Play Book Tag discussion

How does one talk about a book with such difficult subject matter, but yet captures your heart and introduces a talented new author? The Bread the Devil Knead is told in dialect of Trinidad and I imagine it may be a good one to listen to on audio. I read it and enjoyed the particular phrasing, once I adjusted to the lack of possessive and objective pronouns.

Alethea or Girlie as she was known earlier in her life is a dynamic self-made woman who manages a clothing store in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. She has a problem and it is not a small one, as she explains in the beginning of the book

"‘Why you does stay, Miss Allie?’ ‘You know, that is the first question people does ask?’ My throat was dry. I take up the cup with my two hand to keep from trembling and throwing down the tea. I sip some before I talk. I feel like she was accusing me. I hear it from doctor and nurse already, as though by staying I was saying I want to get licks. ‘Nobody doesn’t ask, “Why he don’t stop beating you?” As if somehow is a normal thing for a man to beat a woman. Yet it not normal for a woman to stay with a man who beating she? If is the woman fault for staying, not the man fault for lashing she, beating woman come normal, then.’ "

The book moves from Alethea's childhood to present day in alternating chapters. Slowly we moved towards a fuller picture of Alethea and her life.

The book never takes on a heavy tone, but it is indeed heavy and not for the faint of heart.

Trigger warnings for domestic abuse, child abuse and molestation.

This is on the short list for the women's prize, so I have thought about reading it. I am a little concerned with the subject matter. If I do decide to read it, I'll pick the audio version. Thanks for your review. It helps.

Joy D wrote: "This is on the short list for the women's prize, so I have thought about reading it. I am a little concerned with the subject matter. If I do decide to read it, I'll pick the audio version. Thanks ..."

If you can get past the beginning, it might be alright, but there is one pretty graphic scene later in the book, that you would want to skip.

I'm not sure this is a book for you, (view spoiler)[as it essentially focuses on domestic abuse and why women stay, but there is also a huge part of the story which is about her life growing up which is not pleasant. (hide spoiler)]

Ok, thank you. I will likely pass.