Edgar Mittelholzer est considéré comme le premier romancier des Antilles à avoir mené une carrière professionnelle réussie. Son œuvre prolifique explore la riche tapisserie de la vie caribéenne, puisant ses personnages et ses situations dans toute la région et son histoire. Les romans de Mittelholzer plongent dans un échantillon de groupes ethniques et de classes sociales, abordant des thèmes d'intérêt historique, politique, psychologique et moral. Son vaste corpus, comprenant de nombreux romans et ouvrages de non-fiction, le positionne comme une voix essentielle de la littérature caribéenne anglophone.
Set against the backdrop of the immigrant experience, this family saga explores the struggles and triumphs of its characters as they navigate their new lives. With a rich, poetic narrative, it delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of adapting to a foreign culture. The novel captures the essence of resilience and hope, making it a poignant reflection on the immigrant journey that resonates with readers across generations.
Exploring the tension between order and freedom, the narrative centers on Reverend Harmston's ambitious attempt to create a balanced microsociety in the Guyanese forest. His commune, guided by the principles of hard work, love, and play, aims to foster dialogue between European enlightenment and native Amerindian culture. However, beneath its comedic facade lies a darker reality marked by Harmston's authoritarian rule and harsh punishments, foreshadowing the tragic events of the Jonestown Massacre that would occur decades later.
Set in 1930s Guyana, the novel chronicles the life of Sylvia Ann Russell, a mixed-race woman grappling with economic hardship and sexual exploitation following her English father's death. Torn between her longing for emotional connection and her desire for independence, she ultimately confronts her grim fate when illness strikes. The story powerfully highlights the struggles of a Caribbean woman seeking deeper meaning in a society that offers her little hope, showcasing her resilience and complexity in the face of adversity.
"Amongst the barks of baboons and rustles of hidden creatures a group of town-dwellers confront the reality of evil and their own fallibilities in the remote Berbice forests of Guyana. Mittelholzer subtitled this 1955 novel "A Ghost Story in the Old-fashioned Manner," and though there is more than a hint of tongue-in-cheek in this thoroughly entert
The arrival of a young English painter in Barbados takes a dark turn when he is invited to stay at the mysterious mansion of Mrs. Scaife. As he settles in, he discovers that Eltonsbrody hides sinister secrets within its locked rooms. Strange and terrifying occurrences escalate, leading to a gripping climax that unveils the true horror lurking in the mansion. The story weaves suspense and intrigue, culminating in an unforgettable revelation that challenges the boundaries of reality.
Set in 1940s Trinidad, the narrative delves into the dynamics of office life at Essential Products Ltd., blending serious themes with humor. Characters navigate sexual tension, colonial attitudes, and racial issues amid a shifting labor market. The story offers a nuanced portrayal of middle- and lower-middle-class society, highlighting the contrasts between the office environment and broader societal challenges. Richly characterized, this satire explores the complexities of human interaction within a hierarchical setting.
This compendium of Edgar Mittelholzer's uncollected writings by Juanita Cox, brings together his early collection of sketches of Georgetown life, 'Creole Chips', his speculative novella, 'The Adding Machine', twenty-four short stories, two short plays, his published and unpublished poetry and essays covering travel, literature, and his personal beliefs.
Der Roman spielt zu Beginn der dreißiger Jahre des 20. Jahrhunderts in Britisch-Guayana. Der wohlhabende Unternehmer Ralph Nevinson lädt den jungen Maler Milton Woodsley, einen Freund der Familie, ein, ihn und seine Frau und Tochter für ein paar Tage auf die am Berbice-Fluß liegende Dschungelstation Goed de Vries, einen Außenposten seiner Firma, zu begleiten und dort ein paar Bilder zu malen. Aber schon bald stellt sich heraus, daß Nevinson damit noch einen anderen Zweck verfolgt: Er braucht Hilfe. Von einem alten Indio hat er ein geheimnisvolles Pergament geerbt, das ihm, solange er es nicht berührt, Glück bringen soll, aber sein Verhängnis bedeutet, wenn er es anfaßt ...