Jamaica has a rich literary tradition, with a number of authors hailing from the island and writing about Jamaican history, culture, and politics. Here are some of the best Jamaican books that you might want to consider reading:
- “A Brief History of Seven Killings” by Marlon James: This novel won the Man Booker Prize in 2015, and explores the events leading up to the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in 1976.
- “The Harder They Come” by Michael Thelwell: This novel tells the story of a young Jamaican man named Ivanhoe Martin who becomes involved in the country’s music scene and becomes a fugitive from the law.
- “No Telephone to Heaven” by Michelle Cliff: This novel explores the experiences of a young Jamaican woman as she grows up in the country and then moves to the United States.
- “The Pirate’s Daughter” by Margaret Cezair-Thompson: This novel tells the story of a young woman named Ida who grows up in Jamaica and becomes involved with the film industry in Hollywood.
- “Jamaica Kincaid: A Small Place” by Jamaica Kincaid: This non-fiction book provides a critical look at the history of Jamaica and its relationship with the United States.
- “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon: This young adult novel tells the story of two young people who meet in New York City and fall in love, despite their different backgrounds and cultural traditions.
- “Kingston Noir” edited by Colin Channer: This collection of short stories explores the darker side of life in Kingston, Jamaica.
- “The Lunatic” by Anthony C. Winkler: This novel tells the story of a man named Fay who is released from a mental institution and returns to his hometown in Jamaica.
- “The Last Warner Woman” by Kei Miller: This novel tells the story of a young Jamaican woman named Adamine who is chosen to be the last of the Warner women, who were known for their ability to communicate with spirits.
- “The Hummingbird’s Daughter” by Luis Alberto Urrea: This novel tells the story of a young woman named Teresita who becomes a folk hero in Mexico, but who is actually of Jamaican descent.
These books are just a few examples of the many great Jamaican books available. They offer a wide variety of perspectives on Jamaican history, culture, and society, and are well worth reading for anyone interested in the country.
