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Madam Fate
A poetic novel melds the past and the present of the author's native Jamaica through the voices of a series of women, both real and mythological, whose lives embody the country's mythology, colonial history, and matrilineal traditions
- GenresFiction
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 5, 2018
#RWLChallenge: A speculative fiction written by a Caribbean author.
I feel like this is a book I didn't "get."
I feel like this is a book I didn't "get."
August 29, 2023
I want more!!!
If I've learned anything from reading Douglas' poetry and riddim novel, it is that she will bring the mystery, magic, folklore, and life of my country to the page. And she does it with flow and brilliance, every sentence dripping with our experiences. Moving from the young to the old, from forest to sea, using our rituals, spirituality, and connection to nature to weave a story that draws you in completely.
There is definitely something special about Jamaican poet storytellers. Their musings, writings, and creation on the page are mesmeric and heartful. It's definitely one to pick up.
She uses history, family, and community to craft a story that is soft, spirit-focused, nature-tuned, and with the edge of meanness and violence that is visited upon or by all of the above. Yet there is light and a way forward for our characters, and we journey with them towards what happiness awaits.
If I've learned anything from reading Douglas' poetry and riddim novel, it is that she will bring the mystery, magic, folklore, and life of my country to the page. And she does it with flow and brilliance, every sentence dripping with our experiences. Moving from the young to the old, from forest to sea, using our rituals, spirituality, and connection to nature to weave a story that draws you in completely.
There is definitely something special about Jamaican poet storytellers. Their musings, writings, and creation on the page are mesmeric and heartful. It's definitely one to pick up.
She uses history, family, and community to craft a story that is soft, spirit-focused, nature-tuned, and with the edge of meanness and violence that is visited upon or by all of the above. Yet there is light and a way forward for our characters, and we journey with them towards what happiness awaits.
December 30, 2021
December 2021 update:
Certain that third time will be the charm
_____
Very different from Marvellous Equations of the Dread but I think very much a Marcia Douglas book: Multiple POVs, multigenerational, and most importantly, had me simultaneously amazed but fully aware that it wasn't for me to understand what I had just read just the first time. Definitely going to read it again and maybe then I can piece together an actual review.
Certain that third time will be the charm
_____
Very different from Marvellous Equations of the Dread but I think very much a Marcia Douglas book: Multiple POVs, multigenerational, and most importantly, had me simultaneously amazed but fully aware that it wasn't for me to understand what I had just read just the first time. Definitely going to read it again and maybe then I can piece together an actual review.
October 26, 2020
One of my favorite books.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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