Brown Face, Big Master

by Joyce Gladwell, Sandra Courtman (Editor), John Gilmore (Editor)

Joyce Gladwell grew up in Jamaica, a 'brown face' in a country where black and white were often at opposite ends of the social scale. 'Big Master' (in the country dialect she used as a child) is God.
First published in 1969, the second edition of this open, forthright story of her life reveals a deep awareness of some of the major social issues and personal problems of our time - race, colour, human relationships, mixed marriage, the search for God. With vivid descriptions of people and her surroundings, she tells of her Jamaican school-days and the attitudes and prejudices which influenced her; of her life as a psychology student at London University; of the discrimination against her which came to a head when her proposed marriage to an Englishman was opposed by his family; and of her early problems of adjustment in marriage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Race

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Neglectedbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brown Face Big Master is a restrained, subdued memoir, marked more than anything by a pervasive sense of humility. It is not at all an evangelical account: Joyce Gladwell's own faith came to her gradually, over the course of many years, and with more than a few set-backs, and she makes no claims or and sets no expectations for others. In that respect, it is an account of one person's faith that even non-believers can appreciate.

See more at http://neglectedbooks.com/?p=1248

[Tanya Bellehumeur-Allatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book, very well written. It is the spiritual autobiography of Joyce Gladwell, mother of Canadian journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell. It describes Gladwell's upbringing in Jamaica in the 1930s and 40s, and then her university years in London, England. This book provides a unique feminine perspective, well worth reading.

[Em Carr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would’ve given it 3.5 stars if not for the horrifically long and unnecessarily thorough introduction.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"So I was introduced to the relentless pace of the timetable, and to the hurt was added strain of keeping up the pace - the hysterical fear of being left behind."

This book was short and rich with ideas and observations. Following Joyce Gladwell, Malcolm Gladwell's mother, through her spiritual journey as well as her discoveries as a woman of color, a sister, a daughter, and a mother. Cataloguing her depression and speaking about her experiences so exactly while also maintaining an emotional piece this book really surprised me.

While there may not seem like anything life-changing about this book now the introduction gives a lot of good context for the world this book was written in. Gladwell also tells her own stories that give us a clear idea of her experiences and the life she was navigating. I was especially drawn in by how openly she talks about shame and fear.

This book is a wonderful read - both the subjects discussed and the way in which Gladwell writes is captivating.

[Moira McPartlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book four stars because as well as the text of Brown Face, Big Master in this Caribbean Classic there was a substantial and fascinating introduction by the editor Sandra Courtman. Brown Face, Big Master is the Memoir of Joyce Gladwell (Malcolm Gladwell's mother). Her story takes her from harsh girl's boarding school in Jamaica to a cold and bigoted England where she studies psychology. It is an interesting insight into this young girls life.

[Gary Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief, rich & fascinating take of life in pre-independence Jamaica & 1950s UK.

Published in the late 1960s this book is still still relevant for today's society - as was Selvon's "Lonely Londoners". It is an important part of our history that thankfully Joyce captured & published.

[Martianngray]

This is a book written by Malcom Gladwell's mother. It looks really interesting.