One Generation

by Roy A.K. Heath

Rohan's involvement with a married woman disrupts his family, forces him to leave home, and causes tensions in a small town in Guyana

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1981

About the author

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

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

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

Heath died in London at the age of 81.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows on from the previous book in the trilogy and follows the life of Armstrong's son, 'Boyie'. Boyie's is a sad tale of the kind of frustration and mis-communication that dogged the life of his mother and father. While he tries to escape from the orbit of his family, he is as unsuccessful as his father in finding happiness or satisfaction. This may sound a depressing story, but it is made worthwhile by the psychological and social insight of the writer, who depicts the limited opportunities of a colonial society where the mass of people are ill-educated and poor.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book. Every bit as enjoyable as the first one. This covers the new generation Armstrong's son Rohan, very strong stuff. Roy Heath is an amazing writer and he is skilled in the way he describes in detail and affection of Rohan's independence and the dangers that are his. Recommend