The Armstrong Trilogy: From the Heat of the Day/One Generation/Genetha

by Roy A.K. Heath

The Armstrong Trilogy collects in one volume, for the first time and as the author intended, three novels of acknowledged brilliance. Set in Georgetown, Cuyana, it chronicles the events within the Armstrong family and in the world at large that determine each individual's destiny. The story begins in "From the Heat of the Day" with the marriage of Sonny and Gladys Armstrong, and then follows the Armstrong children - the son, Rohan, in "One Generation," and the daughter in "Genetha" - as each tries to escape the family legacy of sadness and doom. Intense and moving, this remarkable saga is the work of a consummate storyteller in full command of his powers.

552 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

About the author

Roy Aubrey Kelvin Heath was from Guyana, where he attended the Central High School. He came to England at age 24 to read modern languages at London University. He was a teacher from 1959, and was called to the English Bar in 1964, and the Guyana Bar in 1973.

His first novel, published in 1974, was A Man Come Home, and his 1978 novel, The Murderer won the Guardian Fiction Prize. The Shadow Bride (1988) made the Booker Prize shortlist, Kirkus Review commenting that, "It's hard to believe it didn't win."

Heath's writings were widely acclaimed, Arnon Adams calling him "truly one of the most brilliant story tellers ever"; Salman Rushdie described him as "a beautiful writer"; and Edward Blishen as "simply one of the most astonishingly good novelists of our time."

Heath died in London at the age of 81.

Reviews

[Nmdb22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't decide between 3 stars and 4 stars - interesting development of characters and true to life settings in Guyana. Being in Georgetown reading it, I finally went with 4 stars - though Roy Health has a rather grim view of life. not sure how appreciated the book would be by someone without a connection with Guyana

[AskNezka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this trilogy prior to visiting Georgetown Guyana 15 years ago. Very sad stories, and a bit depressing, but overall I think captured the heavy atmosphere of post-colonial aftermath in the Caribbean.