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CHOICE Review

This collection includes interviews of 12 authors--seven now in the UK, three in Canada, and one each in the US and Jamaica--representing the four periods of Caribbean emigration that began about 1950. An introductory essay not only places the writers in their social context but also establishes that the writers interviewed are at the frontiers of English writing in the Caribbean. The interviews, recorded between 1985 and 1991, have a spontaneity that is possible only when the interviewer and respondent share a social and cultural milieu. The interview questions are not "set," but rather carefully adapted to writers' predilections and previous responses. Derek Walcott and George Lamming are represented by what might well be described as manifestoes for Caribbean writers. Cyril Dabydeen is included with his cousin David Dabydeen, Lorna Goodison with Dionne Brand, and Andrew Salkey with Austin Clarke; the result is a feeling that Caribbean writing is vital and indomitable. A singularly interesting and useful book for neophytes and scholars. The copious notes are most helpful and represent considerable research and knowledge of the West Indies. A. L. McLeod Rider University