#Jamaican literature

[gennsoup]

Say this about a child. In you they will always find a use. Say this as well. They cannot imagine a world where you do not love them, for what else should one do but love them?

Marlon James, Black Leopard, Red Wolf

[alliwanttodoiscollectpoetry]

Haiku by Geoffrey Philp

Between Babylon  and the sea, I’ve built a home  with the sea’s whispers. 

[dradelcra]

Maybe if you read " Love Letter" by Louise Bennet Coverly then you'd calm down :/

[aroundmes1tsthen1ght]

"Time is a cobra. Coiling and coiling,"

Marlon James, from 'Moon Witch, Spider King', first published in 2022.

[have-you-read-this-short-fiction]

[victorletras]

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[waywordsstudio]

Expanded Review: "Skin Folk" by Nalo Hopkinson -

Not merely a collection of horror tales, Hopkinson expands the horror genre, never forgetting that stories are about character, only underscored by the supernatural. Offering breadth and depth, the only thing wanting in these tales is room to stretch for more still.

[briefcasejuice]

unfortunately i have the kind of autism that makes people have to explain things to me/i have to bounce my ideas around with people who know things before thoughts become anything for me

[ihearttseliot]

It ain’t special, but it’s something. White rice, dumplings, saltfish, okra, tomatoes, and onion.

[shotbyshe]

Words of the Day

"Me likkle but me talawa" -- just want to put this here, 'cause I heard someone say it this week.

untoward:

Improper; unseemly.

Unfavorable or adverse.

Froward; perverse.

carceral:

Belonging to a prison.

Of or pertaining to prison.

A pergola is most commonly an outdoor garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway, or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice, often upon which woody vines are trained.

~~~

Though similar, a pergola is different from a gazebo.

[johnrgordon]

Like most writers and artists, award-winning gay icon, JOHN R GORDON, is camera-shy. This image of GORDON was styled and photographed by his friend and collaborator, the reclusive queer British-Somali maverick, DIRIYE OSMAN. 

DIRIYE lensed this portrait in his own joy-filled home, The Blue Temple. 

JOHN R GORDON'S Faggamuffin, a prescient novel about gay Jamaican immigrants in London, which predates the Windrush scandal, is available to purchase via this link. 

[gennsoup]

"Nobody ever gets betrayed by their enemy."

Marlon James, Black Leopard, Red Wolf

[theinyshlobster]

StoryGraph Reads the World Challenge (2024)

Prompts Met:

Germany:

You Should Have Left by Daniel Kelhmann

Genres; Contemporary, Horror, Thriller

128 Pages

Finished Jan. 8th

★/5 Stars

Indonesia:

Kitchen Curses by Eka Kurniawan

Genres; Short Stories

137 Pages

Finished Jan. 27th

★★/5

Jamaica:

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Genres; Magical Realism, Young Adult, Romance

285 Pages

Finished July 31st

★★★/5

Sri Lanka:

Your Driver is Waiting by Priya Guns

Genres; Contemporary, Literary, LGBT+

320 Pages

Finished May 18th

★★★★/5

[scribbling-sage]

Becoming a Jamaican: My 12-Step Programme 

Imagine waking up one day and being a part of one of the most unreal groups of people. Honestly, if I got a dollar for every time I met someone who was fascinated by my country and culture, I would have… well, about ten dollars, but that’s beside the point, my being a borderline hermit isn’t the issue here. What’s of paramount importance is that you are not Jamaican, and you wish to be, so let’s not judge me. Instead, let me help you begin your journey of becoming an authentic Jamaican.

Though, before we begin, let me just add a little disclaimer. First, these instructions that will follow are very powerful and as such must always be used wisely. Second, while I am aware of the fact that there are several types of Jamaicans, this article will only cover the essential criteria for becoming a general Jamaican. If you are interested in learning the necessary steps to become a “Dung ah Town, Up Town, or Kuntri Jamaican,” you’ll need to look out for my upcoming posts.

Now, with that out the way, let’s begin, shall we?

Whether you’re drawn by the promise of endless sunshine and stunning beaches, a rich history and heritage, or simply just the desire to adopt a more relaxed and positive outlook on life, becoming Jamaican offers a chance to infuse your existence with a bit of island magic.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the heart of what it requires to become a true Jamaica.

1. Mastering the Art of saying “Yah man / Wah gwan”

Whether you’re agreeing, disagreeing, or just acknowledging someone's existence, "yah man” (yaah mahn) is your go-to phrase. Another greeting alternative is “wah gwan” (waah gwahn) used instead of hello.

2. Develop a love for (if you don’t have it already) “Nuff Gravy”

Gravy is what makes or break any dish in Jamaica. So, demanding (begging) for an extra serving of gravy most popularly oxtail or curry gravy is what sets other wanna be Jamaican’s apart form a true Jamaican. Bonus points if it’s spicy and you can handle the heat!

3. Buying KFC on a Friday.

It is widely known outside of Jamaica that the national dish is ackee and saltfish and that our most popular food is jerk chicken and rice and peas. But that my friend is just false. The quickest way to fit into any group of Jamaicans is to always suggest getting KFC when asked what you would like to eat. Side note, make sure to complain about the long lines and slow service when ordering but never and I mean NEVER leave without your food.

4. Saturday is for Soup

Saturdays are reserved for “drinking” soup, no matter how hot the day is. End of story.

5. Tea and Pain/Gas

Every pain felt is…gas pain and gas should be treated with tea “just guh drink likkle tea and yuh wi feel betta.” Bounce point if you are able to master tea slurping (thhhhhhsuuup) sound. Side note drink from anything but a teacup.

6. Never be on Time

And when I say never, I mean never. To be a true Jamaican one must aim to be at least thirty minutes late. If and when asked for a location status, your answer should be one of the two responses regardless of your location “mi deh pon mi way” or “mi soon come”. This doesn't mean something should happen in a few minutes or even an hour. It simply means it will happen eventually, whenever the universe decides the time is right. Please note, no other answer or clarity should be given.

7. Always be in a Hurry

A true Jamaican is always walking or driving fast and is never able to wait for a long period of time as they are always in a hurry to get somewhere. It doesn’t matter if you have no need to be in a hurry. Bonus point if you are cussing while hurrying.

8. Always answer a question with a question

A true Jamaican always answers a question with another question. For example, “Have seen my bag?” “Which bag?” or “Do you want to join us?” “Mi cah come?”

9. Insults

When in need of an insult regardless of who it is, your go-to should always be “guh suck yuh mahdah.” This should be mostly used while in a road rage situation or at the end of an argument you’re losing. However, please ensure that you have a clear escape route before utilizing this.

 

10. Take Nothing Serious.

Here in Jamaica, we take nothing seriously. This is a bit tricky though as we do not like “bad roads” and will do everything in our power to have this fixed including blocking and sometimes destroying “good roads.” However, almost everything else newsworthy is up for humor. 

11. Teeth Hissing

Yes, this is a valid and adequate answer to any question or statement. When in doubt of a suitable response, a well-toned hiss (coupled with a smile or frown) is almost always acceptable.

12. Celebrate Jamaica and Jamaicans

Jamaicans are very proud of who we are and will do anything to rep for our country. During international competitions an ensemble of black, green, and gold attire must be worn while banging pot covers (avoid glass covers, from experience). Bonus points if a pair of Clarks is added.

This takes us to the end of my list. Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a true Jamaican!

Big Up Yuh Self.

Scribbling-Sage

[lilianeruyters]

Jonathan Escoffery || If I Survive You

Booker Prize Shortlist 2023 Mixed feelings about If I Survive You, mostly caused by the fact that it hinges between being a novel and a collection of short stories, which I am not a great fan of. Trelawny is the person who unites all the stories. To be honest: he is not exactly a likeable person. On the contrary, he is the type of main character you feel little sympathy for despite all the…

[have-you-read-this-short-fiction]