I listened to this story as an audiobook read by the author. Authors are not always good narrators, but when they are, I think it really brings a book to life being read by its author as they know just where to put the emphasis to convey the meaning they want to put across, plus Ingrid Persaud has such a beautiful lilting Caribbean accent that it was pure joy to listen to.
The story follows three characters: Betty: a single mother, Solo: her son, and Mr Chetan, their lodger who all live in Trinidad. Each character struggles with huge secrets. Betty lived with an abusive husband until his death, the guilt surrounding which haunts her. Solo is shy and depressive and can’t forgive his mother for what happened to his father, and Mr Chetan is gay and has to hide that in a society which is very homophobic.
I very much enjoyed the book and getting to know the characters and I was very moved by their stories.
Sarah Wray Writer 