In the scorching Indian summer of 1899, a young widow named Jayanti stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. With her husband's untimely demise, she is forced to confront the societal norms that dictate her fate as a sati – a sacrifice to the gods by immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre. But Jayanti has other plans, fueled by a determination to apply English justice and uphold the law banning the practice. In a stunning volte face, she agrees to be saved from an arranged marriage with a British magistrate, who offers her a lifeline to escape the patriarchal shackles of her community.
The story jumps forward in time and place, landing on the vibrant island of Trinidad in 1973, where Jayanti's descendant, Shiva Gopaul, is struggling to find his footing as an adolescent. Narrated by an omniscient "bois" – a guardian of the forest who embodies the island's history and mystique – Shiva's story weaves together the complex tapestry of Trinidadian culture, where women are revered for their strength and resilience.
As the narrative unfolds, Mohammed masterfully weaves a multilayered narrative that defies creative writing conventions. The reader is thrust into a world of contradictions, where mystical figures like Godfrey – a saapin, diabless, and soucouyant – coexist with modern-day women making a living on YouTube channels. Shiva's journey is marked by moments of joy, fear, and resilience as he navigates the treacherous waters of adolescence, family dynamics, and cultural identity.
Mohammed's writing is big-hearted and confident, refusing to preach or patronize her characters. Instead, she invites the reader to activate their imagination, to figure out the story for themselves. As the novel progresses, Mohammed's skills become increasingly apparent, as the richness of creole culture permeates the narrative, and her characters' voices become more nuanced and engaging.
Ultimately, "Ever Since We Small" is a triumph of storytelling, a testament to the power of women's voices and experiences. It is a story that refuses to be contained within traditional boundaries, instead embracing the porous divide between reality and imagination. This novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever been moved by the stories of the Caribbean – a place where love, magic, and resilience converge in ways both unexpected and unforgettable.
The story jumps forward in time and place, landing on the vibrant island of Trinidad in 1973, where Jayanti's descendant, Shiva Gopaul, is struggling to find his footing as an adolescent. Narrated by an omniscient "bois" – a guardian of the forest who embodies the island's history and mystique – Shiva's story weaves together the complex tapestry of Trinidadian culture, where women are revered for their strength and resilience.
As the narrative unfolds, Mohammed masterfully weaves a multilayered narrative that defies creative writing conventions. The reader is thrust into a world of contradictions, where mystical figures like Godfrey – a saapin, diabless, and soucouyant – coexist with modern-day women making a living on YouTube channels. Shiva's journey is marked by moments of joy, fear, and resilience as he navigates the treacherous waters of adolescence, family dynamics, and cultural identity.
Mohammed's writing is big-hearted and confident, refusing to preach or patronize her characters. Instead, she invites the reader to activate their imagination, to figure out the story for themselves. As the novel progresses, Mohammed's skills become increasingly apparent, as the richness of creole culture permeates the narrative, and her characters' voices become more nuanced and engaging.
Ultimately, "Ever Since We Small" is a triumph of storytelling, a testament to the power of women's voices and experiences. It is a story that refuses to be contained within traditional boundaries, instead embracing the porous divide between reality and imagination. This novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever been moved by the stories of the Caribbean – a place where love, magic, and resilience converge in ways both unexpected and unforgettable.
! I'm thinkin' there's more to this story than meets the eye. Like, why did Jayanti's life change so drastically after she met that British magistrate? Was it just coincidence or was there somethin' fishy goin' on? And what's up with all these mystical figures in Trinidad? Is it like they're hidin' secrets or somethin'? I'm also curious about Shiva's journey, seems like he's got some major family drama goin' on. But for real, the author's skill is insane 
, she's got this way of weavin' together different cultures and stories that's just mesmerizin'. Can't wait to dive in and see what I can uncover 
. The writing is so evocative and immersive, I feel like I'm right there in Trinidad with Shiva navigating his own struggles with identity and culture 
. Can't wait to dive deeper into this story and see where it takes me 
.
THE CHARACTERS ARE SO WELL-DEVELOPED AND RELATABLE, ESPECIALLY SHIVA - I COULDN'T HELP BUT ROOT FOR HIM AS HE NAVIGATES THIS TURBULENT WORLD OF FAMILY AND IDENTITY. AND THE WRITING STYLE? COMPLETELY CONVINCING - IT'S LIKE MOHAMMED IS SPOKEN TO IN MY EAR, TELLING ME THIS STORY THAT NEEDS TO BE TOLD. I'M STILL REELING FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF READING THIS BOOK!!! 
. the fact that the author doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of Trinidadian culture is really inspiring, especially when it comes to women's roles in society. i'm intrigued by the idea of saapin, diabless, and soucouyant characters - sounds like they're going to add some real depth to the narrative 
. what i love most about this book is that it invites you to use your imagination, rather than telling you exactly how everything goes down. that's just so refreshing! 
! It's like, totally capturing the essence of Trinidadian culture, you know? The way the author, Mohammed, weaves together these complex stories and characters is pure magic 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to read about a young widow fighting for her rights in 19th century India and then fast forward to her descendant navigating the ups and downs of adolescence on the island? 
. I'm already halfway through and I'm hooked!