left me feeling a bit hopeless & wondering, "When will this end, if ever!"
The author does an amazing job describing the lives and everyday rituals of this indigenous group that existed in what is now known as Cuba. As we are introduced to the fictional village of Maima, we see a people living normal lives, trading, farming, having their own governing system, their own spiritual beliefs, ceremonies, food before one day, the world is turned upside down by invaders, in this case, Spanish forces. From there, we follow four young people who have been chosen to help restore their people as they are sent on this secret mission.
I felt each and every feeling that the characters experience in this book. Every joy, every pain, every moment of panic, I was there. I gasped, I gagged, I prayed, I believed. I shouted as if it would change anything, not because I thought that I could rewrite this part of history, but because I did not want to believe that this is every Indigenous group's path.
Reading this book reminded me of how important it is for people or communities that exist on the margins to tell their own stories, to document them, to tell them to the younger generations because clearly we might just one day be wiped out of the face of the earth by groups that are historically opressional and exploitative. But it also reminded me that sometimes to exist is actually the only way to resist. Truthfully speaking, this book left me feeling a bit hopeless & wondering, "When will this end, if ever!"
July 8, 2025
This novel was beautiful and inspiring! I am not well versed in Taíno history, so some parts of this book were a little hard to understand without background information. I also feel like I might have missed out on some references that were made, since I don't know the mythology of the cemíes.
I also don't know any Taíno words, so at the beginning, it was pretty hard to follow the plot since the Taíno language was used pretty frequently. I feel like a footnote translation would have fit better, since it became tedious flipping back to the translation index. The action of having to do that never fails to pull me out of a story, so I don't like having to do it.
The writing was excellent, especially when showcasing personality. The point of view changes were done very well, and I could clearly see each character's personality shining through the way they were written. That is NOT an easy task, so I'm very impressed with this author characterization!
I wasn't expecting so many "magical" elements, which was an interesting surprise. I enjoyed having the Taíno religion so prominent in the novel, but there were a lot of completely unrealistic occurrences. I would have like if there was some kind of mention of magical cemí interference, since it really threw me off and confused me when it was first mentioned.
I had a fun time reading this, and I definitely recommend picking this up, especially if you want to learn more about the Taíno people and their culture!
I also don't know any Taíno words, so at the beginning, it was pretty hard to follow the plot since the Taíno language was used pretty frequently. I feel like a footnote translation would have fit better, since it became tedious flipping back to the translation index. The action of having to do that never fails to pull me out of a story, so I don't like having to do it.
The writing was excellent, especially when showcasing personality. The point of view changes were done very well, and I could clearly see each character's personality shining through the way they were written. That is NOT an easy task, so I'm very impressed with this author characterization!
I wasn't expecting so many "magical" elements, which was an interesting surprise. I enjoyed having the Taíno religion so prominent in the novel, but there were a lot of completely unrealistic occurrences. I would have like if there was some kind of mention of magical cemí interference, since it really threw me off and confused me when it was first mentioned.
I had a fun time reading this, and I definitely recommend picking this up, especially if you want to learn more about the Taíno people and their culture!
January 19, 2026
‘An epic adventure and pulled at my heart’
Four survivors of a massacre in the Taino village of Maima are led into the mountainous regions of their homeland in hopes of saving what is left of their way of life.
Based on historical events surrounding mass genocides of the indigenous Taino people when their lives were forever changed due to the arrival of the Spaniards.
The novel was enthralling from start to finish and it completely captivated me. Growing up in the West Indies, I’ve always felt that we’re linked to the First People in some ways and this book once again raised the question in my mind - How much of my ancestry can be traced to the Kwaib, Taino, and other indigenous tribes that once occupied Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean?
It is within that question I found myself loving the book even more.
The way Olive Senor paints a vivid portrait of the lives, habits and beliefs of the Taino was truly inspirational. Everything was so well-researched and detailed and it’s those things that made the characters and the novel come alive.
It’s another beautiful Caribbean Novel that I absolutely would recommend to any history or adventure lover!
Four survivors of a massacre in the Taino village of Maima are led into the mountainous regions of their homeland in hopes of saving what is left of their way of life.
Based on historical events surrounding mass genocides of the indigenous Taino people when their lives were forever changed due to the arrival of the Spaniards.
The novel was enthralling from start to finish and it completely captivated me. Growing up in the West Indies, I’ve always felt that we’re linked to the First People in some ways and this book once again raised the question in my mind - How much of my ancestry can be traced to the Kwaib, Taino, and other indigenous tribes that once occupied Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean?
It is within that question I found myself loving the book even more.
The way Olive Senor paints a vivid portrait of the lives, habits and beliefs of the Taino was truly inspirational. Everything was so well-researched and detailed and it’s those things that made the characters and the novel come alive.
It’s another beautiful Caribbean Novel that I absolutely would recommend to any history or adventure lover!
January 24, 2026
Culture, preservation and greed…
Senior’s novel is a revival of the people that were there before. The historical events that took them from once vibrant, full of life and rich in culture, to nearing extinction.
Senior’s novel starts off on the cusp of a new beginning. On the island of Cuba, the Taino people are brought to life, delving into their way of life, religious practices and rituals.
The novel brings them into a new light, a people contented and happy with their way of life. A people naive to the strange settlers that appeared in their villages. A people that welcomed all strangers as friends only to be met with death and enslavement in return.
From the storytelling, to the adventures, the novel follows four different characters whose path align to restore what was once their culture. To keep their history alive and their generations multiplied.
Senior weaves a beautiful tale of strength, resistance, resilience and friendship.
Senior’s novel is a revival of the people that were there before. The historical events that took them from once vibrant, full of life and rich in culture, to nearing extinction.
Senior’s novel starts off on the cusp of a new beginning. On the island of Cuba, the Taino people are brought to life, delving into their way of life, religious practices and rituals.
The novel brings them into a new light, a people contented and happy with their way of life. A people naive to the strange settlers that appeared in their villages. A people that welcomed all strangers as friends only to be met with death and enslavement in return.
From the storytelling, to the adventures, the novel follows four different characters whose path align to restore what was once their culture. To keep their history alive and their generations multiplied.
Senior weaves a beautiful tale of strength, resistance, resilience and friendship.
January 25, 2026
I struggled to follow the story at first. New characters were introduced so frequently that it became difficult to keep track of who was who and what was happening and it took considerable effort to stay engaged . However, I am glad I pushed through though, because towards the middle of the book, it became more interesting and I became invested.
In addition, I read the Kindle version and unfortunately, the glossary for the unique terms and expressions was not immediately accessible. When I selected a word, instead of being taken immediately to the glossary, I was first taken on a journey through the multiple instances of that word throughout the book, which disrupted my reading experience.
Overall, my reading experience was not enjoyable but I do appreciate the level of research involved, as well as the author’s effort to authentically capture the language and culture of the Taino people.
In addition, I read the Kindle version and unfortunately, the glossary for the unique terms and expressions was not immediately accessible. When I selected a word, instead of being taken immediately to the glossary, I was first taken on a journey through the multiple instances of that word throughout the book, which disrupted my reading experience.
Overall, my reading experience was not enjoyable but I do appreciate the level of research involved, as well as the author’s effort to authentically capture the language and culture of the Taino people.
July 29, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel by Olive Senior. She brings you far back into Jamaican history to the time of the many tribes that populated the islands, and to the beginnings of the Spanish invasion. The Jamaica we know today is far different. Senior researches well, and the cultural aspect is fascinating.
Senior's writing is clear, clear, clear, and takes you into the setting completely. In this case, she uses the Taino language (providing a glossary, as well) without in-text explanation, which helps immerse the reader in the culture of the time. Also, the use of short pithy chapters helps us keep focused on each of the characters and their interactions. Her clarity of language and excellent pacing would make this work for Young Adult fiction, as well as adult.
Many thanks to Akashic Books and LibraryThing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Senior's writing is clear, clear, clear, and takes you into the setting completely. In this case, she uses the Taino language (providing a glossary, as well) without in-text explanation, which helps immerse the reader in the culture of the time. Also, the use of short pithy chapters helps us keep focused on each of the characters and their interactions. Her clarity of language and excellent pacing would make this work for Young Adult fiction, as well as adult.
Many thanks to Akashic Books and LibraryThing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2026
3.5ish. I’ll start by saying I enjoyed the story. I’m used to historical fiction where the main body is fiction with historical facts weaved into it. This was the opposite: historical facts/accounts with a fictional story weaved into it. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it wasn’t for me. It felt like I read a history textbook cover to cover then a story just popped up, with no start or end, almost as if in mid-storytelling. The chapters felt like they ended in mid-existential thought, often leaving me confused before moving onto something else. I felt like how Flint felt talking to Candlewood lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2026
I like the historical nature of the book. We hardly get stories of the indigenous people and this story touched on both life as an indigenous person and the atrocities that happened to these people when the colonizers decided they wanted land that did not belong to them. I also like the supernatural aspect of it. I appreciate that it does not demonize the religion practiced like most recounts do and honors it in a way that feels respectful. I did expect more to happen with Night Orchid. What was the reason to hold her apart, as that set her up to be something integral to the plot, and then nothing happens? That was my only wondering about the intention of the author and this character.
May 11, 2025
This novel is definitely a Keeper. Based on the true story of the complete destruction of a Taino village in the Caribbean in 1513, during the Spanish Conquest of the New World, and what happened to the few survivors of that atrocity. I especially liked the interweaving of Taino culture and civilization. Most of the research was most probably from the writings of the priest Bartolome de las Casas, sympathetic to the Indians of the Caribbean, and from what the author, born and bred in that area, imbibed from childhood on. More like 4.5 stars. Thank you, LibraryThing for an ARC.
January 25, 2026
3/5 🌟
This novel was a historical fiction intertwined with magical realism about the massacre of a fictional village by the Spaniards in 1513 Cuba.
I love reading historical fiction books but I must say this was a struggle to get through. It read like a history textbook and at times I felt confused with the progression of the story. I'm glad I continued reading because towards the middle it became more interesting. I must accredit Senior on the level of research done really commendable. Overall an okay read.
This novel was a historical fiction intertwined with magical realism about the massacre of a fictional village by the Spaniards in 1513 Cuba.
I love reading historical fiction books but I must say this was a struggle to get through. It read like a history textbook and at times I felt confused with the progression of the story. I'm glad I continued reading because towards the middle it became more interesting. I must accredit Senior on the level of research done really commendable. Overall an okay read.
January 28, 2026
I read this book for the Book of Cinz Book Club. It was excellent. The author’s skill was in full display as she crafted a seemingly simple, even slow at times, story. But, that simplicity was a thin cover for a tale that every Caribbean person should read. It was historical, cultural, heartbreaking, and hopeful, bringing to mind the resilience that characterises Caribbean people throughout history.
This novel should be required reading in schools across the region and beyond.
This novel should be required reading in schools across the region and beyond.
April 29, 2025
The language, customs, and culture of the Taíno are infused throughout, giving readers a feel for a people long thought to be extinct. As a proud Puerto Rican and descendant of the Taíno, I say we are not extinct. The Taíno live on through us, their descendants. Read more on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
July 14, 2025
Paradise Once shines a light on one of the original peoples of the Caribbean, set in the time where the culture and lives of the Taino are under threat. Olive Senior brings us well-drawn characters in a story that held my interest to the end. I liked the use of words from the Taino language, which helped to bring authenticity.
January 29, 2026
This historical fiction novel, set in the early 16th century Cuba, follows four young survivors of a Spanish massacre as they undertake a sacred journey to preserve Taíno culture and spiritual heritage. Blending history, myth, and spirituality, the novel explores survival, resistance, and the roots of Caribbean identity.
The quirky character names like Night Orchid, Heart of Palm, Shark Tooth and so many more reflect not only our long standing Caribbean culture, but adds to the dynamics of the story.
For me, it was an easy read and the Taino words weren’t difficult to understand. I appreciated learning the native language; or at least a few words from the culture, as well as learning about their culture, rituals and beliefs and how they would spend their days. There is also a glossary at the back of the book to assist if context clues still leaves things obscure.
I think this book is essential reading for everyone and it has inspired me to read more novels like this which detail the history of minority groups within the Caribbean like the Taino community.
I definitely recommend this book.
The quirky character names like Night Orchid, Heart of Palm, Shark Tooth and so many more reflect not only our long standing Caribbean culture, but adds to the dynamics of the story.
For me, it was an easy read and the Taino words weren’t difficult to understand. I appreciated learning the native language; or at least a few words from the culture, as well as learning about their culture, rituals and beliefs and how they would spend their days. There is also a glossary at the back of the book to assist if context clues still leaves things obscure.
I think this book is essential reading for everyone and it has inspired me to read more novels like this which detail the history of minority groups within the Caribbean like the Taino community.
I definitely recommend this book.
January 21, 2026
3.5 stars
I learnt a lot from this novel with respect to the Taino culture, language and community. I like how Olive Senior writes of the fighting spirit of the indigenous peoples all through the book, using these characters to weave a story that puts me on the island in the 1500's.
It's a worthy read.
I learnt a lot from this novel with respect to the Taino culture, language and community. I like how Olive Senior writes of the fighting spirit of the indigenous peoples all through the book, using these characters to weave a story that puts me on the island in the 1500's.
It's a worthy read.
Did Not Finish
July 26, 2025DNF
October 18, 2025
An important read but my reliance on the Audiobook did it great injustice and disservice.
January 14, 2026
3.5 stars
January 30, 2026
This is an EXCEPTIONAL BOOK! Full of wonder and details about the past that directly correlates to our today! Beautifully written, delicious language, wonderful prose
February 13, 2026
As a first gen American to Jamaican parents, this book feels like a connection to my family history. A beautiful read overall.
April 25, 2026
A definite page turner
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews