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An intricately woven tapestry of stories where survival, resilience and self-discovery are passed down through generations of an Indo-Trinidadian family.
Celeste Mohammed’s second novel-in-stories, Ever Since We Small, is a family saga which covers a sweeping landscape from the days of the British Raj in India, to multicultural modern Trinidad. Written in a blend of Standard English and several flavours of Trinidad kriol, the book follows the bloodline of a young woman, Jayanti, after her decision to become a girmitiya, an indentured labourer in the Caribbean.
Jayanti’s grandson, Lall Gopaul, seeks to escape the rural village where he was born, but becomes seduced and corrupted by urban life. His son, Shiva, is forced to take a child-bride, Salma, but never recovers from the guilt. Heartache follows for their three children – Anand, Nadya and Abby – who must each find a way to accept and yet move past their parents’ failed example.
Along the journey of these ten interconnected stories, the alchemy necessary to turn the Gopauls’ inheritance of pain into a “generation of gold” requires intervention by the living and dead, the “real” and the mythical, the mundane and the magical, the secular and the sacred.
An intricately woven tapestry of stories where survival, resilience and self-discovery are passed down through generations of an Indo-Trinidadian family.
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$160.00
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GTIN: 9781914344954
An intricately woven tapestry of stories where survival, resilience and self-discovery are passed down through generations of an Indo-Trinidadian family.
Celeste Mohammed’s second novel-in-stories, Ever Since We Small, is a family saga which covers a sweeping landscape from the days of the British Raj in India, to multicultural modern Trinidad. Written in a blend of Standard English and several flavours of Trinidad kriol, the book follows the bloodline of a young woman, Jayanti, after her decision to become a girmitiya, an indentured labourer in the Caribbean.
Jayanti’s grandson, Lall Gopaul, seeks to escape the rural village where he was born, but becomes seduced and corrupted by urban life. His son, Shiva, is forced to take a child-bride, Salma, but never recovers from the guilt. Heartache follows for their three children – Anand, Nadya and Abby – who must each find a way to accept and yet move past their parents’ failed example.
Along the journey of these ten interconnected stories, the alchemy necessary to turn the Gopauls’ inheritance of pain into a “generation of gold” requires intervention by the living and dead, the “real” and the mythical, the mundane and the magical, the secular and the sacred.
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Radeyah Ali –
Celeste Mohammed’s Ever Since We Small is a masterful tapestry of ten interconnected stories that delve deep into the complexities of family, identity, and the enduring impact of trauma within the Indo-Trinidadian diaspora. Through her evocative prose, Mohammed offers readers a poignant exploration of generational struggles and the intricate dance between cultural heritage and personal evolution starting with Jayanti, an Indian woman who escaped becoming a Sati and instead became an indentured labourer in the Caribbean.
The narrative’s strength lies in its rich character development, particularly in the portrayal of Shiva. Initially presented as a product of his circumstances, Shiva’s journey unfolds to reveal a man grappling with his conscience amidst a backdrop of adversity. This nuanced depiction challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between fate and agency, highlighting the complexities of human nature.
Mohammed’s storytelling is further enriched by her incorporation of Trinidadian folklore and the Indo-Muslim-Trinidadian experience. The cultural references serve not only as a backdrop but as integral elements that shape the characters’ identities and choices. This cultural immersion provides a refreshing departure from mainstream narratives, offering authenticity and depth to the storytelling.
While the novel’s exploration of familial trauma and societal challenges is undeniably compelling, it also serves as a mirror reflecting the resilience and strength inherent within communities. Mohammed’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving cultural narratives and fostering empathy across diverse audiences.
In conclusion, Ever Since We Small is a captivating read that seamlessly blends personal and collective histories, inviting readers into a world where the past and present converge. For those seeking literature that offers both emotional depth and cultural insight, this novel is highly recommended.