Suggested to me by Audible - Happy with my choice

This story was often harrowing but also interesting and engaging. Elements of humour and a sense of endearment towards the main character were really enhanced by the narration and I am really glad I listened to this novel. It took me a little while to get used to the Trinidadian Creole but once more familiar with it I loved this aspect of how the book had been written (and of course performed). I even enjoyed listening tho the author's acknowledgements and the background of her book at the end of the story. Given that I had not heard of this book prior to it popping up as a suggested listen I am really pleased to have made this choice.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Fantastic!

When a Trini tells a story it’s full of real emotion, drama, humour, dark secrets and lies and real truths. To listen to the author’s narration was pure indulgence for me. Honestly the best recommendation by Audible for me so far.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

raw and beautiful

The story was beautiful. very hard to listen to at times. but thats what makes it all the more an incredible read. definitely should be a trigger warning on this for abuse/childhood abuse. but it's got it's joyful moments too so definitely worth a read

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Absorbing read

The protagonist is complex and multi-faceted, flawed and believable. the story brings the diversity and colorism of the Carribean Islands to life. Initially it was hard to understand the patois but I quickly got used to it. Addresses abuse in its many forms so not light-'reading'

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Narrated by author - makes for a brilliant listen

I listened to this while running errands and doing school runs etc, but i often found that I couldn't get out of the car because I didn't want to leave the story. I even started taking longer routes on purpose.

im sure the writing is great, characters layered anx so on but i found the narration is so beautiful.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Painful story

Painful story but with survival and hope at it's heart. The narration was beautiful and excellent,

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Challenging subject beautifully told

The narration was lovely. The author presents the tragic story of Alethea 's life honestly and unflinchingly. It's tough to listen to at times, but worth it!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Page turner

Once you start you will not be able to put this book down (stayed up until 2am). The story was tragic but they reflect the realities of so many Trini women. The performance was excellent, I was crying, laughing and getting angry…yes it was that engaging. Overall a good read but so very thought provoking.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Powerful & moving

This is now one of my top five books that I have ever read.
Written in Trinidadian Creole, this was a book that needed my focus and took time to get to grips with the dialect. I could not be more glad once I did!
Aletheas character grips from the start. The horrors of her life, a roller coaster of emotions that you hope will ease as the book gains momentum, instead reaches a crescendo of abuse that I found almost impossible to digest. But with that, there are also moments of pure love and light.
If you can cope with the realism of this story, I highly suggest you listen or grab a copy. Such adept writing and fabulous narration by the author. This book will stay with me for life.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Authentic

I would definitely recommend this book, refreshingly powerful to listen to an author/ narrator from the Caribbean that did not hold back with they story and her authentic accent was just the cherry on top !

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful