Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind

by Scarlet Ibis James

Joromi Enoch has spent his life trying to become the man his father would be proud of—responsible, dependable, a provider. But one summer fling on the vibrant island of Trinidad changes everything when his lover becomes pregnant. As Joromi builds a new life in America with a different woman who becomes his wife, he leaves behind not just Trinidad but also a daughter named Trisha, born into a legacy of absence and longing.

Across the waters that separate them, young Trisha grows up in the shadow of her father's departure. Her heart carries the weight of abandonment as she constructs fantasies of the man who gave her life but not his presence. Her journey from childhood to womanhood becomes a quest for something every child deserves—a father's love and acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Joromi builds the respectable life he always thought he wanted, but the ghost of his decisions haunts the margins of his achievements.

"Scarlet Birthright" is a powerful exploration of family bonds that transcend borders and conventional definitions. As father and daughter navigate their complicated connection, both must confront uncomfortable truths: Can Joromi honor his father's legacy while acknowledging the child he left behind? Can Trisha find wholeness without the validation she seeks? This emotional narrative challenges readers to examine the true meaning of responsibility, the price of respectability, and whether it's ever too late to reclaim what was abandoned.

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EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"A touching love story that beautifully explores the complexities of life, family bonds, and death." — Reedsy Discovery (Kennedy Odindo)

"So vivid and alive the writing is, it drags you into the heat of Trinidad's dry season without mercy." — Literary Titan

"A riveting tale about love, family, and figuring out where you belong." — Readers’ Favorite (Natasha Jackson)

"An enchanting and richly detailed tale that will draw readers into a world filled with intense emotional depth and cultural intrigue." — Readers’ Favorite (Makeda Cummings)

"The book is so entertaining, it feels like taking a trip in a book—from music to food to spiritual beliefs." — eBookFairs (Scovia Odek)

"A story of intergenerational pain and transformation that carries readers into the roots of Trinidad, rich with traditions and culture." — onlinebookcluborg (Elavarasi Charles)

Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming Of Age, Family Saga, Historical Fiction

180 pages, Hardcover

Published March 24, 2025

About the author

Hi everyone! I’m Scarlet Ibis James, an award-winning author and storyteller based in New York City. I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and that Caribbean rhythm runs through everything I write—the language, the humor, the pulse of community, and the courage it takes to love imperfectly.

My fiction explores the many faces of love—romantic love, family bonds, friendship, and the complicated work of loving ourselves. I write about ordinary people facing difficult truths, second chances, and the quiet decisions that shape a life.

Readers often tell me my stories leave them thinking about their own relationships long after the last page. That means everything to me. I believe storytelling can help us see each other more clearly, and sometimes even heal what we’ve carried for years.

If you enjoy character-driven fiction, conversations about love and family, and stories that feel honest, tender, and a little hopeful, you’re in the right place. 🌺

Recent Honors:

2025 IAN Book of the Year Award Winner – Novella NYC Big Book Award Winner – Multicultural Fiction International Firebird Book Awards – First Place (African American Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Best for Provoking Philosophical Discussions) Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Fiction International Impact Book Award – Short Story Collection American Legacy Book Awards – Finalist (Multicultural Fiction) Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Three 5-Star Reviews

Reviews

[BookOfCinz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong story about a Caribbean family.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Birthright is the follow up to the story contained in "Scarlet Yearnings" - "The First Time I Met My Father" (which I haven't read but will). It is a stunningly beautiful short novel.

We begin with Joromi Enoch, a young Trinidadian man who loves to DJ and isnt following the sensible and sober path his father wishes for him. At a party he meets and becomes besotted by Trisha Sacks, a vibrantly beautiful but wild young woman.

However, despite the love he has Joromi is persuaded to follow his father's wish and dumps Trisha to marry Margaret and go to America to make his fortune. But he will be leaving much more than his mother and father behind.

It has been a while since I've read such a beautiful book. The writing is superb. I wanted to dash through this incredible piece of work but forced myself to slow down, to savour it. It was not easy.

The characters are so vivid; the splashes of red, Trisha's favourite colour, are strewn throughout. It feels like a book written in high definition.

Very highly recommended. I can hardly wait to read more by this writer.

[Britni Pepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Birthright
Review: Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind by Scarlet Ibis James

I said, as soon as I saw a sample of her writing, that Scarlet Ibis James was a writer worth watching and her career since then has deepened and confirmed my initial impression.

I have just read her soon-to-be-released novella and I am still looking forward to whatever comes next. Scarlet’s powers grow.

Last year, her collection of short stories was launched to glowing reviews, not least from me.

Stories, like children, sometimes choose their own paths.

The extraordinary lead story The First Time I Met my Father - four-hundred beautifully-chosen words - set the scene for the book. Passion, yearning, creativity, imagination, and above all a firm grip on the heart.

A story that lifted up and crushed down in just a few pages. Clearly there was more behind these moments in the life of a five-year-old.

And now we learn the backstory, the setting, the characters, and the future.

That small girl - Trisha - has parents, grandparents, friends, a sister and a few others, each with their own opinions, yearnings, and directions.

From four hundred words to 22 000, in a tightly-controlled unpacking of the original, and putting it all back together to create something richer, deeper, promising.

The author obviously put a great deal of thought and consideration into hearing what her characters were telling her. How they had their own stories to tell beyond the sense of abandonment and hurt of a five-year-old.

And yet, this longer, wider, deeper story is not forced. It hangs true. We feel the emotions of each character and we understand their choices, even if we ourselves do not approve.

Like life itself - messy, tangled, surprising - Birthright puts us in the shoes and souls of a family with drama and differences.

Like the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, these characters move through distinct seasons that shape their experiences... Each chapter in this story is marked by these seasons, not just as measures of time but as mirrors of the characters’ inner weather.

This story hangs on the years and the seasons of the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. We feel the heat, the rain, the cycles of life.

We also taste the food, hear the music, see the people and their places, their dreams and joys and traditions.

Scarlet Ibis James has set her characters deftly in a wider community. People from many origins creating an organic society that is a long way from any settled, hide-bound, drear background. Like one of the spicy island dishes, this story is full of ingredients that sing together, creating a harmony of delight.

Forget the fabled fish dish that ensures a return. I want to go there right now to be a part of the magic!

There are words in a glossary, each one a little sparkle of island life and community, each one a taste of a tangy, tantalising experience.

How those who move away must yearn for their home!

The lure of employment, education, money, all these are currents pulling the people away. How do they deal with the inevitable tugs in the homeward direction? Desires that escape the ledger of practicality, things that cannot be measured in numbers or logic, but are every bit as influential in life’s journey as mountains or seas or bank balances.

Lost in watching her, I’d forgotten about the record spinning on my turntable. The music cut off abruptly — the telltale scratch of silence made every head in a party turn toward the DJ.

The details bring the reader into the story as well as into the space. Scarlet shows rather than tells all the way through. Little giveaways like a DJ focused on a pretty girl.

A man in the story plants a tree when his son is born. Years later the smell of the fruit is a poignant reminder of the loss and the mistakes. And the sweetness of memory.

The ripples of the original short-short expand in this novella and are joined by others. Water flows through the story. As rain, as tears, as a river. It pays to give attention to the flow of the story and to each little artfully described detail. The reader is immersed in the life, the emotions, the characters, the choices.

To my readers who asked for this story, thank you for your curiosity and faith. To these characters who refused to remain silent, thank you for trusting me with your truths. And to all those who open these pages, I invite you to discover how one summer’s passion in Port of Spain in 1969 ripples through time to touch a daughter’s heart in 1991 and, perhaps, to touch your own heart, too.

Thank you, Scarlet Ibis James, for drawing out the original story and making it so much more in every way.

The questions are resolved, the tensions explored, the pulls of desires and yearnings and choices laid out into a dynamic whole.

There is sadness, disappointment and loss in these pages. It is not a straightforward sunny holiday in the tropics. There are storms and tears and not every thread is neatly wrapped up.

We have to work a little to get the full flavour. This is a story that rewards re-reading to pick up the nuances missed the first - or second - time around.

This is a great story, this is fiction done well, this is a book full of richness and surprise. I would love to see it as a movie; I think it would work well, filmed in the bright Caribbean.

That is what they left behind: not an ending, but a beginning.

In the end, a new character provides a twist in the tail, giving us a satisfying ending and a look at a new beginning. I suspect that we are not yet done with these characters and this setting.

[Disclaimer: the writer received an Advanced Reading Copy for review. My opinions are my own and not directed in any way. I liked this story very much because it is a bloody good one!]

[Foxglove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t 100 percent sure what to expect from ‘Scarlet Birthright’, as I haven’t read many similar stories, but I’m very glad I decided to take a chance on this book because I truly enjoyed reading.

To begin with, the writing style flows very well, making it easy to get into the story. Descriptions are effective and detailed without feeling overdone, allowing the reader to visualise key details without feeling like there’s too much input. It feels as though you can hear, see, and smell everything that the characters are, which was wonderful.

I also loved the overall plot and the idea behind this book. I loved exploring the story through time, seeing all these different events and aspects. I think it would have been too much for a novel but worked incredibly well for a novella.

The characters are mostly distinct, and you can tell who is talking most of the time. It was great to experience different perspectives. I did unfortunately have some difficulties, though, and I’m not sure I would have been able to puzzle out the difference between a few of the characters if I covered up the names and just looked at the dialogue. Some of the conversations had me a little lost and I had to go back and reread, which was a shame.

As a small side note, I absolutely love the cover and I feel it works well.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a quick but lovely read, especially if you’re interested in the subject matter. Even if this isn’t your usual book, give it a go. It might surprise you.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a celebration of family love and an exploration of parental abandonment at the same time. There was so much that I loved about it. In fact, I fell in love at the start. Consider the sensuality in the very first scene:

"Every conversation came to a jarring stop like a needle yanked off a spinning record. No armor could defend me from what happened next. Her. She sashayed into the fête, pausing in the doorway where the yellow porch light caught her silhouette. Her massive Afro, a halo of dark, untamed power, glowed, seeming to catch and trap the dim light of the room. The ceiling fan spun lazily overhead, stirring the air thick with music and cigarette smoke, but she stood perfectly still, like she owned the moment."

A few lines later:

"A barely-there red mini-dress clung to her curves, skimming her shoulders, teasing the small swell of her breasts, and stopping just shy of scandal. It hugged her in a way that broke every rule — and made my nineteen-year-old self glad it did."

And I loved the mysticism of the closing scenes which took me by surprise and moved me to tears.
In between that beginning and the ending I didn’t want to put it down. Scarlet manages to tell the story of Trisha’s estrangement from her father from four sympathetic perspectives, sealed triumphantly by a fifth – that of Trisha’s mother at the end.

Though Joromi is a coward and the author didn’t apologise for him, he too is written with compassion. Joromi’s wife Margaret, though hostile to including little Trisha into her family circle, is written in such a way that it’s hard to judge her harshly.

I loved the everyday eroticism between Joromi and Margaret and the dialogue between Joromi’s parents as they raise little Trisha.

I enjoyed the many lines of sparkling writing.

Here’s one:

"Where the other girl had been all raucous rhythm and uncertain tomorrows, my wife was sheet music perfectly composed."

All the details knit tightly together, beginning with the dedication and epigraph which were a perfect start to the story that followed:

"To the spirits who keep vigil over my shoulders, To the stories that refuse to sleep, And to the children who inherit their parents’ silences and songs."

“We’ll have to leave the baby behind.” —Sonia Nazario, Enrique’s Journey

I often joke that novelists who hail from Trinidad and Tobago find it hard to write a book that doesn’t include racism, political corruption, crime and the desire to escape the island. Scarlet Ibis James, a Trinidadian-American, managed to avoid most of these – with the exception of ‘escape.’

Joromi and Margaret migrate to the United States to make a better life for themselves, leaving Trisha behind, practising a pattern well-known to so many of us who grew up in the Caribbean and were left behind with aunties and grannies, with or without the promise of being ‘sent for.’

Rishi and Trisha seem destined to be a mixed-race couple, and though subtle, this is arguably an anti-racist element of the novel in itself. Working against the perpetual Trini novelist’s theme of ‘escape’ is Rishi’s quiet belief that he can build a life and fulfil his dreams without escaping the island.

Difficulty can scar and gnarl but it’s also true that sometimes our difficulties can stimulate our growth. This novella ends on an uplifting note, where forgiveness and love make space for the self-belief that leads to better choices.

I received an ARC copy from the author through Booksprout and I’m sharing here freely my honest and enthusiastic review. I do recommend Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind.

[Patrice Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the continuation of Scarlet's story. The introduction of the characters made them relatable and personable. I was cheering for them all to get what they desired. The descriptions of the food and culture brought me into the story even more and the island of Trinidad was another character in the story. This book is a light beach read but yet thought-provoking and resonated with me long after it was over. It encourages you to examine your own origin story and how it has shaped your life. I look forward to reading other books from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samira Rao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! What a beautiful story!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

OK to summarise how I felt reading this without any spoilers…. This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you emotionally when you’re not expecting it. Like, you think you’re just reading a story about family… and suddenly you’re sitting there questioning everything.

It’s all about messy family relationships (the real kind, not the fun drama kind you see on TV but like raw you know), especially the impact of a dad leaving and how that sticks with his daughter. There’s this strong theme throughout about how “what people leave behind isn’t just things, it’s feelings,” and that really sums up the whole book.

The characters feel very real, flawed, frustrating, but very much believable. And the Caribbean setting adds so much life to it, it was refreshing I loved it!

It drags a little in places, but overall it’s emotional, relatable, and definitely worth reading.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book 😍

[Alice Heritage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tale of love on many levels.
Trisha is left in Trinidad to be raised by grandparents while her father Joromi is striving to build a life in the USA. He wants to show his love by providing for her - but what can this mean to a child? All he can ask during a transatlantic phone call is what her favourite colour is.
The colour red is ... well ... a red thread running through this book. Do its many shades represent love or passion, or is it just gaudy and fickle?
Colour is only one of the sensual details in this beautifully written book, which is redolent with the spicy dishes and steelpan rhythms of its Trinidad setting. The language of the island can also be heard - the dialect words are defined in a glossary at the back, though as the author suggested, I allowed the context to guide me as I read; the glossary just added depth when I got there.
For this book works on many levels of relations and family ties, showing the agony of decisions parents and lovers must make. It was relatable, sometimes bringing a tear to my eye as I remembered the tug of war between job opportunities and children's needs.
I appreciated that it was a quick read that still had robust underpinnings. I just found some characters and plots a little sparse at times ... the author may wish to let her characters talk a little more. Their points of view brought the story to life, but for example, in Joromi's chapter at the beginning, I was unsure whether I was hearing his voice as a teenager or as an older man looking back.
This was the only minor potential area for improvement in a lyrical and loveable book. I applaud the author's boldness with the ending. She pulled it off - read it and find out! It can be a tear-jerker but is never a downer, and it's highly recommend as a coming-of-age tale and especially for those interested in stories about the Caribbean, particularly Trinidad.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chelsea Moorley Gittens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Birthright: What they Left Behind: 5/5
A surprising and deeply emotional read…
Set between the island of Trinidad, all the way to the bustling streets of the USA, this novel weaves together generations of a family, broken apart by the decisions that each of them made and then mended together again, in an unexpected way. It’s a story of healing, forgiveness, trauma, passion, choices, love, heartache, acceptance, family…
It was an honor to be able to get to know the author a bit as well, she’s a kindred spirit whose writing I thoroughly enjoyed. My favorite part about the book is it did not end with anyone holding resentment and no one refusing to reconcile, all parties in some way, shape or form acknowledged each other and started a process of healing the generational trauma.

[Arlene Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say, I was able to see Scarlet in person on her Caribbean Book Tour in her home Country of Trinidad and Tobago. What a delightful person she is and a wonderful experience this was in the month of October. To see and listen to her read and share her stories was pure joy for booklovers.

The first book I read was Scarlet Yearning's which I was intrigued by because of the many stories about love and relationships. The story of Trisha meeting her father for the first time was touching, delicate and real in many ways, because I imagined that these encounters happen in the lives of children many times and despite the feeling of perhaps being "abandoned" what struck me is the longing for "approval" and acceptance from someone who has "left us" behind. I thought about the bond and ties of love that even when it is broken in many ways, and in complex situations the ties are still there and the yearning to be loved is rooted deep within us.

The stories of the other characters in the book, also give a snapshot of people's relationship and yes desire and yearning for love. Be it young love in the "honeymoon phase" or mature relationships which have endured the test of time and seasons. I wonder at the notion that for love to survive and thrive the "fire" must always be kept burring be it a slow burn or fiery blaze. Perhaps the answer is yes.

I did like Scarlet Yearnings, it made me smile, the cute guy in the black coat, the flirtations of the promise of what can be, and the steadiness of mature love, which goes beyond the "feeling" of love and enters the realm of deeper love which can be complex.

Scarlet Birthright, I read this book after, the order in which the books should be read. This was deeper and for me explored the characters expressions of love. I was reminded that "there is always two sides to a story" and people's actions can convey one thing, but hidden in the heart they may often feel another way. The father's story is a clear example of this.

The book delved deeper into the issues of abandonment, loss & death, choices, family, the will to live, race, religion and again the many facets and expression of love. While it seems "darker" sad even, there seems to be hope, in humanity when we see or understand the situation and viewpoint of the various characters.

My takeaway from both books is that love is deep and more potent than any emotion. Humans do things because and for love and it is unpredictable, unapologetic and all consuming. Therefore we sometimes cannot "judge" but seek to understand the motivation, which perhaps even we cannot grasp because it is personal and rooted in a passion we may never understand, but must accept and be more gracious about.

[KJ The Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind" was a journey I was taken on that I won't soon forget, and definitely falls into the 5 star read category.

The characters felt real. They felt well lived in. Upon finishing, I felt like I knew these characters, almost like if I tried hard enough, I could reach out and touch them. In Scarlet Birthright, like the seasons, we follow a family's ebbs and flows. Their wins, their losses, their faults and flaws. Scarlet Ibis James firmly tied this story into the seasons, which was a joy for me to read. People's aspirations and lives are not linear. It isn't constant progression toward our goals and aspirations. Sometimes life is messy. Sometimes it is quiet and calm. Sometimes, it is totally heart breaking. This novella has all of the moments that make life so beautiful... the ups, the downs, love and loss and everything in between, coupled with emotionally complex individuals that are universally recognizable across the human spectrum.

The prose was gorgeous. It actually took me a few days to get through the whole thing despite it being novella length, mainly because I am not used to being led on quite a journey of love and loss at the same time. The emotional impact hit me squarely in the chest each time I picked this up (it's a good thing, I promise.) I really am such a sucker for anything that has the depth to make me put it down and stop to think and reflect.

I will be revisiting this over and over again. The life lessons and Trinidad culture are expertly woven into each sentence. You really can feel every single success and plight. Every beat, and flower petal fall.

Thank you so much to NetGalley the author, and publisher for the e-ARC. This book is going to be one that is going to stick with me for a very long time.

[ajournalforbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joromi is 19, a popular deejay that stumbles upon Trisha at one of his gigs. Her airy fairy, go with the flow personality, captivates him. Yet the voice of his father keeps taunting him, as a young man, he must settle, get focused and make something of himself. So he tells himself Trisha was just a fling.

Proposes to Margaret, the sure choice that would gain his parents approval and they would migrate to the U.S.A. That is until Trisha returns with a bump and baby, scared Joromi makes false promises and runs away with Margaret to never return.

The story follows Trisha, Trisha and Joromi’s daughter, growing up under the loving care of her grandparents. A mother lost during childbirth and a father she hears of, but never truly knows. Her navigation of those emotions and the choices she makes to lead her down a different path than her parents.

Her story reeled me in and I found myself wanting to know more. Looking at the repeated cycles on Margaret’s end, doing to a child what she herself succumbed at a young age. Joromi, always claiming he would do better but never truly doing better. Grandparents, giving up their future to ensure their granddaughter has a future herself and stepping up when Joromi ran away.

James weaves a beautiful tale of heartache, abandonment, fear, forgiveness and healing. As Mary rightfully says, “Life wasn’t always about perfect choices… it was about owning the imperfect ones and trying to do better.”

[Samantha Marquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Read for Anyone Figuring Life Out
Okay, so I just finished "Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind" by Scarlet Ibis James, and I had to immediately write this review. Seriously, it hit me in all the feels. I gave it five stars because it completely exceeded my expectations!
The story centers on this idea of generational trauma and the secrets that get passed down in families, which, honestly, is super relatable in your early twenties. You're trying to figure out your own life while also processing everything your parents, and their parents, went through. The way the author handled the protagonist’s journey to uncover her heritage and understand her family's silence was so authentic.
It’s fast-paced but also really thought-provoking. I was highlighting passages about self-discovery and destiny almost every few chapters. It's not just a typical drama; it has this deep, almost mythical feel to it that made me keep turning the pages late into the night. It felt like a mirror in a lot of ways—making me question what my family left behind.
If you’re looking for a book that has a strong female lead, rich cultural atmosphere, and a story that makes you think about your own path, seriously, add this to your TBR list. It’s perfect for a book club discussion or just a cozy weekend read. Obsessed.

Spoilers? Nope! This is totally spoiler-free. 😉

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Read for Anyone Figuring Life Out

Okay, so I just finished "Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind" by Scarlet Ibis James, and I had to immediately write this review. Seriously, it hit me in all the feels. I gave it five stars because it completely exceeded my expectations!
The story centers on this idea of generational trauma and the secrets that get passed down in families, which, honestly, is super relatable in your early twenties. You're trying to figure out your own life while also processing everything your parents, and their parents, went through. The way the author handled the protagonist���s journey to uncover her heritage and understand her family's silence was so authentic.
It’s fast-paced but also really thought-provoking. I was highlighting passages about self-discovery and destiny almost every few chapters. It's not just a typical drama; it has this deep, almost mythical feel to it that made me keep turning the pages late into the night. It felt like a mirror in a lot of ways—making me question what my family left behind.
If you’re looking for a book that has a strong female lead, rich cultural atmosphere, and a story that makes you think about your own path, seriously, add this to your TBR list. It’s perfect for a book club discussion or just a cozy weekend read. Obsessed.

Spoilers? Nope! This is totally spoiler-free. 😉

[Eruore Ekpoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind (The Scarlet Yearnings Collection Book 2) by Scarlet Ibis James is a unique masterpiece. The story follows the emotional fallout of a passionate but broken love affair between Joromi, a young Trinidadian man, and a fearless woman who bears his child. Joromi is faced with making a difficult choice between ambition or obligation and love. As he builds a new life in another city, he is haunted by a sense of regret. On the other hand, his daughter grows up navigating the pain of abandonment with quiet resilience. But would this mistake of a past ever be reconcilable? The book confronts uncomfortable truths about abandonment and forgiveness while celebrating the resilience of those left behind. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because of its emotional complexity and exploration of identity. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy literary fiction that is rich in cultural texture and emotional resonance.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gem of a novelette from Scarlet Ibis James was a revelation, and it may even be the first audio book I have ever finished, thanks to the vibrant voice actors in Le-Georgia Chambers & Richard Ragoobarsingh who perform these intergenerational characters masterfully! As an Indo-Trinidadian woman who settled on Turtle Island decades ago in 1999, I can count on only one hand the few times that fictional work reminds me of some aspect of my experience, but Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind now tops the list! And if that were not incredible enough, the author's skillful writing craft is such a joy to behold that I know I will be returning to her lyrical words for years after my initial completion of the book.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just start by saying—whew, chile, this book grabbed my soul, braided its hair, gave it coconut oil and a steelpan soundtrack, and told it to sit down and listen.

Scarlet Ibis James delivers a rich, multigenerational, Caribbean coming-of-age saga that’s as lyrical as it is layered. Scarlet Birthright is not just a story—it’s an emotional excavation of legacy, longing, and the complicated inheritance of love and silence. Set primarily in Trinidad and Tobago and pulsing with the dual seasons of the islands—dry and rainy—it follows Joromi, Margaret, Trisha, and a host of beautifully complicated characters navigating identity, diaspora, and desire across decades.

We start with Joromi, a young, swagger-filled DJ who thinks he's God’s gift to vinyl and women. Spoiler: he is not. But he's trying, and his journey from island bad boy to regretful husband and absent father is both infuriating and heartbreakingly human. Enter the girl—his firecracker of a summer fling who changes the entire trajectory of his life (and then dips in the most tragic way possible). I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say, she deserved a parade, not heartbreak.

Margaret, Joromi’s wife, could’ve had her own novella. A character equal parts sharp and soft, she is the embodiment of emotional contradiction—jealous of a dead woman, angry at a child that’s not hers, and yet still trying to protect the future she worked so hard to build. You’ll want to hug her, slap her, and send her to therapy. Sometimes all at once.

And then there’s Mary—Joromi’s mother and the story’s moral compass. Sis is a ride-or-die granny who chooses love, even when it's inconvenient. She deserves all the oxtail and accolades.

James writes with poetic elegance, interweaving Trini dialect and cultural nuance so seamlessly you’ll feel like you’re eavesdropping on your neighbor’s veranda. There are moments where the prose slows down, sure, but it’s never dull—it’s deliberate, like seasoning stewing on low heat. Every character, no matter how flawed, is rendered with grace, and the emotional payoff is deeply earned.

Thematically, this book tackles fatherhood, womanhood, generational trauma, migration, and the eternal question of what we owe to those who came before us. It’s heavy in parts, tender in others, and always honest.

Rating: 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

If you enjoy Caribbean literature, family dramas with bite, and narratives that punch you in the chest and then hug you after—this is a must-read. Don’t just read it. Feel it. And when you’re done, call your grandma. Or at least text her. Trust me.

Spice level: Mild but emotionally intense. Like scotch bonnet in soup—not the focus, but it leaves a lasting heat.

TL;DR: Scarlet Birthright is a gorgeously told tale of messy families, missed chances, and the aching beauty of imperfect love. Bring tissues. And doubles.

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Birthright is a raw, emotional novella about love, abandonment, regret, and redemption. Set between Trinidad and New York from the late 1960s to the early 1990s, it tells the story of Joromi, a young DJ whose summer romance leads to heartbreak, a hidden daughter, and lifelong consequences. Across shifting seasons and continents, James stitches together the lives of Joromi, Margaret, Trisha, and their families, weaving a tale about choices that echo through generations. It's messy, real, and haunting in the best way.

One thing that hit me right off the bat was how vivid and alive the writing is. The first chapter, where Joromi meets her at the party, practically sizzled off the page. James doesn’t just tell you that he’s struck dumb; you feel the sweat, the frangipani scent, the pounding heart when the mystery girl with the Afro walks in. That attention to atmosphere is a real strength. It dragged me into the heat of Trinidad's dry season without mercy. At times, the language was almost overwhelmingly rich, dense, and luxuriant, like indulging in a second slice of chocolate cake despite already being full, but ultimately, it remained deeply satisfying.

Emotionally, this book gutted me. Joromi's slow-motion car crash of choices, breaking things off, lying to himself, chasing an American dream while abandoning his roots, felt so human it was painful. The scene where he learns about the death of Trisha’s mother broke me. He crumples onto the kitchen floor, and even though he deserves the gut punch, you can’t help but ache for him. James captures grief and guilt in a way that’s too real. It's messy and selfish and confused, just like real people. That said, there were moments when I wanted to shake Joromi until his teeth rattled. I mean, come on, man, your daughter’s right there!

What stood out even more was the women. Margaret, in particular, was complicated and, frankly, sometimes pretty hard to like. But that's what made her fascinating. When she tells Joromi, “Just don’t bring her into this house,” after learning about Trisha, my stomach twisted. I hated her. I understood her. James doesn’t try to make any woman a saint or a villain. They’re just...human, battered by life and culture and their own fears. It’s messy in a way that polished, sanitized novels rarely dare to be.

Scarlet Birthright is a story for anyone who knows that love isn’t always enough, that choices leave scars, and that healing takes more than just time; it takes courage. I’d especially recommend it to readers who like intergenerational family dramas, emotionally complex characters, and writing so lush it feels like stepping into another world. Bring tissues, and maybe a little grace for the characters you’ll love and hate all at once.

[kennedy Omondi Odindo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s all love at first sight for Joromi the day a beautiful girl walks right up to him. A whirlwind of fun and pleasure then ensues. Except Joromi has some misgivings while the girl remains adventurous, throwing all the care in the wind. Fortunately for Joromi, he is able to make the right choice between a woman who is ready to settle down and a girl still engrossed in the joys of youth. In summary, Scarlet Ibis James' novel, Birthright: What They Left Behind explores the complexities of life, the bonds of family, death, and, most importantly, it tells a touching love story.

“At your age, I was already working two jobs. Had my place. Was planning my future.” Cecil tells his son, Joromi, a sentiment that resonates with many parents today because most young people often behave as though time will wait for them. Scarlet vividly captures this by focusing on the confrontation between Joromi and his dad. Cecil doesn’t consider being a DJ anything but a total waste of time; Joromi, on the other hand, likes to make people happy, hang out with them, enjoying every moment of it.

The book also beautifully captures the theme of family. Our families face various challenges—sometimes we are happy, and other times we are not; death sometimes painfully takes our loved ones away; and sometimes those we care about live far from us. Jiromi’s parents, despite their many years of marriage, are deeply in love, supporting each other and setting an admirable example. While Joromi’s marriage to Margaret isn't always smooth, particularly when it comes to discussions about Trisha—Joromi’s daughter who is living in Trinidad with his parents—they manage to navigate their issues together.

Scarlet's writing style is simple yet unique, with each word reflecting the characters' pain, joy, and their drive to persevere despite obstacles. When Trisha reflects on her life, her pain is palpable, and readers find themselves empathizing with her perspective. Although Margaret's refusal to allow Trisha to live in her home may be contentious, many readers can understand her stance, as it is a position that resonates with many wives. Additionally, Mary’s affection for Trisha embodies the typical love expected from a grandmother toward her granddaughter.

Consequently, Birthright will appeal to readers who enjoy romance and stories centered around family dynamics.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Birthright is a hauntingly lyrical and emotionally rich debut that traces the echoes of abandonment across generations. Scarlet Ibis James weaves a powerful family saga rooted in the Caribbean diaspora, where ancestral memory, cultural identity, and the ache of absence converge into a story that is as intimate as it is epic. At the heart of the novel is Trisha, a young woman growing up in Trinidad, shaped by the gaping void left by her father, Joromi Enoch—a man who fled to America for safety, leaving behind his pregnant lover and the consequences of his choice. What follows is not just Trisha’s journey to make sense of her fractured inheritance, but a sweeping exploration of how the past lives within us, whether through silence, grief, or longing.

James’s prose is vibrant and poetic, steeped in Trinidadian flavor and spiritual nuance. From street corners in Port of Spain to soul-searching moments in Harlem, she guides readers through a multi-layered narrative of reckoning and resilience. The writing hums with ancestral energy, where the voices of African spirits linger in the air and the weight of generational trauma is felt in the rhythm of each sentence.

What makes this novel particularly poignant is its raw honesty. It doesn’t flinch from the pain of parental abandonment or the complications of migration, yet it offers healing through reflection, connection, and storytelling. The characters are richly drawn, their struggles and strengths familiar to anyone who has navigated identity, displacement, or inherited wounds.

Trisha’s emotional odyssey is not just about understanding her father’s decision, but about reclaiming her worth and rewriting her own legacy. Her journey reminds us that even in the wake of betrayal, beauty and strength can bloom. James doesn’t offer easy redemption—but she does offer hope, which is perhaps more powerful.

Scarlet Birthright is a lyrical, deeply moving novel that honors both personal and collective histories. It marks the arrival of a fresh literary voice—one that speaks for the silenced, sings for the departed, and writes with the heartbeat of home.

[Brenda Aviles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc of Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind and it really captures the complexities of hard decisions that often leave children in the middle. Family dynamics and relationships can be complex but add youth, fear, ambition, pressure, an unexpected baby and cultural expectations to the mix and you end up paralyzed and with potentially irreparable regrets. James reveals all perspectives in this family saga in a way that makes room for insight, compassion and forgiveness despite the missed opportunities for redemption. Can Trisha forgive? Is Joromi redeemable? This novella provided a perspective I was unwilling to look at as it had become so trite but James breathes compassion and beauty as Joromi navigates unchartered territories.
She taps into our frail humanity and how the choices made in youth have long standing painful consequences. Choices made based on the lies we tell ourselves to justify running from the good as much as the bad. The beauty and sounds of the Caribbean serve as the backdrop along with the love of a grandmother that help carry and shape a life lived and a life lost. A quick read that's hard to put down. Beautifully written with the setting itself holding the characters as they grow.

[Joseph Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

James’ beautifully penned novella is steeped in metaphor, foreshadowing, and symbolism all reverberating off overarching themes of life, love, courage, and cowardice through generations of a Trinidadian family.

The author wastes no words in realizing her work, making exacting use of everything –mythology, music, culture, weather, seasons, cascadura fish, frangipani trees, colors, kiskadee birds, and even mosquito bites to unite her themes into an elegant and poetic opus that echoes the tropical breezes and Caribbean rhythms of Trinidad.

James’ lyrical tale reads like an imagistic poem comprised of sentences which are themselves like vivid, striking haikus. Here is a sampling:
“Every conversation came to a jarring stop like a needle yanked off a spinning record.”
“Her kisses tasted like rum and freedom, and I found myself wanting to lose myself in both.”
"…watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of guilt and grace."
“White petals with yellow centers scattered across the ground like stars fallen to earth, their sweet perfume mixing with the morning breeze.”

Scarlet Birthright is a must read for all lovers of language and literature, and anyone who enjoys a well-told tale.

[Tarang Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating edit: 3.5 stars.


There’s something about the writing styles of certain writers. You can’t put your finger on exactly what it is. In this book, in a paragraph, you know the boy is dangerously attracted to the girl he saw for the first time, in a scene you feel the spark between them. In one conversation, you know the couple is deeply respectful of each other and so much in love.

The story and the storytelling gripped me from the very first page. I liked the descriptions that created nice imagery; and insights that made me think. It’s a short book, with short chapters, thus an easy read for me.

Two things that left me unsatisfied. First, I think Trisha’s mother's point of view was too important to ignore. How did she feel? Her bonding with Joromi’s parents. I missed that.
And the ending. It was a bit too philosophical and somewhat unclear. Trisha’s mother's brief pov at the end wasn’t impactful for me. Joromi —I liked him in the first few chapters but later, I totally disconnected with his character. Probably that’s why his letters and final appearance didn’t affect me as deeply as they should have.

Overall, it was a nicely written and engaging novella.

[Fran Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind is one of those novels that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go. Scarlet Ibis James writes with such colour and depth that the world of Trinidad feels fully alive — not just described, but experienced. The heat, the rhythm, the everyday textures of life there all come through in a way that feels effortless.
What really stood out for me, though, were the characters. They’re drawn with a kind of honesty that makes them feel like real people rather than fictional creations. Their choices aren’t simple, and James doesn’t shy away from showing the weight of those decisions or the internal debates that shape them. You get to sit inside their thought processes, understand their fears, and feel the tug of their loyalties.
It’s a story that balances atmosphere with emotional truth, and it does so beautifully. By the end, I felt as though I’d lived alongside these characters — and I was genuinely sad to leave them behind.
A five‑star read for me: rich, engaging, and full of heart.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Scarlet Ibris James' book, Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind, was a compellingly gripping story of loss, pain, growth, and forgiveness. I loved it and could not put down until the last page. This book dealt with real issues, like unwed pregnancy, abandonment, dreams deferred, choices, and being an expat, but in a unique way. The use of dry season, rainy seasons and the harsh cold of winter as chapter headings as you delved into each character's life was deep. Though we may not agree with the behaviors of her character's, Ms. James painted a clear picture of each character, enabling the reader to understand what drove their choices and actions. It encourages us to not be so judgmental of other people, and to give them and ourselves a little grace.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Невена Паскалева · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a feast for the senses—so full of colors, scents, and textures that I could almost feel Trinidad around me. I knew nothing about the place before reading, but the book pulled me right in. At first, the setting feels bright and easygoing, almost carefree, but underneath, there's a deeply emotional story about choices, regret, and what happens when you ignore your true passion.
Jerome’s journey—from a laid-back DJ to a man stuck in a life that was supposed to be ‘serious’—feels so real it hurts. And by the time he realizes what he lost, it’s too late.
The novel is both sensual and heartbreaking, a reminder that chasing stability can sometimes mean giving up the very things that make life worth living.
Five out of five stars from me!

[Shaniqua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was such a tender and romantic novella. So beautifully written and evocative. Each love story was told carefully, weaving another layer into the story. I loved sitting with Joromi and watching him fall in love, as well as way Mary was secure in her love, and then seeing Trisha at the beginning of her own love story. The mentions of Caribbean food and drinks made me miss home, and this whole collection of stories miss the sides of the Caribbean I grew up with that rarely get written about. The ordinary day to day of just existing. I loved these characters and the time I spent with them.

[jada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its been days since ive finished this book and I cannot stop thinking about it.

Scarlet Birthright follows the unfortunate love story between Joromi and Trisha. What started off as love at first sight slowly gets ruined because of doubt and uncertainty.

This novel is based in Trinidad and brings that culture into the book which I love.

This was a very quick but beautiful and heartbreaking read. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I kept reading and reading until it was done, in one sitting.
The author gave us just enough to feel connected with the story and the characters. I absolutely loved this book and it has definitely put this author on the map for me to watch out for.

[Triniece · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so beautifully written. As a Trinidadian/Jamaican-American, it touched me more than I could have imagined.

At its core, this book explores many different forms of love, all with the understanding that love is always worth the risk—no matter what kind it is. Throughout the story, we see each character take that risk in their own way, choosing love even when it’s uncertain or difficult.

What stood out most to me is how the story shows that love transcends time and distance. It lingers, it evolves, and it connects people in ways that can’t always be explained.

A truly moving and meaningful read.