Going Back Home

by Vernella Fuller

"Joy inhaled deeply, breathing in the smells, the sights, and sounds. There was so much to absorb; the hibiscus hedges surrounding the white bungalows, their elegant canopies warding off the fiercest heat from the verandas. The big mango tree by the corner well laden with green fruits and the odd yellow one, half-hidden among the leaves… Esmine stood underneath the bus shelter shifting about restlessly, squinting against the glare of the sun. She put on her sunglasses, almost breaking them in her irritation. They slid down her sweaty nose. She grabbed them off and jammed them into the side of her bag. The constant dust was getting into her eyes. She dreaded the thought of the way her clothes must look. Her hair!" Joy loves Jamaica. Like her father she can smell the richness of the earth and feel the power of her people’s history and traditions. To them, Jamaica is the only place that can be called home. Her sister Esmine, like her mother, is used to Britain. She and her mother hold passionately to the view that they have fought for their place in British society and cannot conceive of anywhere else as home. Set in England during the early 1980s, Going Back Home is a powerful story of love, rivalry, religious fundamentalism and belonging. It charts the British-born sisters and their close friends as they navigate the challenges of British society on their quest to realise their sense of belonging. Joy’s and Esmine’s family is very close knit but can they survive the pressures of divided loyalty?

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Vernella Fuller was born in Saint Catherine, Jamaica, in 1956. She is the second eldest of six siblings. Her parents immigrated to England in the early 1960s, and
she joined them in 1968. During those early years, Vernella was heavily influenced by her mother, Delceta, and her Grandmother Beatrice, both of whom instilled in her a great love for books, reading, and learning.

Vernella attended secondary school in South London and received an undergraduate degree from University of Sussex; a post-graduate teacher certificate from Goldsmiths, University of London; and masters and doctorate degrees from the Institute of Education, University College London.

Vernella taught history and sociology in secondary school and at college level in London and has been an entrepreneur and business owner. She was and remains an educator and advocate for learning and literacy. In the 1990s, she began writing stories and authoring books about the lives of people with British-Jamaican heritage.

In 2007, Vernella permanently returned to live in Jamaica.

Reviews

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had little to no expectation when I grabbed this book, but it turned out to be a gem. I must confess that at first I didn't know why Janet's character was there, being that she wasn't part of the family. But it all made sens afterwards. Here I am hoping there will be a sequel so we can see what become of Joy, maybe Joy and Lee ? What if Esmine had a thing for Janet beyond sisterhood ? I want more I want to see life in Jamaica... Please give this baby a try it's worth the read.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a stressful read. I was so caught up in each of the characters' lives that I am still worried about how everything will turn out for them.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is of Jamaican heritage I love the issues raised by the book.

More though, I love how the description and writing really recalls the Caribbean experience - both in the UK and Jamaica.

It's accessible, refreshing and powerful.

Great book.