An intriguing tale set in the Caribbean

Book review by Nicole Watson

Gods of Bruising, by Dara Wilkinson Bobb, is a touching story about how life can change in an instant, leaving feelings of emptiness and loneliness, yet it offers promises of hope and a new beginning.

Bobb tells a story of 19 year-old twins whose parents die suddenly. Left with memories, photos, and material possessions, the twins, Dominic and Diallo, grapple with this drastic change in their lives. But, but for them, there is hope as they are surrounded by friends and neighbours who show their support through affirmations and acts of kindness to help them deal with this loss.

Set in the Caribbean, with an island flair, this story is told from the points of view of several characters. Dominic, determined to fill the gap left by his father’s passing and make a life for himself; Diallo, struggling to come to terms with her mother’s death and falling into depression laced with social anxiety; Keidi, the vibrant model who believes that her future is solely dependent upon her looks; and Grace, a devout Christian trying to ensure that she stays committed to God and serving her community as He would do. This group, who started out as acquaintances (except for the twins, of course), become good friends who live, laugh and weather the storms of life together.

MYSTERIOUS EVENTS

In the middle of this interesting dynamic, our protagonists soon come to realise that while they are trying to cope with their internal struggles, their community faces an external one. Or does it? Through a series of mysterious events that culminate in one eye-opening betrayal, the citizens of the small community soon realise that their enemy – the bandit who has been stealing valuables from every house – is one of their very own neighbours. In an act of rage, the community members take matters into their own hands, beating the culprit, casting out his wife, and depositing him at the police station.

With vigilante justice completed and stolen items recovered, the community seeks to return to normal lives, all except for our protagonists. Dominic and Grace show evidence of an unlikely budding romance; Diallo, though hospitalised, seeks to cope with her mother’s death in a new and healthy way; and Keidi realises that she has more to offer this world than her looks. What unfolds tells stories about the complexities of life.

Overall, this was an interesting story by Dara Wilkinson Bobb. It boasted a well-developed storyline with well-drawn characters, each intriguing and unique in his or her own way. If you like a touching story with a Caribbean flair, then this book is right up your alley.

Title: Gods of Bruising

Author: Dara Wilkinson Bobb

Publisher: The University of the West Indies Press

ISBN (print): 978-976-640-917-3

ISBN (ePub): 978-976-640-918-0

Nicole Watson is a communicator, content creator, and a blogger. Follow her on Instagram @nicolesbookishbits