The Wine of AstonishmentThe Wine of Astonishment is a powerful and heart-wrenching story of the
persecution of Spiritual Baptists during British colonial rule in
Trinidad from 1917 to 1951. The novel, situated in the remote village of
Bonasse, is narrated by Eva, a middle-aged peasant and member of the
Baptist Church. Her insider view, conveyed in Trinidadian Creole, pulls
readers into the communal character of the Church, the oppression of
West Indian people, political corruption, and the disparate motivations
of community members. Earl Lovelace’s poignant novel placed him in the
front ranks of Caribbean writers and established his international
reputation. His well-crafted tale of change and perseverance connects us
with authentic, complicated characters who struggle to exercise their
freedom and retain their identity. Through their experiences of hope,
betrayal, and humiliation we gain a better understanding of ethnic and
religious strife and West Indian culture. |
Contents
Introduction | |
Bee Goes to See Ivan Morton
| |
The War Still Fighting
| |
We Church
| |
To Break the Law
| |
Bolo and Prince
| |
Elections
| |
Bolo Returns
| |
Badjohn
| |
The Calamity
| |
The Church Comes Back
| |