L'écriture d'Opal Palmer Adisa est profondément ancrée dans la richesse de la langue et de la culture jamaïcaines. Elle infuse sa poésie et sa prose avec la "nation language", un choix qui lui permet d'exprimer des émotions avec une intimité et une vivacité sans précédent. À travers son œuvre, elle célèbre non seulement les sensibilités caribéennes, mais incite également les lecteurs à s'engager plus profondément avec la langue, en découvrant ses couches subtiles et ses textures vibrantes.
The collection showcases powerful poetry that intertwines themes of female solidarity, heritage, and the complexity of desire. Opal Palmer Adisa's work reflects on the interplay between historical, political, and personal narratives, emphasizing the struggle for freedom and joy in life. Through vivid imagery and wit, she explores topics like family, love, and the oppression of the female body, exemplified in her poem "Bumbu Clat," which critiques the transformation of a term for sisterhood into a misogynistic curse in Jamaican culture.
Each piece in this dynamic poetic biography uses the voices of iconic figures past and present in a bold exploration of such hot topics as gender, race, and spirituality. The mode of presentation continually shifts―from dramatic monologue or prose poem, to prophetic rant―to provide fresh, moving viewpoints on subjects as various as the senility of a beloved grandmother and Michael Jackson's racial transformations.
Kirstoff village, in the heart of rural Jamaica, is a peaceful home where
evryone knows everyone else and looks out for eachother. Until Monica comes
home.
Sensitive and imaginative, this collection of short stories explores the Jamaican male psyche through free-flowing narratives, stories within stories, and modern versions of folktales and myths. Structured around the author’s lifetime of experiences within a small Jamaican community, these touching stories explore modern issues relating to men—from the repercussions associated with absentee fathers to the creation of warm, loving home environments.
"Opal Palmer Adisa has perfected a woman's grammar, and language rooted in the landscape of Jamaica, a landscape that she apprehends as compelling as a woman's body: complex, vibrant, dangerous and beautiful-and her poems emerge with a thick, sensual intensity. In these poems, Adisa brings her sharp eye and rich language to bear on her return to the Jamaica of beauty, sexual and physical violence, loss, and memory-a place where "no one feels safe", and yet a place where the arias of "maaanin-maanin" are restorative. Adisa summons the spirit of women to guide her through memory and the stories in poems that are vulnerable, fierce and revealing. Opal Palmer Adisa has been writing successfully for years, and yet in The Storyteller's Return, one has the sense of a first and complete voice, a way of seeing that is urgent and powerful. Adisa's grandmother tells her, "fi always have a good home/ dash you pee across you doorway". In the woman's grammar, transgression is liberation. This is an affirming and necessary meditation on the contradictory meaning of home by a gifted poet and storyteller. "Home," writes the storyteller, "will always remain unfinished". Kwame Dawes, author of The Mountain and the Sea.
Set against a backdrop of intrigue, this tale weaves together elements of mystery and magic. The protagonist embarks on a thrilling journey, uncovering hidden secrets and confronting enigmatic forces. As they navigate a world filled with unexpected twists, the narrative explores themes of courage, friendship, and the quest for truth. With captivating characters and a richly imagined setting, the story promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, blending suspense with the wonder of the supernatural.
Exploring themes of love and connection, this collection delves into innocent childhood romances, rekindled passions between couples after years apart, and the joys of companionship for older women. It also highlights a wife's journey of self-love and protection, emphasizing the importance of embracing humanity's imperfections. Love's Promise ultimately renews faith in the enduring power of love in various forms.
Set against the backdrop of the Bay Area, this tale explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and reconciliation through the lens of the Yoruba belief system. The story follows Crystal and Donald, two urban professionals whose intense sexual chemistry belies their fundamental incompatibility, leading them to the brink of divorce. As their personal drama unfolds, it intertwines with the spiritual realm of the Orishas, highlighting the profound impact of human actions on both earthly and spiritual planes.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Quadrille and Quelbe Festival in the Virgin Islands, the story follows Jasmine and Justin as they immerse themselves in the joyous celebration of dance and music. Their excitement for the festival highlights the cultural richness and community spirit of the event, promising a lively exploration of traditions and personal connections.
