Getting in the mood for Carifesta X

All around me is talk about how unsafe Guyana is.  Crime--random and targeted--seems to be quite rampant in Guyana--that's if I'm to believe the Guyana newspapers, some accounts from people who have visited there, and some of my blogger friends.  Now I'm not really squeamish about random or targeted crime, after all I live in urban America.  My relative comfort comes from a reliable security system, a dependable neighborhood watch program, and quick, responsive police.  I have sound reason to believe that those security measures may not exist in Guyana.

So what's a Carifesta-seeking woman to do?  Well, I'm gonna take my chances.  As I keep telling concerned relatives and friends, my keep-safe plan is to avoid all the overly-popular Carifesta events and as many of the large crowds as I can, and of course, to pray a lot.

To get beyond all the negatives and put myself (and hopefully some of you who will also be going to Guyana for Carifesta) in a positive mood for Guyana and Carifesta X, for the next few weeks I'm focusing on the work of a few women writers from the Caribbean. 

First on my list is Haitian-American writer, Edwidge Danticat.  Years ago I read and enjoyed Danticat's first novel, Breath, Eyes, Memory--published when she was 25--and I've since shared it with several groups of students.  Each time, without fail, I get a special thrill from watching them discover (most with horror) the novel's "secret."  Breath, Eyes, Memory is a remarkable debut novel you will remember for much more than its secret though.

As good as it is, Breath, Eyes, Memory is not the book of hers that I will be featuring here.  I am choosing instead to read and write on Danticat's latest work, Brother, I'm Dying. Read its first chapter here for free. Brother, I'm Dying is autobiographical, and won a National Book Critics Circle award in March of this year.  I'll begin posting on it on Friday.  Meanwhile, here's to women writers of the Caribbean!    

Comments

[Annand]

While the president was in New York for the Caricom conference he stressed that the security is up to par for Carifesta. He spoke about implementing security measures of an international level on past major events help in Guyana and how we can expect the same for this Carifesta.

Here is a video of him speaking at the conference,

Link: http://www.baiganchoka.com/videos/view_video.php?viewkey=8dad4d52d063967f0a70

[guyana gyal]

You're the second person who's mentioned Edwidge Danticat...what a glorious name. One day, I will inveigle family overseas to get her books for me... :-)

[c.d.valere]

Annand, thanks for the link. Your site is becoming one of my addictions. Great job you guys are doing over there!

Guyana Gyal, I believe I read somewhere that "Edwidge Danticat" may not be her real name. Not sure I can trust my old memory though. But yes, do make a strong appeal for her books. Her writing is uncomplicated and rich. You'll enjoy!