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What A Mother's Love Don't Teach You
At eighteen years old, Dinah gave away her baby son to the rich couple she worked for before they left Jamaica. They never returned. She never forgot him.
Eighteen years later, a young man comes from the US to Kingston. From the moment she sees him, Dinah never doubts - this is her son.
What happens next will make everyone question what they know and where they belong.
A powerful story of belonging, identity and inheritance, What a Mother's Love Don't Teach You brings together a blazing chorus of voices to evoke Jamaica's ghetto, dance halls, criminal underworld and corrupt politics, at the beating heart of which is a mother's unshakeable love for her son.
Eighteen years later, a young man comes from the US to Kingston. From the moment she sees him, Dinah never doubts - this is her son.
What happens next will make everyone question what they know and where they belong.
A powerful story of belonging, identity and inheritance, What a Mother's Love Don't Teach You brings together a blazing chorus of voices to evoke Jamaica's ghetto, dance halls, criminal underworld and corrupt politics, at the beating heart of which is a mother's unshakeable love for her son.
432 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 16, 2023
An engaging story that you will want to know the ending!
What A Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You is Sharma Taylor’d debut novel that explores regret, motherhood, love, violence, and trust. We meet Dinah who gave away her baby to a couple she was working for. In giving up her son, the couple promised to write and keep her abreast of his progress, that did not happen. Over a decade later, Dinah is working for another couple and who shows up but her son and his adoptive parents- except her son does not know of her and the couple refuses to acknowledge. Dinah begins her first fight to have her son know her but in trying to know him, he falls into unlikely company that may have very disastrous effects.
If you’ve Kei Miller’s Augustown and appreciate how he tells a story then you will enjoy this. I really appreciated that the author told the story from many perspectives because it felt very engaging. I felt the story started very strong but really dragged in the middle. If I am being honest- the book never haffi suh long- a solid 150 pages could have been cut and this is where I ask my age old question, “where is the editor?” Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the storytelling I felt the author took too long to get to the climax and the ending felt a little rush. I did enjoy the historical look at Jamaica and I wanted more that that. Overall a solid debut- looking forward to what the author writes next.
What A Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You is Sharma Taylor’d debut novel that explores regret, motherhood, love, violence, and trust. We meet Dinah who gave away her baby to a couple she was working for. In giving up her son, the couple promised to write and keep her abreast of his progress, that did not happen. Over a decade later, Dinah is working for another couple and who shows up but her son and his adoptive parents- except her son does not know of her and the couple refuses to acknowledge. Dinah begins her first fight to have her son know her but in trying to know him, he falls into unlikely company that may have very disastrous effects.
If you’ve Kei Miller’s Augustown and appreciate how he tells a story then you will enjoy this. I really appreciated that the author told the story from many perspectives because it felt very engaging. I felt the story started very strong but really dragged in the middle. If I am being honest- the book never haffi suh long- a solid 150 pages could have been cut and this is where I ask my age old question, “where is the editor?” Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the storytelling I felt the author took too long to get to the climax and the ending felt a little rush. I did enjoy the historical look at Jamaica and I wanted more that that. Overall a solid debut- looking forward to what the author writes next.
July 7, 2022
This is Sharma Taylors's debut novel and whilst it was a bit of a step away from my usual reading choices, it wasn't long before I was totally captured by the writing style, the characters and the wonderfully described Kingston in Jamaica.
When Dinah gave away her baby to her employers just before they left Kingston for the States, she knew that she would never see him again in the flesh. However, she kept him close in her heart, never forgetting him and loving him always.
Eighteen years later, when Apollo arrives in Kingston from America, Dinah knows that this is her boy.
What follows is not just a story of a mother/son relationship, but a colourful and totally engrossing picture of 1980s Jamaica, with the contrasts between the rich and poor, the power of the criminal gangs and the corruption of politics at its heart.
The structure is unusual, with very short chapters, told in multiple voices, from varying points of view and also incorporating patois at times. This could be too complex to work, but Taylor is clearly a very talented writer and pulls it off with ease.
Each and every one of the characters have their own flaws which adds such depth to what could have been just a domestic, family-based story. Instead these vulnerabilities expose the characters, and the turmoil of the times in which they are living makes for a fascinating and educating read.
It's a long book at over 400 pages, but I seemed to fly through this one as each short chapter ended, I found myself wanting to read another, and another. Cheering on some characters and hoping that others got what they deserved.
Full of humanity, with themes of loss, retribution, identity and some violence, it's an excellent debut from an author to watch.
When Dinah gave away her baby to her employers just before they left Kingston for the States, she knew that she would never see him again in the flesh. However, she kept him close in her heart, never forgetting him and loving him always.
Eighteen years later, when Apollo arrives in Kingston from America, Dinah knows that this is her boy.
What follows is not just a story of a mother/son relationship, but a colourful and totally engrossing picture of 1980s Jamaica, with the contrasts between the rich and poor, the power of the criminal gangs and the corruption of politics at its heart.
The structure is unusual, with very short chapters, told in multiple voices, from varying points of view and also incorporating patois at times. This could be too complex to work, but Taylor is clearly a very talented writer and pulls it off with ease.
Each and every one of the characters have their own flaws which adds such depth to what could have been just a domestic, family-based story. Instead these vulnerabilities expose the characters, and the turmoil of the times in which they are living makes for a fascinating and educating read.
It's a long book at over 400 pages, but I seemed to fly through this one as each short chapter ended, I found myself wanting to read another, and another. Cheering on some characters and hoping that others got what they deserved.
Full of humanity, with themes of loss, retribution, identity and some violence, it's an excellent debut from an author to watch.
January 7, 2024
I loved big swathes of this one, but I also felt it had a few issues and I’ll tell you for why.
1) I didn’t believe at any point that this was set in the 80s. Bar a few limp references to some 80s rap icons and the omission of mobile phones there was literally nothing in the writing that made me believe this was 1980s Jamaica. It was modern day but the politics of the 80s
2) the character of Apollo was honestly vapid. I don’t think he felt believable and the choices he made were either really rushed/inexplicable and felt like plot devices rather than his actual story arc.
3) there was so much building up of a mystery around motherhood (for all of the characters not just the mainys) and loads of intentional(?) overlaps in people’s story’s that made you think for 400 pages that you would be getting a reveal. No such reveal came!!!! That’s not the worst thing in the world but I think there’s a way to write a story that doesn’t lead you on like that and still makes intelligent commentary on motherhood and belonging and loss.
Overall did enjoy though! Perfect for long bus rides through the tea country in Sri Lanka.
1) I didn’t believe at any point that this was set in the 80s. Bar a few limp references to some 80s rap icons and the omission of mobile phones there was literally nothing in the writing that made me believe this was 1980s Jamaica. It was modern day but the politics of the 80s
2) the character of Apollo was honestly vapid. I don’t think he felt believable and the choices he made were either really rushed/inexplicable and felt like plot devices rather than his actual story arc.
3) there was so much building up of a mystery around motherhood (for all of the characters not just the mainys) and loads of intentional(?) overlaps in people’s story’s that made you think for 400 pages that you would be getting a reveal. No such reveal came!!!! That’s not the worst thing in the world but I think there’s a way to write a story that doesn’t lead you on like that and still makes intelligent commentary on motherhood and belonging and loss.
Overall did enjoy though! Perfect for long bus rides through the tea country in Sri Lanka.
May 23, 2022
What A Mother's Love Don't Teach You by Sharma Taylor is the kind of book where you feel moved–spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, even– to read the Acknowledgements at the end of the book, hoping to find out more, hoping to live in Lazarus Gardens, where most of the story is set, hoping to interact with Dinah, Mama, Regina, and even Eddie (you will see what I mean when you read the book). It is the kind of 400-page book that you can finish in one night, prioritising it more than sleep because you know that even eight hours away from the pages would take you away from the obvious literary genius of Sharma Taylor. Every chapter, every page, every word springs a surprise. There are no story fillers here that lengthen the book. You are guaranteed 412 pages of absolute literary delight and the manner in which the author covers very difficult topics makes it a lot easier for the reader to understand Garrison, Jamaican and Caribbean life from the perspective of those who oppress as well as those who are oppressed. It is clear that the author spent tremendous time and effort in character development and she balanced them well in the story. You were familiarised with each character to the extent that you understood who they were and why they did what they did; you grew to love and hate, as Sharma puts it in the novel "the good, bad and ugly".
On this amazing journey through Lazarus Gardens and the lives of its inhabitants, you will come across themes of poverty and class inequality, racism, colonialism and neocolonialism, sex and sexual desires, love, the underbelly of tourism, corruption, rape, matriarchal and matrifocal familial relations in the Caribbean context, and the type of coming-of-age we don't typically expect in a novel. I have read many amazing books so far this year and I am so happy to have gotten my hands on this copy. It is now my favourite book of 2022 and it finds a place among the best books I have ever read.
On this amazing journey through Lazarus Gardens and the lives of its inhabitants, you will come across themes of poverty and class inequality, racism, colonialism and neocolonialism, sex and sexual desires, love, the underbelly of tourism, corruption, rape, matriarchal and matrifocal familial relations in the Caribbean context, and the type of coming-of-age we don't typically expect in a novel. I have read many amazing books so far this year and I am so happy to have gotten my hands on this copy. It is now my favourite book of 2022 and it finds a place among the best books I have ever read.
June 8, 2022
Jamaican lawyer Sharma Taylor's debut novel is outstanding. It's multi-layered, honest, complex, but touched with redemption. In a shade over 400 pages, Taylor weaves an often harrowing tale about life in 1980s Jamaica, which was colorful yet dangerous. Without giving any spoilers, I found the specific themes of loss, belonging, race, class, gender, injustice, neo-colonialism, and forgiveness adroitly dealt with. As she dealt with those issues, the arc of the story offers plenty of heart-pounding suspense. Well done.
July 9, 2022
This was a mixed bag for me. The novel has a really strong sense of place and brought Jamaica to life with multisensory, rich, vivid detail. The history, politics, crime and corruption were interesting and fleshed out further details about the island.
However, I felt that there were too many characters and because of this we did not land with any of them for long enough for me to feel attached to them. The only one I really cared for was Dinah but even then she still felt a little unreachable.
The plot pacing felt too quick, and whilst the novel was padded out with copious description and exploration of the issues of Jamaica, the bare bones of the story tripped through too lightly and lacked depth. This made me lose my attachment to the fate of the characters.
This novel was ambitious in its attempts to give a 3-dimensional insight into Jamaica and it's people, but didn't quite succeed in weaving this through compelling story.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
However, I felt that there were too many characters and because of this we did not land with any of them for long enough for me to feel attached to them. The only one I really cared for was Dinah but even then she still felt a little unreachable.
The plot pacing felt too quick, and whilst the novel was padded out with copious description and exploration of the issues of Jamaica, the bare bones of the story tripped through too lightly and lacked depth. This made me lose my attachment to the fate of the characters.
This novel was ambitious in its attempts to give a 3-dimensional insight into Jamaica and it's people, but didn't quite succeed in weaving this through compelling story.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
June 28, 2022
Sharma Taylor's debut novel has a simple premise: a mother gives up her son for adoption, and ten years later he comes back with his adoptive parents. What could easily have become a weepy novel about motherhood and family trauma is transformed into something more brilliant by its backdrop and execution.
The setting is Jamaica in the 1980s, and Taylor's novel, which shifts perspective through short chapters between a cast of characters - the mother, the son, the local gang leader, and more - with some of it written in Jamaican patois - to reveal a truly kaleidoscope portrait of a society in flux, of characters struggling to survive and making the most of what they have. It is a formidable debut, full of heart, and thoroughly recommended. She is a name to watch.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
The setting is Jamaica in the 1980s, and Taylor's novel, which shifts perspective through short chapters between a cast of characters - the mother, the son, the local gang leader, and more - with some of it written in Jamaican patois - to reveal a truly kaleidoscope portrait of a society in flux, of characters struggling to survive and making the most of what they have. It is a formidable debut, full of heart, and thoroughly recommended. She is a name to watch.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 26, 2022
This was a really good family drama/ crime/ romance/ historical novel with a cast of diverse characters that really hooked me in. The characters are, in the main, really convincing and the sense of time and place, the conflicts between rich and poor, was convincing. It pulls together different strands to create a picture of life in 1980s Jamaica that feels very real. You have a mother who is utterly convinced she’s found her lost son, a young American boy searching for his own identity, poor Jamaican’s trying to find a way out, a crime lord looking for an angle and corrupt officials looking to save themselves. It all works well and comes together effectively in a very satisfying conclusion.
My thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
My thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
June 27, 2022
Wow, what a book. What A Mother's Love Don't Teach You is an amazing debut novel which confidently handles multiple points of view characters, told in first, second and third narration. If it sounds like this would cause confusion, it really doesn't. All the voices are so unique, and the stories told so different, that it has the effect of telling the same story from everyone involved.
What A Mother's Love Don't Teach You is a story of motherhood, loss, life cycles, mistakes and forgiveness. It is a beautifully poignant tale of characters who will stay with you long after you have finished the last satisfying page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this wonderful novel.
What A Mother's Love Don't Teach You is a story of motherhood, loss, life cycles, mistakes and forgiveness. It is a beautifully poignant tale of characters who will stay with you long after you have finished the last satisfying page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this wonderful novel.
April 29, 2022
This was such a powerful read, I was completely beguiled and I couldn't put it down, nor did I want too. It was both heart-wrenching and heart-warming and hopeful. I really enjoyed it.
April 16, 2025
At 18 years old Dinah gave away her newborn son. 18 years later, a young American man arrives to Kingston and Dinah recognises him immediately. Told through multiple povs, the narrative travels through Kingston, from Dinah’s poor neighbourhood to the upscale expats’ mansions.
I was very excited for this book. The premise alone pulled me in. The novel discusses societal topics like class and corruption as well.
I really enjoyed the choice to use Jamaican patois in the narration. Taylor excels at creating a sense of place. The 1980s Kingston feels hot, multifaceted and real. I liked reading about the different characters of the novel.
In the end, however, I felt removed from the story and distant from the characters. Especially August as one of the main characters would’ve needed further work. His motivations and actions especially in his relationship with Dinah were just baffling. It felt like there was a bit too much going on in the book, the plot was fast-paced but the novel itself was too long.
A story I’m happy I read, but one that I won’t reread. I will be interested in Taylor’s further work though.
I was very excited for this book. The premise alone pulled me in. The novel discusses societal topics like class and corruption as well.
I really enjoyed the choice to use Jamaican patois in the narration. Taylor excels at creating a sense of place. The 1980s Kingston feels hot, multifaceted and real. I liked reading about the different characters of the novel.
In the end, however, I felt removed from the story and distant from the characters. Especially August as one of the main characters would’ve needed further work. His motivations and actions especially in his relationship with Dinah were just baffling. It felt like there was a bit too much going on in the book, the plot was fast-paced but the novel itself was too long.
A story I’m happy I read, but one that I won’t reread. I will be interested in Taylor’s further work though.
March 25, 2023
3.5 ⭐
“What A Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You” es la historia de Dinah, una mujer jamaiquina de clase baja que, al quedar embarazada muy joven, se ve obligada a entregarle a su hijo recién nacido a la adinerada familia para la cual trabaja. También es la historia de Apollo, un joven estadounidense que regresa a Jamaica luego de 18 años y conoce a una mujer que dice su madre. Pero también está Regina, una joven que busca desesperadamente la manera de salir de Lazarus Garden, el conflictivo barrio en el que le ha tocado vivir. Y también están Damian, British, Mama y muchos otros personajes que conforman el colectivo (o coro, si queremos hablar en términos más narrativos) que le dan vida a la historia de Taylor.
“What a Mother’s Love…” no es un libro con gran potencial literario; sin embargo, funciona a la perfección porque sabe combinar los elementos necesarios para que sus carencias no sean tan evidentes. Así, mientras los arcos de desarrollo de los personajes se solucionan muy rápido y, en muchas ocasiones, parecen no tener mayor sustento que el destino, el arco general es cautivante y uno siempre se queda con ganas de leer más.
El tener una historia coral, pero narrada de manera individual por cada uno de los personajes, también es un acierto. Sin embargo, acá también hay algunos detalles que hacen un poco de ruido, pues, por una parte, muchos personajes narran desde su argot diario, por lo que la lectura puede ser complicada para quienes no conocemos a fondo el inglés jamaiquino (algo muy común en la literatura anglocaribeña). Del otro lado, la autora combina indiscriminadamente las voces de los personajes con las de un narrador omnipresente, por lo que, a veces, por momentos muy breves, no sabemos bien quién nos está contando la historia.
Me hubiera gustado mayor profundización en cada uno de los personajes, pero me pregunto si esto hubiera implicado sacrificar la visión global de la Jamaica de clase baja que nos brinda la autora. Quizás no entendí mucho las dinámicas internas de British, pero sí entiendo cómo funciona un barrio como Lazarus Garden y, por extensión, la dinámica social de todo Jamaica.
“What A Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You” es la historia de Dinah, una mujer jamaiquina de clase baja que, al quedar embarazada muy joven, se ve obligada a entregarle a su hijo recién nacido a la adinerada familia para la cual trabaja. También es la historia de Apollo, un joven estadounidense que regresa a Jamaica luego de 18 años y conoce a una mujer que dice su madre. Pero también está Regina, una joven que busca desesperadamente la manera de salir de Lazarus Garden, el conflictivo barrio en el que le ha tocado vivir. Y también están Damian, British, Mama y muchos otros personajes que conforman el colectivo (o coro, si queremos hablar en términos más narrativos) que le dan vida a la historia de Taylor.
“What a Mother’s Love…” no es un libro con gran potencial literario; sin embargo, funciona a la perfección porque sabe combinar los elementos necesarios para que sus carencias no sean tan evidentes. Así, mientras los arcos de desarrollo de los personajes se solucionan muy rápido y, en muchas ocasiones, parecen no tener mayor sustento que el destino, el arco general es cautivante y uno siempre se queda con ganas de leer más.
El tener una historia coral, pero narrada de manera individual por cada uno de los personajes, también es un acierto. Sin embargo, acá también hay algunos detalles que hacen un poco de ruido, pues, por una parte, muchos personajes narran desde su argot diario, por lo que la lectura puede ser complicada para quienes no conocemos a fondo el inglés jamaiquino (algo muy común en la literatura anglocaribeña). Del otro lado, la autora combina indiscriminadamente las voces de los personajes con las de un narrador omnipresente, por lo que, a veces, por momentos muy breves, no sabemos bien quién nos está contando la historia.
Me hubiera gustado mayor profundización en cada uno de los personajes, pero me pregunto si esto hubiera implicado sacrificar la visión global de la Jamaica de clase baja que nos brinda la autora. Quizás no entendí mucho las dinámicas internas de British, pero sí entiendo cómo funciona un barrio como Lazarus Garden y, por extensión, la dinámica social de todo Jamaica.
August 29, 2022
Novel set in 1980s JAMAICA
This is a debut novel from a gifted writer. She has set her novel in 1980s Kingston, Jamaica and has an array of individual and oftentimes colourful characters.
The novel opens with Dinah’s story, a young woman working in the household of an American couple, who then finds herself pregnant. When the family relocates back to the USA, they take her baby with them, given that Dinah has few resources and is caring for Mama. It seems a pragmatic solution and they bring him up as their own. Dinah lives in the poverty stricken ghetto of Lazarus Gardens, where gang leaders hold sway, drugs are traded and politicians meddle. There is violence and coercion but Dinah knows her way around and just gets on with her life, whilst keeping the memory of son alive. He is buried deep in her heart.
Eighteen years later, Apollo arrives in Kingston and Dinah recognises him as her son. She has no doubt. As he finds his feet, he starts to visit her, much to the chagrin of his parents, who have brought him back to his roots. Given his clearly wealthy background, he has to carefully negotiate his way through the a wholly different social niveau. There is darkness, there are rules he has to learn, but there is always colour.
There are several parts to the story and each chapter is told from one character’s perspective. Yes, there are many people to get to know but the author is talented at melding people from all kinds of backgrounds into a cohesive story – which certainly takes some doing! Some of the narrative is in patois, which on the one hand takes a little effort to understand but on the other adds authenticity to the unfolding events.
It is a story with humanity and ultimately about what it means to belong. It is also very good on setting and this is certainly not the Jamaica that most tourists would see.
This is a debut novel from a gifted writer. She has set her novel in 1980s Kingston, Jamaica and has an array of individual and oftentimes colourful characters.
The novel opens with Dinah’s story, a young woman working in the household of an American couple, who then finds herself pregnant. When the family relocates back to the USA, they take her baby with them, given that Dinah has few resources and is caring for Mama. It seems a pragmatic solution and they bring him up as their own. Dinah lives in the poverty stricken ghetto of Lazarus Gardens, where gang leaders hold sway, drugs are traded and politicians meddle. There is violence and coercion but Dinah knows her way around and just gets on with her life, whilst keeping the memory of son alive. He is buried deep in her heart.
Eighteen years later, Apollo arrives in Kingston and Dinah recognises him as her son. She has no doubt. As he finds his feet, he starts to visit her, much to the chagrin of his parents, who have brought him back to his roots. Given his clearly wealthy background, he has to carefully negotiate his way through the a wholly different social niveau. There is darkness, there are rules he has to learn, but there is always colour.
There are several parts to the story and each chapter is told from one character’s perspective. Yes, there are many people to get to know but the author is talented at melding people from all kinds of backgrounds into a cohesive story – which certainly takes some doing! Some of the narrative is in patois, which on the one hand takes a little effort to understand but on the other adds authenticity to the unfolding events.
It is a story with humanity and ultimately about what it means to belong. It is also very good on setting and this is certainly not the Jamaica that most tourists would see.
February 26, 2023
I loved this book! I have a thing for authentic patois or regional lingo in a book. This one was easy for me as I have friends from all over the Caribbean who I grew up with, met along the way and speak to regularly so it wasn't a stretch. However, I truly believe if you have an open mind and truly love beautiful stories then you can sort through the jamaican patois in this book just like you do any southern, east or west coast slang or any regional vernacular. I encourage you to try something new if you haven't read a Caribbean author's work yet and I'll continue to review some so you can choose. Enjoy all genres well except horror (sorry I just can't deal with the nightmares lol)
Author Sharma Taylor takes us to Jamaica following a young man, Apollo and his family on a trip for an internship at a law firm in Jamaica which turns out to be an exploration into the past...It's up to you to decide whether his connection to Dinah is real or all in her head hahaha
Along the way we see all the characters striving for more whether it's information about their past so they can have clarity for the future, chasing a future that seems just outside their grasp but determined to get it by any means necessary or relentlessly fighting to hold onto the status quo that's been set for their lives and community so that their norm isn't overthrown by the young people who are each passionate to change their lives in their own way regardless of the cards they've been dealt.
Beautiful at certain points, sad at others but worth the entire entertaining trip as all their worlds collide - Apollo and his family, Dinah and Mama, Damien, Regina, British and his boys and so many more characters that make up this beautiful tale of the good and bad lessons learned when people with different paths collide....
Author Sharma Taylor takes us to Jamaica following a young man, Apollo and his family on a trip for an internship at a law firm in Jamaica which turns out to be an exploration into the past...It's up to you to decide whether his connection to Dinah is real or all in her head hahaha
Along the way we see all the characters striving for more whether it's information about their past so they can have clarity for the future, chasing a future that seems just outside their grasp but determined to get it by any means necessary or relentlessly fighting to hold onto the status quo that's been set for their lives and community so that their norm isn't overthrown by the young people who are each passionate to change their lives in their own way regardless of the cards they've been dealt.
Beautiful at certain points, sad at others but worth the entire entertaining trip as all their worlds collide - Apollo and his family, Dinah and Mama, Damien, Regina, British and his boys and so many more characters that make up this beautiful tale of the good and bad lessons learned when people with different paths collide....
January 27, 2025
I got this book two years ago. I’ve been intimated with big chunky books lately, that’s why been reading short and thin books, which I know I can read quickly. This is a big book, 400+ pages which I finished in almost a week and glad I did.
Dinah gave up her baby boy to the rich couple she worked for. The couple left Jamaica and she never heard anything from them again and not a day that passed by that she didn’t think of her son. Eighteen years after, her current employer had visitors in Kingston and the moment she saw their son, she knew without a doubt that her son has return. The story brings us to the different lives of the rich and the poorest at the heart of Jamaica’s ghetto, the underworld, the corrupt politics. At the heart of all of this, the mother’s love trumps everything for the love of her son.
I am attracted to books by Caribbean authors, though haven’t been reading them lately. Though I don’t see this much in my feed, I wish more people will read this and hype it up.
The book talks about story of motherhood, loss, forgiveness and second chances. There are lots of characters but the POV of Dinah stands out. It’s a universal feeling and emotion when talking about being a mother, the length you go through to give your child a better life, the regret and acceptance of your action will haunt you for the rest of your life. Despite some of it in patois dialect which is a bit stretch for me at the start but get to love still in the end.
The only main complaint I have with this book is the mystery surrounding motherhood all throughout the story and it was never revealed, making you think that after reading 400pages and still no resolution and the author leaving it at that.
If you’re interested in Caribbean setting and love a good story, willing to embrace something new to your reading list, try this one. Overall, a solid debut novel and will be looking out for the author’s works in the future.
Dinah gave up her baby boy to the rich couple she worked for. The couple left Jamaica and she never heard anything from them again and not a day that passed by that she didn’t think of her son. Eighteen years after, her current employer had visitors in Kingston and the moment she saw their son, she knew without a doubt that her son has return. The story brings us to the different lives of the rich and the poorest at the heart of Jamaica’s ghetto, the underworld, the corrupt politics. At the heart of all of this, the mother’s love trumps everything for the love of her son.
I am attracted to books by Caribbean authors, though haven’t been reading them lately. Though I don’t see this much in my feed, I wish more people will read this and hype it up.
The book talks about story of motherhood, loss, forgiveness and second chances. There are lots of characters but the POV of Dinah stands out. It’s a universal feeling and emotion when talking about being a mother, the length you go through to give your child a better life, the regret and acceptance of your action will haunt you for the rest of your life. Despite some of it in patois dialect which is a bit stretch for me at the start but get to love still in the end.
The only main complaint I have with this book is the mystery surrounding motherhood all throughout the story and it was never revealed, making you think that after reading 400pages and still no resolution and the author leaving it at that.
If you’re interested in Caribbean setting and love a good story, willing to embrace something new to your reading list, try this one. Overall, a solid debut novel and will be looking out for the author’s works in the future.
December 12, 2023
"Sharma Taylor's 'What A Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You' is a literary revelation that skillfully delves into the essence of life in 1980s Jamaica. This book was not just enjoyable; it was a remarkable experience that introduced me to a world full of authenticity and emotional depth.
Through Taylor's eloquent prose, I found myself transported to the vibrant streets and complex landscapes of Jamaica in the 1980s. The book was a glimpse into a period that felt very real, giving glimpses of everyday life and societal nuances that were both eye-opening and captivating.
Taylor's delivery of the narrative was nothing short of exceptional. The writing style was not only engaging but also powerfully evocative, effectively capturing the essence of the time and immersing me in the characters' experiences. The emotional resonance of the storytelling made it impossible to put the book down.
However, what truly made this novel shine were the characters. Each one was intricately crafted and emotionally compelling. Their stories intertwined seamlessly, painting a poignant portrait of human struggles, relationships, and resilience. It was a testament to Taylor's skill in crafting characters that felt not just relatable but deeply moving.
In my view, 'What A Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You' is a literary masterpiece that deserves widespread recognition. It's a definite must-read, earning a solid five-star rating. Sharma Taylor's narrative has been able to capture a specific time and place, but it also resonates universally with its emotional depth and captivating storytelling.
Through Taylor's eloquent prose, I found myself transported to the vibrant streets and complex landscapes of Jamaica in the 1980s. The book was a glimpse into a period that felt very real, giving glimpses of everyday life and societal nuances that were both eye-opening and captivating.
Taylor's delivery of the narrative was nothing short of exceptional. The writing style was not only engaging but also powerfully evocative, effectively capturing the essence of the time and immersing me in the characters' experiences. The emotional resonance of the storytelling made it impossible to put the book down.
However, what truly made this novel shine were the characters. Each one was intricately crafted and emotionally compelling. Their stories intertwined seamlessly, painting a poignant portrait of human struggles, relationships, and resilience. It was a testament to Taylor's skill in crafting characters that felt not just relatable but deeply moving.
In my view, 'What A Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You' is a literary masterpiece that deserves widespread recognition. It's a definite must-read, earning a solid five-star rating. Sharma Taylor's narrative has been able to capture a specific time and place, but it also resonates universally with its emotional depth and captivating storytelling.
July 28, 2024
One of the most impressive things about this novel is the writer’s ability to effectively portray such a wide range of characters. I was very intrigued by the use of multiple points of view. Reading this book allowed the reader to gain insight on the happenings throughout the plot from the point of view of almost every main character. The writer's ability to take us into the minds of various characters allowed you to see things from everyone's perspective, and it also made it quite difficult to villainize certain characters after seeing the logic behind their actions.
This story took place in a fictional garrison in Kingston, Jamaica, called Lazarus Gardens, and it follows the story of a mother who reunites with her son after giving him up at childbirth. The novel highlights the harsh realities faced by Jamaica's lower class and gives effective social commentary on Jamaica's political scene during the 1970s. Being a young girl who was most definitely not alive at that point in history, it was very insightful to read about the happenings of that time. Although it was fictional, the reality that these characters faced is very real, as I've heard many stories of the struggles of the people back then, and unfortunately, some of these struggles still exist today.
This novel was very well written, and I enjoyed the fact that it was very fast-paced. Taylor used very short, entertaining chapters to keep her readers wanting more. Her language is raw yet poetically beautiful. The storyline is very complex, as there are many subplots within the main plot, and that makes the story feel very real. Because in our lives we are not two-dimensional, for characters to truly resonate with readers, they should be three-dimensional; they should have depth. All in all, I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Yes, I have my personal biases because I love Sharma as an individual, but when it comes to the books that I read as a writer, I like to pick at all of their flaws, and I must say this novel was immaculate. I would rate it 4.5 stars.
After reading this, along with many of her short stories shortlisted for the Commonwealth Prize, I must say she deserves every award she has won.
This story took place in a fictional garrison in Kingston, Jamaica, called Lazarus Gardens, and it follows the story of a mother who reunites with her son after giving him up at childbirth. The novel highlights the harsh realities faced by Jamaica's lower class and gives effective social commentary on Jamaica's political scene during the 1970s. Being a young girl who was most definitely not alive at that point in history, it was very insightful to read about the happenings of that time. Although it was fictional, the reality that these characters faced is very real, as I've heard many stories of the struggles of the people back then, and unfortunately, some of these struggles still exist today.
This novel was very well written, and I enjoyed the fact that it was very fast-paced. Taylor used very short, entertaining chapters to keep her readers wanting more. Her language is raw yet poetically beautiful. The storyline is very complex, as there are many subplots within the main plot, and that makes the story feel very real. Because in our lives we are not two-dimensional, for characters to truly resonate with readers, they should be three-dimensional; they should have depth. All in all, I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Yes, I have my personal biases because I love Sharma as an individual, but when it comes to the books that I read as a writer, I like to pick at all of their flaws, and I must say this novel was immaculate. I would rate it 4.5 stars.
After reading this, along with many of her short stories shortlisted for the Commonwealth Prize, I must say she deserves every award she has won.
September 25, 2023
This debut book is set in Jamaica and covers the lives of several characters.
Dinah gave away her child to the couple she worked for before they left Jamaica and they promised to write her which they never did. 18 years later, she was working in the home of another couple when a young man and his parents walked in. She was so certain that this was the son she had given away many years earlier.
We get to explore things like mother-son relationships, the history of Jamaica, contrasts between the poor and the rich, gangsterism, race and politics etc.
The story's intricate details and excellent scene building help to fully immerse you in Jamaica. The story brought Jamaica to life. Most of the narrative is in Patois which adds authenticity (I had to pair it with audio because I knew I wouldn’t enjoy it otherwise) BUT takes an effort to understand.
The depth of the plot was compromised by multiple POVs. The book's pace picked up swiftly in the beginning but it slowed down in the middle and it took forever to get the climax and the ending was a bit rushed.
Ultimately this is a story of belonging, motherhood, loss and forgiveness which I think the author crafted so well and was able to make multiple POV somehow work.
Dinah gave away her child to the couple she worked for before they left Jamaica and they promised to write her which they never did. 18 years later, she was working in the home of another couple when a young man and his parents walked in. She was so certain that this was the son she had given away many years earlier.
We get to explore things like mother-son relationships, the history of Jamaica, contrasts between the poor and the rich, gangsterism, race and politics etc.
The story's intricate details and excellent scene building help to fully immerse you in Jamaica. The story brought Jamaica to life. Most of the narrative is in Patois which adds authenticity (I had to pair it with audio because I knew I wouldn’t enjoy it otherwise) BUT takes an effort to understand.
The depth of the plot was compromised by multiple POVs. The book's pace picked up swiftly in the beginning but it slowed down in the middle and it took forever to get the climax and the ending was a bit rushed.
Ultimately this is a story of belonging, motherhood, loss and forgiveness which I think the author crafted so well and was able to make multiple POV somehow work.
June 29, 2022
"What a Mother's Love Don't Teach You" is an immensely powerful novel set in 1980s Kingston. The novel begins with the character of Dinah who gave up her baby son when she was eighteen so that he could have a better life in the US - and eighteen years later becomes convinced that Apollo, a young man who has travelled with his parents to Jamaica, is her son. However, Taylor's focus widens to include a wide range of characters to whom Dinah and Apollo are connected, including criminal overlords and gang members, police officers, and corrupt politicians, in order to evoke a rich sense of time and place. There is also a brilliantly polyphonic range of voices in the novel; at first I found the mixing of first and third-person perspectives somewhat jarring but this grew on me as the novel progressed.
Taylor builds an increasingly gripping plot involving violence and retribution, but Dinah and Apollo's bond remains at the heart of the novel, and is movingly echoed in other parent-child bonds as well as children longing for absent parents and vice versa. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC of this wonderful novel to review.
Taylor builds an increasingly gripping plot involving violence and retribution, but Dinah and Apollo's bond remains at the heart of the novel, and is movingly echoed in other parent-child bonds as well as children longing for absent parents and vice versa. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC of this wonderful novel to review.
July 9, 2022
This novel didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Taylor’s scene setting is top notch and her use of spelling and patois really helps immerse you into Jamaica and as Apollo was looking for, the real Jamaica beyond the holiday brochures.
That said there was for me too much plot and not enough cohesion. Even in part 4 we are learning back stories that explains certain characters behaviour that we could have done with finding out sooner and some offshoot storylines just weren’t needed at all and made the narrative more confusing. I think the novel would have been perfect had the story been about Apollo, his parents, Dinah, Damian and Gina with other plot lines used only to provide motivation for example why Damian did what he did.
While I did feel a fair bit of affection for Dinah and Apollo by the end of the book I don’t think they will linger in my thoughts once I start reading another book and I feel indifference towards characters that I really should have had strong feelings about one way or another.
In the end I am glad I read this novel and I will read future books by Sharma Taylor but it’s a 3.5 ⭐️ for me.
That said there was for me too much plot and not enough cohesion. Even in part 4 we are learning back stories that explains certain characters behaviour that we could have done with finding out sooner and some offshoot storylines just weren’t needed at all and made the narrative more confusing. I think the novel would have been perfect had the story been about Apollo, his parents, Dinah, Damian and Gina with other plot lines used only to provide motivation for example why Damian did what he did.
While I did feel a fair bit of affection for Dinah and Apollo by the end of the book I don’t think they will linger in my thoughts once I start reading another book and I feel indifference towards characters that I really should have had strong feelings about one way or another.
In the end I am glad I read this novel and I will read future books by Sharma Taylor but it’s a 3.5 ⭐️ for me.
September 1, 2022
What A Mothers Love Don’t Teach You is a brilliant debut novel. Set in Jamaica in the 1980s the lead protagonists are Dinah, a woman who gave up her “son-son” when he was a baby to an American couple who never remained in touch, and Apollo, allegedly that son returned to the island as an 18 year old for the summer.
It’s a brilliant story with multiple points of view that build depth to the characters and the plot. Through Dinah’s heartbreak at the loss of her son, and Regina, we see the challenges of poverty for women in Jamaican society.
Through British and Damian and others in the Jamaican community we see the impact of poverty, the expectation of manhood and criminality as a fait accompli.
And through Apollo and his family we see the privilege of wealth and power, along with social political insights into Jamaica’s recent history that I knew nothing of and want to explore more.
The patois used for some protagonists gives the novel greater authenticity and depth and I really enjoyed it.
It’s a brilliant story with multiple points of view that build depth to the characters and the plot. Through Dinah’s heartbreak at the loss of her son, and Regina, we see the challenges of poverty for women in Jamaican society.
Through British and Damian and others in the Jamaican community we see the impact of poverty, the expectation of manhood and criminality as a fait accompli.
And through Apollo and his family we see the privilege of wealth and power, along with social political insights into Jamaica’s recent history that I knew nothing of and want to explore more.
The patois used for some protagonists gives the novel greater authenticity and depth and I really enjoyed it.
June 26, 2022
This is a very ambitious debut novel, with multiple POVs and extremely short chapters that alternate between first and third person. However, I think the author pulled it off and deserves four stars for what she’s accomplished. While I didn’t love any of the characters, they were all sympathetic and I liked how no-one was portrayed as good or bad – there’s a lot of nuance and shades of grey. The plot was entertaining and went in unexpected directions that were less about Dinah and her son, and more about Jamaica’s recent political history. Although I felt we never got a strong resolution to the central plot, I did like this setting because the interplay between criminality and politics was fascinating. Overall, I’d give this book a thumbs up and I’m excited to see what Sharma Taylor publishes next.
Thanks to Virago for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on aminasbookshelf.com / IG @aminasbookshelf
Thanks to Virago for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on aminasbookshelf.com / IG @aminasbookshelf
July 1, 2022
This novel is so engaging from the start that it gets you so hooked!
I loved that the author told the story from the different characters perspective as it made the story feel much more engaging. The story flowed very well, however it did feel like it took longer than needed to get to the plot twist.
The story was enjoyable to read and went in many different directions which you wouldn’t expect. The story telling was superb! Although, I did feel like there were some things missing as once I finished I had a lot of questions.
This novel is a story of motherhood, loss, forgiveness, family trauma, class, poverty, power, race and politics.
I loved that the author told the story from the different characters perspective as it made the story feel much more engaging. The story flowed very well, however it did feel like it took longer than needed to get to the plot twist.
The story was enjoyable to read and went in many different directions which you wouldn’t expect. The story telling was superb! Although, I did feel like there were some things missing as once I finished I had a lot of questions.
This novel is a story of motherhood, loss, forgiveness, family trauma, class, poverty, power, race and politics.
October 11, 2022
Dinah got pregnant very young and decided that it was for the best that she gave her baby to the rich couple that she worked for so that they could give him a better life. 18 years later a couple returns to Jamaica with their son Apollo who Dinah is convinced is her ‘son-son’. Apollo is then going through his own discovery of finding his roots and where he came from vs where he is meant to be in life.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
Set in Jamaica, Dinah had to give up her baby 18 years ago - and now that baby, Apollo, is back!
The story is told in multiple voices, some in patois, and is a complex, compelling tale. The writing’s brilliant and flows beautifully, dealing with themes of love, race, family, loss, violence, corruption and politics.
I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it. A powerful debut novel.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All views are my own.
The story is told in multiple voices, some in patois, and is a complex, compelling tale. The writing’s brilliant and flows beautifully, dealing with themes of love, race, family, loss, violence, corruption and politics.
I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it. A powerful debut novel.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All views are my own.
June 4, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this debut book, especially as it's written by a Jamaican so the dialogue and history is true.
The social and political history throughout the story was great, some names were changed but clearly they were based on people and areas. The life in the ghetto really came to life, especially taking about corruption and the 'Dons'.
I was disappointed with, what I felt was an abrupt end. I felt it left way too many questions unanswered. Hopefully there's a book two to follow.
The social and political history throughout the story was great, some names were changed but clearly they were based on people and areas. The life in the ghetto really came to life, especially taking about corruption and the 'Dons'.
I was disappointed with, what I felt was an abrupt end. I felt it left way too many questions unanswered. Hopefully there's a book two to follow.
February 13, 2026
Sharma Taylor’s debut novel is, in every sense, unmistakably Jamaican.
Set in 1980s Jamaica, an era scarred by political warfare, gang violence, and deep-rooted corruption, the novel follows Dinah, an inner-city mother who gave up her son years ago to a wealthy couple she once worked for. When a young man she believes to be that long-lost child returns to reconnect with his roots, he finds himself pulled into a web of violence, manipulation and power struggles far larger than himself.
Told through multiple perspectives, including Dinah, her estranged son, gang leaders, policemen, and neighborhood enforcers, the novel paints a layered portrait of a country where power is protected at all costs. It exposes how those in control maintain influence while carefully preserving the illusion of innocence.
I’ll admit, I started this book in a reading slump, which didn’t help my initial experience. It almost made it to my DNF pile. There were moments that felt rambly and I struggled to form a deep attachment to any single character. However, once I settled into the rhythm of the story, I appreciated its ambition and scope.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. As a Jamaican reader, I could vividly visualize the political tension and social dynamics of that era. The setting felt authentic, textured and lived-in. Even when the pacing wavered, the cultural grounding remained strong.
While it wasn’t a favorite, it was a solid debut that tackles complex themes of motherhood, class mobility, loyalty and systemic violence. I’m curious to see how Sharma Taylor’s storytelling evolves from here
Set in 1980s Jamaica, an era scarred by political warfare, gang violence, and deep-rooted corruption, the novel follows Dinah, an inner-city mother who gave up her son years ago to a wealthy couple she once worked for. When a young man she believes to be that long-lost child returns to reconnect with his roots, he finds himself pulled into a web of violence, manipulation and power struggles far larger than himself.
Told through multiple perspectives, including Dinah, her estranged son, gang leaders, policemen, and neighborhood enforcers, the novel paints a layered portrait of a country where power is protected at all costs. It exposes how those in control maintain influence while carefully preserving the illusion of innocence.
I’ll admit, I started this book in a reading slump, which didn’t help my initial experience. It almost made it to my DNF pile. There were moments that felt rambly and I struggled to form a deep attachment to any single character. However, once I settled into the rhythm of the story, I appreciated its ambition and scope.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. As a Jamaican reader, I could vividly visualize the political tension and social dynamics of that era. The setting felt authentic, textured and lived-in. Even when the pacing wavered, the cultural grounding remained strong.
While it wasn’t a favorite, it was a solid debut that tackles complex themes of motherhood, class mobility, loyalty and systemic violence. I’m curious to see how Sharma Taylor’s storytelling evolves from here
February 20, 2023
Great debut novel exploring aspects of the colorful Jamaican society in the 19&0s. She takes us from Jacks Hills to Lazarus Gardens and everywhere in between. It is complex, funny and heartbreaking with a litany of characters speaking in both local vernacular and standard English. I can’t wait to see what’s next
June 25, 2023
Great Read
Enjoyable read that is still twirling through my head with questions! It was lovely to read and learn Jamaican patois entwined in the story, plus some Jamaican facts woven in and the life lessons. Left me with the saying from Maya Angelou when you know better you do better.
Enjoyable read that is still twirling through my head with questions! It was lovely to read and learn Jamaican patois entwined in the story, plus some Jamaican facts woven in and the life lessons. Left me with the saying from Maya Angelou when you know better you do better.
November 3, 2024
WOW I was literally blown away and stayed in Jamaica for the entire duration of this book. Talk about drama, crime, love, comedy, it had it all. Shame about the painting Jamaica in a bad light but it was a story I could follow. I would give this a 4.5 star rating as I didn’t particularly enjoy anyone and everyone having a chapter pov with some having anything new to add.
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