Happy Tuesday book lovers!
Excited to share with you today my review for this book that completely captivated me! This was a story that I had the pleasure of reading with both my book Bestie Jennifer and my mom. I have included a brief review from my mom as well as a link to Jennifer’s blog, be sure to check out their thoughts as well!🌴
Golden Child
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Obi Abili
- Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release date: 01-29-19
- Language: English
- Publisher: Random House Audio
My Thoughts
A beautiful and unsettling tale alive with culture!
Claire Adam’s debut is a story that will transport you to 1980s Trinidad with its descriptive writing. I found the tropical setting of Trinidad to be unique and fascinating. The juxtaposition of the beauty and corruption was simultaneously disconcerting and alluring. A Book that I believe will stay with me for a long time, a book that asks many questions and begs to be discussed. I was so grateful that I had both my mom and my good friend Jennifer to talk about this book with after I finished. There are some heartbreaking decisions made in this book, but I believe the difference in culture and time had something to do with some tough choices. I strongly encourage you to fine one of your best reading buddies and read this mesmerizing book!
1980s Trinidad a family of modest means just trying to survive. Clyde the father works long hours at a petroleum company doing his absolute best to support his family. Joy the mother stays home and takes care of her family, twin boys Peter and Paul. Peter is the golden child not just smart but a genius. Paul was born with the cord around his neck depriving him of oxygen and ultimately leading to a learning disability. Joy did what she could to make sure the boys were treated equally, something that Clyde struggled with. Cultural differences and an ill-equipped school system lead to Paul being treated poorly, something that was hard to read. The family is ultimately face with a heart wrenching decision with no good answers. The other people surrounding the family as well as Trinidad itself really lend a lot of conflict to this story. The extended family does not always have the best of intentions and they are connected to some pretty shady people. The corruption and crime of Trinidad also is a huge factor in this story.
I was completely swept away by this compelling story. The characters were so well drawn and colorful. The storyline was very thought-provoking and evoked many emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spend with this family on this island, even though at times it was extremely uncomfortable and distressful. A powerful story I won’t soon forget, I absolutely recommend!
🎧🎧🎧 this was one stunning audiobook that absolutely further immersed me in the story! Obi Abili brought so much island flavor to the narration with his melodic island accent. Seriously I could listen to him talk all day long!
🎵🎵🎵 Song Running Through My Head
One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right
As it was in the beginning
So shall it be in the end
Let’s get together and feel all right
Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (one love)
There is one question I’d really like to ask (one heart)
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own?
Believe me
One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right
As it was in the beginning
So shall it be in the end
One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right
Let’s get…
*** A huge thank you too SJP for Hogarth for my copy of this book ***
My Mom’s Thoughts
GOLDEN CHILD is one of the best books I have read in the last two or three years with its unique setting, unique characters, and unique story. From the first page I was transported along the roads of Trinidad with a microcosm of intriguing characters. The theme of roads taken or not taken by choice or by chance seemed to drive the plot, leading to a rich discussion and bringing to mind Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken”.
Berit Talks Books 