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Lime Tree Can't Bear Orange
Men will want you like they want a glass of rum…One man will love you. But you won’t love him. You will destroy his life. The one you love will break your heart in two.So says the soothsayer, when predicting young Celia’s future. Raised in the tropics of Tobago by an aunt she loves and an uncle she fears, Celia has never felt that she belonged. When her uncle–a man the neighbors call Allah because he thinks himself mightier than God–does something unforgivable, Celia escapes to the bustling capital city.There she quickly embraces her burgeoning independence, but her search for a place to call home is soon complicated by an affectionate friendship with William, a thoughtful gardener, and a strong sexual tension with her employer. All too quickly, Celia finds herself fulfilling the soothsayer’s predictions and living a life of tangled desperation–trapped between the man who offers her passion and the one who offers his heart.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
24 people are currently reading
728 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Smyth
7 books24 followersAmanda Smyth is Irish Trinidadian, and author of four novels, Black Rock, A Kind of Eden, Fortune and Look at You, published by Peepal Tree Press in February 2025.
Her first novel, Black Rock, won the Prix du Premier Roman Etranger, was nominated for an NAACP award, short listed for McKitterick Prize, and selected as an Oprah Winfrey Summer Read. Black Rock was chosen as one of Waterstones New Voices, and translated into several languages. Her second novel, A Kind of Eden, set in contemporary Trinidad, was published in 2013 and optioned this year (2024) as a TV series by Ringside Studios. Fortune, her third novel, was based on the tragic Dome fire in Trinidad, 1928. Fortune, was shortlisted for Walter Scott prize 2022. Look at You, her fourth novel, will be published in 2025. Her fiction and poetry have appeared in New Writing, London Magazine, The Times Literary Supplement, Harvard Review and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Amanda teaches creative writing at Arvon, Skyros, Greece.
Her first novel, Black Rock, won the Prix du Premier Roman Etranger, was nominated for an NAACP award, short listed for McKitterick Prize, and selected as an Oprah Winfrey Summer Read. Black Rock was chosen as one of Waterstones New Voices, and translated into several languages. Her second novel, A Kind of Eden, set in contemporary Trinidad, was published in 2013 and optioned this year (2024) as a TV series by Ringside Studios. Fortune, her third novel, was based on the tragic Dome fire in Trinidad, 1928. Fortune, was shortlisted for Walter Scott prize 2022. Look at You, her fourth novel, will be published in 2025. Her fiction and poetry have appeared in New Writing, London Magazine, The Times Literary Supplement, Harvard Review and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Amanda teaches creative writing at Arvon, Skyros, Greece.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
November 4, 2009
Drama, drama, drama. This reads like a Brazilian soap opera.
I quite liked it even if I knew exactly where it was going around the page 120. This is your typical story about women with its usual themes of love, betrayal, pregnancy, motherhood.
What I liked most about the book is probably the setting which is Trinidad and Tobago. It was written in the first person in a rather simple style but the descriptions were captivating.
It definitely calls for a sequel.
I quite liked it even if I knew exactly where it was going around the page 120. This is your typical story about women with its usual themes of love, betrayal, pregnancy, motherhood.
What I liked most about the book is probably the setting which is Trinidad and Tobago. It was written in the first person in a rather simple style but the descriptions were captivating.
It definitely calls for a sequel.
March 2, 2021
3,5⭐️
Este livro estava aqui em casa há muito tempo. Comprei-o pelo título apelativo e pela capa. No entanto, só depois de descobrir que a escritora nasceu em
Trindade e que tem ascendência portuguesa, e propósito do #viajaremconfinamentocomlivros me decidi a lê-lo.
Mais do que a história, gostei das descrições de um país tão diferente. Senti-me transportada para este lugar de sol, calor e cores... são várias as descrições das plantas, das árvores e dos animais e da vida dos trópicos.
As ilhas de Trindade e Tobago, mais ou menos nos anos 50 (parece-me) são o local e o tempo desta história. Celia, uma menina que perdeu a mãe ao nascer e nunca conheceu o pai inglês, vive com a tia que a criou. A menina sente-se perdida naquela casa, sente que não encaixa ali e sonha com um futuro diferente das mulheres que conhece. Tem planos para estudar e quer muito ir para Inglaterra e procurar o pai. Depois de ser violada pelo tio, decide fugir de casa, em Tobago, e parte para Trindade. Obrigada a crescer de forma tão repentina e violenta, os seus sonhos e projetos vão sendo abandonados, porque agora precisa de sobreviver. E ela, que sempre quis fugir ao destino habitual das mulheres da sua condição, acaba por se tornar naquilo que quis evitar e que a bruxa da aldeia lhe adivinhou quando era criança. Sozinha, numa cidade que não conhece, arranja trabalho, sobrevive, descobre o amor, a alegria e a infelicidade, é usada... A bruxa da aldeia já lhe tinha dito que o seu destino seria infeliz.
Consegui adivinhar uma revelação importante mais ou menos a meio e não senti grande empatia por Celia... embora tenha uma vida marcada por episódios traumáticos, escolheu caminhos que poderia ter evitado mais vezes do que deveria. Se calhar é por isso que não avalio este livro de outra maneira. Mas sem dúvida que está bem escrito e foi um livro que me prendeu (li-o em dois dias). Vale a pena, sobretudo pelas descrições... que vontade de viajar para um país destes!
Este livro estava aqui em casa há muito tempo. Comprei-o pelo título apelativo e pela capa. No entanto, só depois de descobrir que a escritora nasceu em
Trindade e que tem ascendência portuguesa, e propósito do #viajaremconfinamentocomlivros me decidi a lê-lo.
Mais do que a história, gostei das descrições de um país tão diferente. Senti-me transportada para este lugar de sol, calor e cores... são várias as descrições das plantas, das árvores e dos animais e da vida dos trópicos.
As ilhas de Trindade e Tobago, mais ou menos nos anos 50 (parece-me) são o local e o tempo desta história. Celia, uma menina que perdeu a mãe ao nascer e nunca conheceu o pai inglês, vive com a tia que a criou. A menina sente-se perdida naquela casa, sente que não encaixa ali e sonha com um futuro diferente das mulheres que conhece. Tem planos para estudar e quer muito ir para Inglaterra e procurar o pai. Depois de ser violada pelo tio, decide fugir de casa, em Tobago, e parte para Trindade. Obrigada a crescer de forma tão repentina e violenta, os seus sonhos e projetos vão sendo abandonados, porque agora precisa de sobreviver. E ela, que sempre quis fugir ao destino habitual das mulheres da sua condição, acaba por se tornar naquilo que quis evitar e que a bruxa da aldeia lhe adivinhou quando era criança. Sozinha, numa cidade que não conhece, arranja trabalho, sobrevive, descobre o amor, a alegria e a infelicidade, é usada... A bruxa da aldeia já lhe tinha dito que o seu destino seria infeliz.
Consegui adivinhar uma revelação importante mais ou menos a meio e não senti grande empatia por Celia... embora tenha uma vida marcada por episódios traumáticos, escolheu caminhos que poderia ter evitado mais vezes do que deveria. Se calhar é por isso que não avalio este livro de outra maneira. Mas sem dúvida que está bem escrito e foi um livro que me prendeu (li-o em dois dias). Vale a pena, sobretudo pelas descrições... que vontade de viajar para um país destes!
February 28, 2016
You should know, going in, that Black Rock is tremendously difficult to read.
It's not the writing, the language, or the setting - all are ok, some nice descriptions of scenery and the dialogue gives a sense of place that other islanders have commented is representative.
The difficulty comes with both our heroine, her voice, and the plot.
If nothing else Black Rock is a story of manipulation, entrapment, and abuse of women (of both races but honestly the physical abuse and debasement of black women in the novel far exceeds that of their white neighbours).
The author (interviewed here) describes her novel as a 'coming-of-age story' but there is very little growth shown in Celia over the three years we follow her. Before the horrendous trauma that causes her flee her hometown Celia is described as bright, with a good future, and recommended to set on a track for university.
Her health and physical/mental wellbeing are not only taken from her but also any chance of her following this academic future and leaving her family's poverty. This aspect of the story is never touched again when she leaves Black Rock - her attractiveness, height, lush skin and hair being her sole descriptors thereafter.
Celia is reduced from a bright, thoughtful, and wary young woman to one who exists only to serve: the men who desire her, the women who outrank her socially.
The odd thing is that after this first incident of abuse we never hear Celia's thoughts again.
The outcome of the novel: that she fulfills the divinations of the local witch-woman, that she follows in the footsteps of the generations of women before her, without job, with a family she doesn't trust, partnerless was massively depressing.
That there was no closure for her, her aunt, her father, her mother and when so much conflict could have been cleared up by a few conversations... it's enough to make you go mad. But Celia remains cold and composed and plods on and so, too, does the reader.
It's not the writing, the language, or the setting - all are ok, some nice descriptions of scenery and the dialogue gives a sense of place that other islanders have commented is representative.
The difficulty comes with both our heroine, her voice, and the plot.
If nothing else Black Rock is a story of manipulation, entrapment, and abuse of women (of both races but honestly the physical abuse and debasement of black women in the novel far exceeds that of their white neighbours).
The author (interviewed here) describes her novel as a 'coming-of-age story' but there is very little growth shown in Celia over the three years we follow her. Before the horrendous trauma that causes her flee her hometown Celia is described as bright, with a good future, and recommended to set on a track for university.
Her health and physical/mental wellbeing are not only taken from her but also any chance of her following this academic future and leaving her family's poverty. This aspect of the story is never touched again when she leaves Black Rock - her attractiveness, height, lush skin and hair being her sole descriptors thereafter.
Celia is reduced from a bright, thoughtful, and wary young woman to one who exists only to serve: the men who desire her, the women who outrank her socially.
The odd thing is that after this first incident of abuse we never hear Celia's thoughts again.
The outcome of the novel: that she fulfills the divinations of the local witch-woman, that she follows in the footsteps of the generations of women before her, without job, with a family she doesn't trust, partnerless was massively depressing.
That there was no closure for her, her aunt, her father, her mother and when so much conflict could have been cleared up by a few conversations... it's enough to make you go mad. But Celia remains cold and composed and plods on and so, too, does the reader.
August 2, 2011
Celia knows that her mother died in childbirth and that her father, a white Englishman, wanted nothing to do with her, but she daydreams about one day taking the long trip to Southampton, England, to track her father down. Surely once he meets her he’ll want to get to know her?
When Celia has to deliver limes to Mrs Jeremiah, who is rumoured to be clairvoyant, she’s warned that she will be hurt by her Aunt’s husband Roman. Mrs Jeremiah also issues the following prophesy. “Men will want you like they want a glass of rum - to drink you up and pee you out. One man will love you. But you won’t love him. You will harm him. You will destroy his life. The one you love will break your heart in two. You’ll die in a foreign place”. She tosses Celia a lump of black rock to act as a talisman and Celia runs away as Mrs Jeremiah tries to exorcise her.
When Mrs Jeremiah’s warning about Roman comes true, Celia flees Tobago. There she starts to rebuild her life helped by the kindness of a young man she meets on the boat who looks after her and finds her employment with an English family who live in Trinidad. Celia soon finds happiness - but how long will it last?
I chose this book on my Book Spa day, because Amanda Smyth appeared at the Bath Literature Festival talking about this, her debut novel, and the shop’s owner, Nic said the book had been selling out as soon as it came in which is always encouraging. I liked the sound of it, plus the added benefit of it being eligible for one of my book challenges!
The ‘blurb’ mentions a “vivid sense of the supernatural” but to my mind it was really more about local superstition. However, it was an enjoyable story and the writing style is easy to read and reasonably descriptive - I really felt a sense of the Islands. As a debut I thought it was very promising and I hope she writes more.
When Celia has to deliver limes to Mrs Jeremiah, who is rumoured to be clairvoyant, she’s warned that she will be hurt by her Aunt’s husband Roman. Mrs Jeremiah also issues the following prophesy. “Men will want you like they want a glass of rum - to drink you up and pee you out. One man will love you. But you won’t love him. You will harm him. You will destroy his life. The one you love will break your heart in two. You’ll die in a foreign place”. She tosses Celia a lump of black rock to act as a talisman and Celia runs away as Mrs Jeremiah tries to exorcise her.
When Mrs Jeremiah’s warning about Roman comes true, Celia flees Tobago. There she starts to rebuild her life helped by the kindness of a young man she meets on the boat who looks after her and finds her employment with an English family who live in Trinidad. Celia soon finds happiness - but how long will it last?
I chose this book on my Book Spa day, because Amanda Smyth appeared at the Bath Literature Festival talking about this, her debut novel, and the shop’s owner, Nic said the book had been selling out as soon as it came in which is always encouraging. I liked the sound of it, plus the added benefit of it being eligible for one of my book challenges!
The ‘blurb’ mentions a “vivid sense of the supernatural” but to my mind it was really more about local superstition. However, it was an enjoyable story and the writing style is easy to read and reasonably descriptive - I really felt a sense of the Islands. As a debut I thought it was very promising and I hope she writes more.
March 5, 2020
3.25 stars
Celia’s mom died just after Celia was born, and she was raised by and lives with one of her aunts (and her twin cousins) in Tobago. Aunt Tassi lives with an awful drunk man whom no one likes. When Celia is a teenager, she runs away to Trinidad and finds work in the home of a doctor, helping with the housework and caring for the two kids. But, Celia can’t seem to keep herself out of trouble.
The book was ok. It was kind of slow-moving, and there weren’t very many characters whom I actually liked (Celia included). There were a couple of interesting “twists” at the end.
Celia’s mom died just after Celia was born, and she was raised by and lives with one of her aunts (and her twin cousins) in Tobago. Aunt Tassi lives with an awful drunk man whom no one likes. When Celia is a teenager, she runs away to Trinidad and finds work in the home of a doctor, helping with the housework and caring for the two kids. But, Celia can’t seem to keep herself out of trouble.
The book was ok. It was kind of slow-moving, and there weren’t very many characters whom I actually liked (Celia included). There were a couple of interesting “twists” at the end.
November 30, 2009
"I believe you follow your life, Celia. You don't lead your life. It's a mistake people make. We're not that powerful or important." (p. 99)
This was a good novel, but not a great one. The life that Celia follows was easily predicted from the beginning of the book.
This was a good novel, but not a great one. The life that Celia follows was easily predicted from the beginning of the book.
April 19, 2017
Predictable story line of abuse of social position, not to mention sexual abuse. I was hoping that the story would end with Celia writing a letter of warning to the dr.'s next nanny.
July 22, 2025
Lai gan galvenā varone bija upuris, taču autore viņu izveidojusi tādu, ka viņai līdzi just negribējās, bet teikt, ka ir vienkārši stulbene. Kas patīkami pārsteidza - Trinidadas un Tobago apraksti.
May 3, 2025
Enjoyed this one! While some spoke about its predictability there were several curve balls in the plot which made this an interesting read!
April 15, 2022
Surprisingly good. I needed a book with a Trinidad and Tobago locale and saw this one. it was good.
In the 1950´s, Celia is living a childhood in Tobago with her aunt, 2 cousins, and step uncle Roman. They are poor and scrape by with a living. Her mother died giving birth to her and her father is somewhere in England. Mrs Jeremiah, the local fortune teller, tells Celia that she will have a hard life. She is a beautiful and smart girl. However, on her 16th birthday Roman rapes her. Without telling anyone what happened to her, she leaves the island for Trinidad. However, upon arrival in Port of Spain, she has yellow fever and a kind young man, William, takes her to his home where his mother cares for her. William works as a gardener for a local doctor and helps Celia get a job to look after the doctor´s children. Soon, Doctor Emmanuel Rodriguez takes advantage of Celia. They have a long term affair. Celia falls in love with the doctor even though William likes her a lot too.
Trouble begins. Can they keep their affair secret from everyone including the doctor´s wife? Apparently not. The wife has a mental breakdown and returns to England. Celia is told to leave the doctor´s home. She goes to visit her Aunt Sula on the Tamama Estate. Her Aunt Sula is now on her death bed. After Aunt Sula dies, Celia tries to get a job either on the estate or someone in Port of Spain, but she has a reputation because of her affair with Doctor Emmanuel Rodriguez. She also finds out she is pregnant. She returns to Tobago to put her life back together and find out what she should do next. it is at this point that Celia is told the truth about her mother and father. William also visits her because he is now hiding from the law since his brother shot the Tamama estate owner Joseph Carr Brown. Yes, she has a hard life.
I enjoyed this book. There were twists in the plot that I didn´t even consider.
In the 1950´s, Celia is living a childhood in Tobago with her aunt, 2 cousins, and step uncle Roman. They are poor and scrape by with a living. Her mother died giving birth to her and her father is somewhere in England. Mrs Jeremiah, the local fortune teller, tells Celia that she will have a hard life. She is a beautiful and smart girl. However, on her 16th birthday Roman rapes her. Without telling anyone what happened to her, she leaves the island for Trinidad. However, upon arrival in Port of Spain, she has yellow fever and a kind young man, William, takes her to his home where his mother cares for her. William works as a gardener for a local doctor and helps Celia get a job to look after the doctor´s children. Soon, Doctor Emmanuel Rodriguez takes advantage of Celia. They have a long term affair. Celia falls in love with the doctor even though William likes her a lot too.
Trouble begins. Can they keep their affair secret from everyone including the doctor´s wife? Apparently not. The wife has a mental breakdown and returns to England. Celia is told to leave the doctor´s home. She goes to visit her Aunt Sula on the Tamama Estate. Her Aunt Sula is now on her death bed. After Aunt Sula dies, Celia tries to get a job either on the estate or someone in Port of Spain, but she has a reputation because of her affair with Doctor Emmanuel Rodriguez. She also finds out she is pregnant. She returns to Tobago to put her life back together and find out what she should do next. it is at this point that Celia is told the truth about her mother and father. William also visits her because he is now hiding from the law since his brother shot the Tamama estate owner Joseph Carr Brown. Yes, she has a hard life.
I enjoyed this book. There were twists in the plot that I didn´t even consider.
July 31, 2021
I first read this novel when I was much younger and I re-read this book within a span of a couple of days. I initially rated it a 4, and it's amazing how life experiences can alter your opinion on a novel.
I gave my re-read a rating of 5. I am aware that most have rated this an average 3.5/4 at best, but I absolutely loved the lush descriptions of Trinidad/Tobagonian landscapes, the way the tension and emotions are very much palpable. I found myself very much concerned for Celia and her many unfortunate circumstances. Despite this, I admire how much she has persevered and the ending was hopeful.
I am aware the book is not without fault; obviously the lack of Trinidadian patois made the book a little less authentic. However, the important themes of women in Trinidadian society, class and race relations in the 50s were prevalent. I know that unfortunately a lot of women are still bound by class and racial chains to this day in T&T, however, I am so grateful that the situation is so much different. This book was a reminder to me how education today gives us an opportunity to climb the social ladder.
I really wish there was a sequel to this novel, but I suppose the greatest books I've read always leave you in a state of curiousity. I would like to think that Celia has migrated to England, found herself a nice little home and family and her children hear stories of the beautiful seas of Black Rock or the lush greenery of Tamana.
I gave my re-read a rating of 5. I am aware that most have rated this an average 3.5/4 at best, but I absolutely loved the lush descriptions of Trinidad/Tobagonian landscapes, the way the tension and emotions are very much palpable. I found myself very much concerned for Celia and her many unfortunate circumstances. Despite this, I admire how much she has persevered and the ending was hopeful.
I am aware the book is not without fault; obviously the lack of Trinidadian patois made the book a little less authentic. However, the important themes of women in Trinidadian society, class and race relations in the 50s were prevalent. I know that unfortunately a lot of women are still bound by class and racial chains to this day in T&T, however, I am so grateful that the situation is so much different. This book was a reminder to me how education today gives us an opportunity to climb the social ladder.
I really wish there was a sequel to this novel, but I suppose the greatest books I've read always leave you in a state of curiousity. I would like to think that Celia has migrated to England, found herself a nice little home and family and her children hear stories of the beautiful seas of Black Rock or the lush greenery of Tamana.
March 26, 2009
I've read a proof copy of this, it isn't out yet. It's full of lovely writing. She's a mate (in my writer's group) so of course I'm very biased. And I'm going to the launch in March in the Trinidad & Tobago embassy in London. I'll add more later.
Later:
It is out now. I think in America it will be called something different.(ah found it - Lime Tree Can't Bear Orange). The Guardian gave it a good review on Saturday:
There are hints of Jean Rhys's Wide Sargasso Sea throughout Smyth's hypnotic, eerie novel. The setting is colonial 1950s West Indies. Celia d'Abadie is 16, a promising pupil in Black Rock, Tobago, living uneasily with secretive, superstitious Aunt Tassi and Tassi's predatory partner Roman. Celia's original parentage is vague - a mother dead in childbirth, an unknown father in England. After being raped by Roman, she escapes to Trinidad, where she later takes a job as nanny to the wealthy Dr Rodriguez and his unstable, homesick English wife. Celia begins a feverish affair with Rodriguez and reveals herself as a complex character, simultaneously trapped and powerful; Smyth writes entrancingly on tropical heat and light, indolence, vengeance and desire.
Later:
It is out now. I think in America it will be called something different.(ah found it - Lime Tree Can't Bear Orange). The Guardian gave it a good review on Saturday:
There are hints of Jean Rhys's Wide Sargasso Sea throughout Smyth's hypnotic, eerie novel. The setting is colonial 1950s West Indies. Celia d'Abadie is 16, a promising pupil in Black Rock, Tobago, living uneasily with secretive, superstitious Aunt Tassi and Tassi's predatory partner Roman. Celia's original parentage is vague - a mother dead in childbirth, an unknown father in England. After being raped by Roman, she escapes to Trinidad, where she later takes a job as nanny to the wealthy Dr Rodriguez and his unstable, homesick English wife. Celia begins a feverish affair with Rodriguez and reveals herself as a complex character, simultaneously trapped and powerful; Smyth writes entrancingly on tropical heat and light, indolence, vengeance and desire.
January 8, 2011
Lime Tree Can't Bear Orange takes place in Trinidad. The story follows a young woman as she comes of age. After she is assaulted by her step-father, she flees her home and embarks on a tumultuous journey. She engages in cliche love affair with her new boss (father of the household she nannies for), and becomes pregnant. Overall, I found the book very enjoyable, although somewhat predictable (the author lays clues throughout the story) and cliche up until the end. Even though I had guessed one of the surprise revelations, I was still thrown by the ending. It was one of the rare occasions for me, where the surprise ending actually made me feel like I enjoyed the book more (usually they annoy me and make me like a book less). Absolutely worth a read. Also, was fun reading a story that took place in Trinidad, getting a tiny taste of the culture (as I have never read a story based there before).
October 23, 2013
Lovely Celia leaves an unbearable situation in her home on Tobago to make her way on Trinidad. Hardworking and intelligent in some ways, she still permits herself to be used by those with power granted by their race and privilege. A soothsayer's predictions come true leading to a possibly tragic conclusion. Only three stars because I found much of the plot to be fairly predictable, but still really appreciated the simple yet vivid writing and the setting in Trinidad and Tobago. Having visited this country, I was able to clearly imagine the carefully described sights and sounds, the accents of the characters and the calls of the birds.
Reviewed by Linda.
Reviewed by Linda.
July 6, 2009
definitely some good writing throughout the novel and it takes place in trinidad and tobago. it was nice to read about an island that is so close to home for me. however, the main character goes through so many "bad luck" phases, it is hard to read this book and have one moment of happiness. towards the end there were many, many twists and turns which turned a novel that started off so strong into an intense soap opera. but according to my mother, this is the epitome of island life...i guess so. a good beach read.
April 9, 2013
Great story. I always endorse Caribbean books....
However... I was disappointed with the lack of Creole.... Even the idioms were foreign (out if frying pan into the fire?)... I couldn't identify with much other than the food and places...
Also there were a few little things that just did not fit with our culture/history.... E.g. "the seventh grade" , We never used the grade system in Trinidad and Tobago until recently and only in private foreign-run schools. It should have been 5th standard (the local equivalent)
Its like the book is about us but not for us
However... I was disappointed with the lack of Creole.... Even the idioms were foreign (out if frying pan into the fire?)... I couldn't identify with much other than the food and places...
Also there were a few little things that just did not fit with our culture/history.... E.g. "the seventh grade" , We never used the grade system in Trinidad and Tobago until recently and only in private foreign-run schools. It should have been 5th standard (the local equivalent)
Its like the book is about us but not for us
September 25, 2013
This book was another one of my Read Around the World selections. It is set in Trinidad Tobago and tells the story of a young woman who is alone except for her aunt, cousins and evil uncle. As Celia grows up it seems that bad luck follows her like a shadow. But how much of the bad luck is caused by Celia herself? Sometimes I wanted to just shake this character and say, " Wake Up, these people are using you!" A short but engaging book, I found myself musing over Celia and wondering if she ever learned to take care of herself.
August 27, 2011
This was very compelling. The content created some mixed emotions toward the main character. She seemed like a lost soul to me just trying to find her way through life. I did not always agree with the choices she made, because there was a lot of hurt created for the characters around her. However, that was precisely what made this book interesting. I was riveted throughout. The setting was in the tropics so I became fascinated with the culture,food, and landscape as well.
May 21, 2009
Debut novel by Irish-Trinidadian writer Amanda Smyth, about a young, mixed-race Tobago girl who leaves her home for Trinidad in the 1950s to make something of her life. A skillfully written and engaging book, if a little too careful, and therefore ultimately somewhat bloodless and underwhelming. With a detail of the haunting painting "Grande Riviere" by Peter Doig as its cover illustration.
Read
May 26, 2015Foi pelo título que veio até mim, uma amiga gostou e ofereceu-me. Gostei da tropicalidade, da descrição das paisagens, dos cheiros e dos sabores, mais do que a história. Apesar das inúmeras descrições, é uma leitura rápida, não fossem alguns acontecimentos que me parecem demasiado detalhados e irrelevantes para a história e seria uma leitura bastante fluída. Ela é capaz de gostar, vou partilhar.
October 12, 2009
This book told a story that I've read many times before. The only difference was it took place in Tabago and the main character Celia was brave enough in the beginning to leave her home after she was raped.
June 28, 2025
Black Rock by Amanda Smyth was her debut novel and it is set on Trinidad and Tobago during the 1950s. It follows sixteen-year-old Cecilia who arrived into the world as her mother departed it. Her English father doesn’t know of her existence so she is raised by her Aunt Tassi and lives with her and her twin cousins in Black Rock, Tobago. That is until something horrific happens to Cecilia and she is forced to flee her home and seek sanctuary on neighbouring Trinidad.
A new life begins
Cecilia secretly boards a Trinidad bound ferry with a plan to head for the Tamana Estate where her Aunt Sula lives.
However, on the journey to Port of Spain, Cecilia falls dangerously ill and is helped by a fellow passenger. The kindness of William and his mother will change Cecilia’s life forever.
What did I think of Black Rock by Amanda Smyth
I will get right to the point. Black Rock makes for very uncomfortable reading at times. The story explores dark themes of power and control, manipulation and exploitation. However, the fantastically descriptive writing of Amanda Smyth pulls you along. I was transported to the tropical islands of Trinidad and Tobago as I routed for Cecilia. Hoping that she’d realise the truth of her situation.
Would I recommend Black Rock by Amanda Smyth
Yes. This is a brilliant novel. It will take you on an emotional journey with incredibly flawed characters. I highly recommend Black Rock by Amanda Smyth. But don’t expect a cosy read and don’t expect a neatly tied up, happy-ever-after ending either.
A new life begins
Cecilia secretly boards a Trinidad bound ferry with a plan to head for the Tamana Estate where her Aunt Sula lives.
However, on the journey to Port of Spain, Cecilia falls dangerously ill and is helped by a fellow passenger. The kindness of William and his mother will change Cecilia’s life forever.
What did I think of Black Rock by Amanda Smyth
I will get right to the point. Black Rock makes for very uncomfortable reading at times. The story explores dark themes of power and control, manipulation and exploitation. However, the fantastically descriptive writing of Amanda Smyth pulls you along. I was transported to the tropical islands of Trinidad and Tobago as I routed for Cecilia. Hoping that she’d realise the truth of her situation.
Would I recommend Black Rock by Amanda Smyth
Yes. This is a brilliant novel. It will take you on an emotional journey with incredibly flawed characters. I highly recommend Black Rock by Amanda Smyth. But don’t expect a cosy read and don’t expect a neatly tied up, happy-ever-after ending either.
April 29, 2021
Just like Goodreads' rating description says - this was OK? It's a story about Celia, a young Trinidadian mixed race woman (teenager really) from a somewhat poor family in the 1950s, and her coming of age. I found the whole story really boring: it suffered from (too) many clichés, there wasn't really much for Celia or the reader to learn (apart from the fact that rape is gross, ).
I knew absolutely nothing about the book or the author going in as I had picked it up on a whim but I wasn't impressed at all. I expected to at least learn something about Trinidad and Tobago since the author herself is Irish Trinidadian but even that never delved deeper than the very basic "in-Spanish-then-British-colony-natives-treated-like-crap-by-whites" outline. No details, no analysis, no new perspective. Feel free to skip this one.
I knew absolutely nothing about the book or the author going in as I had picked it up on a whim but I wasn't impressed at all. I expected to at least learn something about Trinidad and Tobago since the author herself is Irish Trinidadian but even that never delved deeper than the very basic "in-Spanish-then-British-colony-natives-treated-like-crap-by-whites" outline. No details, no analysis, no new perspective. Feel free to skip this one.
September 4, 2025
Where to begin with this one? It took me longer than expected to finish, partly because life got busy, but also because the novel demanded attention. The prose is vivid and often lyrical, painting scenes that linger.
The story follows Celia as she leaves Black Rock for what she hopes will be a better life in Tobago. Before leaving, she meets a village woman who appears clairvoyant and outlines her future: the man she loves will break her, another man will love her though she cannot return it. The rest of the novel traces how these prophecies unfold.
Although set in the past, the novel resonates with present-day Trinidad and Tobago. Issues of race, abuse, infidelity, and colonial power dynamics remain familiar. Smyth explores how these forces shape her characters, rarely for the better. The ending promises renewal but lands more bitter than sweet.
What stayed with me most was the idea that “you don’t lead your life, your life leads you.” It raises questions about fate, choice, and whether some paths are set in stone no matter how much effort we make to change them.
The story follows Celia as she leaves Black Rock for what she hopes will be a better life in Tobago. Before leaving, she meets a village woman who appears clairvoyant and outlines her future: the man she loves will break her, another man will love her though she cannot return it. The rest of the novel traces how these prophecies unfold.
Although set in the past, the novel resonates with present-day Trinidad and Tobago. Issues of race, abuse, infidelity, and colonial power dynamics remain familiar. Smyth explores how these forces shape her characters, rarely for the better. The ending promises renewal but lands more bitter than sweet.
What stayed with me most was the idea that “you don’t lead your life, your life leads you.” It raises questions about fate, choice, and whether some paths are set in stone no matter how much effort we make to change them.
March 21, 2022
I quite like the Caribbean superstition of ‘one soul flies in, another flies out’.
In this novel, our protagonist Celia’s mother dies in childbirth, and she is left in the care of her aunt, until a traumatic event sends her reeling from her home in Black Rock, Tobago to Port of Spain, Trinidad. Anything written about and by a Caribbean person is always something that will warm my soul. And though while Black Rock had great promise, I do not feel like I got to know Celia that well as a main character, nor do I think she grew much by the end of the book.
There was a lot of drama and intrigue, and splashes of Trinbagonian culture that made it a delightful read, but still it lacked a certain something for it to ring home.
Going into this read, do be mindful there is a graphic SA scene if you can’t handle that sort of intense description.
In this novel, our protagonist Celia’s mother dies in childbirth, and she is left in the care of her aunt, until a traumatic event sends her reeling from her home in Black Rock, Tobago to Port of Spain, Trinidad. Anything written about and by a Caribbean person is always something that will warm my soul. And though while Black Rock had great promise, I do not feel like I got to know Celia that well as a main character, nor do I think she grew much by the end of the book.
There was a lot of drama and intrigue, and splashes of Trinbagonian culture that made it a delightful read, but still it lacked a certain something for it to ring home.
Going into this read, do be mindful there is a graphic SA scene if you can’t handle that sort of intense description.
July 20, 2022
I rate this book highly because I stayed up far too late at night, absorbed and reading it until the end! (Maybe I just couldn't sleep, but still, it was a good read). This is a novel set in both Tobago and Trinidad, both places I have spent time in, so the geography was familiar to me and that added to my enjoyment of the book. (I started off being amazed that it might be the first time I was reading a book set in Tobago, but then the character Celia moved from Tobago to Trinidad). There are many ways one could characterize the story, but I will just say that it explores (in part) relationships between Black women and the white men who are their employers, in the context of post-slavery days in the Caribbean.
November 6, 2021
На русском книга называется Черная скала, но 'от осинки не родятся апельсинки' с тринидадской спецификой, конечно, точнее.
История девушки, которая вроде и сопротивлялась судьбе, а все равно пошла по тому же пути, что и мама. Еще в книге есть прием с ясновидящей, предсказывающей будущее ГГ, и какая-то неприятная неотвратимость в том, как шаг за шагом сбываются слова ясновидящей, беспомощность от того, что ты понимаешь, к чему ведет сюжетный поворот, но не можешь ничего поделать, сочувствие и сожаление о судьбе ГГ и слабая надежда, что все же капелька счастья ей перепадет.
История девушки, которая вроде и сопротивлялась судьбе, а все равно пошла по тому же пути, что и мама. Еще в книге есть прием с ясновидящей, предсказывающей будущее ГГ, и какая-то неприятная неотвратимость в том, как шаг за шагом сбываются слова ясновидящей, беспомощность от того, что ты понимаешь, к чему ведет сюжетный поворот, но не можешь ничего поделать, сочувствие и сожаление о судьбе ГГ и слабая надежда, что все же капелька счастья ей перепадет.
August 21, 2021
I really liked this book. It made me think about opportunity and how random it really is in life. Some are born into a vast amount of privilege and some have absolutely no advantages when they come into the world. I’ve often wondered where those with far less find the drive to rise above it all. This is an interesting story that explores a young woman’s fraught journey trying to find happiness and get ahead in life.
February 22, 2023
I love reading about Trinidad and Tobago during colonial times. It starts off carrying you through your history, with familiar places, stories and folklore practices only common to those Black Trinbagonians.
As you go through the story, there's a light pull until it draws you in so deeply that you can't put it down.
As you go through the story, there's a light pull until it draws you in so deeply that you can't put it down.
January 18, 2019
The book is interesting, you’re compelled to go further but I find the vocabulary and writing style simple and basic. Feels like I am just reading it because I like the setting of Trinidad and Tobago but mostly because I bought it. Later into the book, the story picks up. I enjoyed it. Worth a read if you like West Indian stories and can wait for the novel to become less like a long essay and more like a novel.
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