SQ Reflections: Author Insights with Ryan Bachoo, Author of An Unending Search

In this edition of Author Insights, we sit down with Ryan Bachoo, a Trinidadian writer and journalist, to explore the inspiration and experiences behind his debut novel, An Unending Search. This compelling story dives deep into the heart of identity, migration, and the struggle to escape — or reconcile with — the place we call home. Here’s some of Ryan’s Insights:

1. Can you tell us about your book and its main themes?

An Unending Search tells the story of a teenager called Tar who works in the cane fields of south Trinidad with a village elder named Uncle Sundar. The old man convinces Tar he needs to not only get out of the cane fields but also get out of Trinidad to find a better life in the promised land of New York or London. Tar sets about this journey throughout the book to find a way out of “racist” Trinidad, according to his Uncle Sundar. The book confronts themes of racism, classism and escapism along the twelve chapters.

2. What inspired you to write this particular story?

Growing up in the 90s, I read a lot of West Indian literature. In reading the works of Naipaul, Walcott, Anthony and Selvon, it connected with the village I was growing up in and I was reading a story I could relate to. In my own village, I saw my own Miguel Street, and so, I always wanted to write a West Indian fiction of my own. The Caribbean is full of rich content for books. We just have to look deeply.

3. How does your Trinidadian background influence your writing?

Being a Trinidadian and to a greater extent someone from the Caribbean has allowed me to see and write very descriptively. Caribbean people are flamboyant. They express themselves profoundly and I feel like that translated into my writing of this novel.

4. What was your writing process like for this book?

It was the absolute hardest thing I have ever done in my life. But, it was also the most gratifying. Writing this book was equally a journey for me as it was taking Tar on a fictional journey of self-discovery. At times, I felt frustrated and wondered if I would ever get to the end. Then, other times, the book flowed so smoothly, and the words just kept writing itself that I was excited. Writing a book is a surreal experience. At least it’s been for me — where you plotted the book to go can often turn out differently. Even I, as the author, was surprised by this.

5. Did you face any challenges while writing, and how did you overcome them?

Writing a book is one of the most challenging tasks one can undertake — at least I understand that now. However, it’s not just the challenge of trying to complete what you started. There are many frustrations along the way. Sometimes the words don’t come. Other times, you feel tired and need a break from writing. And then sometimes you’re “lost” writing your own book. You, as the author, have lost the plot. These are all real things, though it might sound silly. I had to keep setting myself small targets, whether it was trying to get to the end of a storyline in the book or a chapter. I had to take it in bitesized pieces, otherwise it would have been too overwhelming.

6. Are there any specific authors or books that have inspired your work?

Without a doubt, Naipaul’s Miguel Street inspired my novel. He is also my favourite author. However, as a lover of West Indian literature, writers from the Caribbean have inspired me for decades. I have only tried to emulate them with my debut novel.

7. What message do you hope readers take away from your book?

While the book is set in the late 1970s, I want readers to understand the concept of escapism then and now. The same way in which young people want to escape Trinidad now was the same way in which Tar tried to escape. The concept, and in some cases, motivation, is the same. There are similarities albeit fifty years apart. I also want readers to understand that some never escape, and they are forced to reckon with it.

8. Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your writing journey?

I think every time I got stuck on the plot and I figured out a way to make an interesting twist made me excited. I would sometimes be stuck on where to take the storyline and then after stepping away from it, I would have a eureka moment. In many ways, I surprised myself that I was able to write an entire novel.

9. How do you approach character development in your stories?

Character development is one of the most important aspects of storytelling for me. I like to focus on making characters feel like real people — complex, dynamic, and flawed. I like to define their goals and internal conflict, give them flaws and weaknesses, allow room for change and make them face difficult choices.

10. What role does research play in your writing process?

I would say for the first two years in writing the first draft, I spent researching life in south Trinidad in the 1970s. Researching played a critical role in writing this novel, not least because I was writing about a time when I didn’t exist. One of the best compliments I’ve gotten about this novel is that I depicted life in the 1970s very accurately.

11. What has been the most rewarding part of being a published author?

Honestly, sometimes I stop and think for a few seconds that I’m actually an author. I actually wrote a book. I will die and this book will remain. The most rewarding part of being a published author is meeting people who say the book took them back to a time when they were growing up and it made them nostalgic about the cane fields, the sugar industry and life in south Trinidad. Money can’t buy that feeling of gratification. I also take it as a compliment when people ask me to write a second part to the book. They’re eager to find out what happens to the protagonist next.

12. How do you handle feedback or criticism of your work?

I’ve had to listen to a fair bit of critique about the book — not criticism so much. Nevertheless, I’ve always taken criticism with an open mind and if there is to be a second novel for me, I will certainly learn from the advice I have received and incorporate it.

13. Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or books you’re working on?

At the moment, I am focused on making this debut novel as great a success as it can be. I don’t have any upcoming projects so to speak but my goal is to take An Unending Search to as many book festivals regionally and internationally as possible.

14. What advice would you give to aspiring writers in Trinidad?

Since writing this book, a lot of people told me they started writing a novel of their own but could not continue it, whether they were too tired or just got distracted. I think it’s important to approach writing a book in small bits. Sometimes it’s not even chapter by chapter but page by page. Take it in small chunks. Also, keep writing, even if you have to go back and change later. There are days when you won’t feel to write, you’ll be too tired or want to take a break, write anyway. The novel will not complete if you keep taking breaks.

15. How do you promote your work and connect with your readers, and what advice would you give to new authors?

I myself am a new author but I would say to try to connect with as many newspapers, bookstores and podcasts as possible. Get your book out there as much as possible. There are a lot of great books out there that will never win a prize or be bought because it’s not marketed properly. Marketing is a huge part in this book business. People have to know you have a product to want to buy it.

16. What is your favourite aspect of being part of the Trinidadian literary community?

Trinidad and Tobago has a rich history of writers. We descend from a lineage which includes Nobel Laureates. That is not something to take lightly. Trinidadian writers have been some of the most respected artists in the world. We are continuing that tradition. It’s not something I take lightly but I think of it with a sense of pride.

17. How do you see the future of Trinidadian literature evolving?

The future of Trinidadian literature holds a lot of exciting possibilities, especially as the literary landscape continues to evolve and respond to global and local shifts in culture, technology, and identity. Look at what someone like Kevin Jared Hosein has been able to achieve. I think we will continue to churn out world-class writers as we did in the 70s, 80s and beyond.

18. What role do you think storytelling plays in preserving culture?

Telling our stories as Caribbean people is so important. I cannot underscore this enough. No one is going to come and tell our stories and as Naipaul and Walcott showed the world, no one is better at telling our own stories than us. West Indian literature is important in preserving our culture, identity and history and it is an art we should never allow to die.

19. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your work or writing journey?

I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported my debut novel, not only those who bought a copy but also those who had supportive words and gestures. It’s not easy to put yourself out there in publishing a book so I’m grateful to everyone who has been kind to me.

Connect with Ryan Bachoo:

📘 Book: An Unending Search
🔗 Facebook | LinkedIn
📧 [email protected]

Ryan Bachoo reminds us that writing is as much about discovery as it is about creation. Through An Unending Search, he opens a window into the heart’s quiet struggles—and the beauty in continuing to look for answers. We thank Ryan for sharing these insights with us.

As always, An Unending Search is available on our shelves at SQ, both in-store and on our website. Be sure to grab your copy today!

This interview forms part of our Author Insights series here on our blog. Stay tuned for new author interviews.

Happy reading!