500 Great Books By Women discussion

Crick Crack, Monkey, Merle Hodge, 1970, Caribbean, NOVEL

"...The life Tantie offers Tee and Toddan is full of fiercely raucous love; when Tantie is crossed, "the neighbors for six houses down on every side of us were generally aware of this fact." Throughout Tee's early years, Mammy's sister Beatrice—a woman a voice that sounds "like high-heels and stockings"—attempts to get custody of Tee and Toddan. Tee's love and loyalty to Tantie are strained as she grows up and begins to want the pretty clothes and tidy life Beatrice offers..."

(J.L., p. 43)