Keith Gordon, whose father is from the West Indies, goes through a mid-life crisis, at the same time struggling with the English society’s biases toward the immigrants. As a cynical and sometimes gullible, sometimes mistrustful man, Keith is unable to handle his life and come to terms with his past and racial identity. As a result, he makes a mess of his marriage and professional life. Keith works for a government agency specializing in assimilation and equality programs for London’s immigrant communities. His ending a relationship with a worker under him makes his life a nightmare.

This novel is a story of self-discovery, especially at the end when the main character reaches out to his father and his son.

The plot can be disappointing for those readers who want all loose ends tied up; however, the novel’s unfinished feeling is fine for the literary genre, as it skillfully points to dislocated people and three generations of emigrant distress.

people who can enjoy the literary genre.

The author's insight into the emigrant psyche and the skill with which he handles flashbacks, internal dialogue, the mood depictions for the characters, and the settings.

sad for the main character.

Caryl Phillips was born in St.Kitts and came to Britain at the age of four months, according to his website. He grew up in Leeds, and studied English Literature at Oxford University.

His books of fiction: In the Falling Snow, Dancing in the Dark, A Distant Shore, The Nature of Blood, Crossing the River, Cambridge, Higher Ground, A State of Independence, The Final Passage

Non-fiction: Color Me English, Foreigners, A New World Order, The Atlantic Sound.The European Tribe

Plays: Rough Crossings, The Shelter, Where There is Darkness, Strange Fruit

It is powerful in its message, for its author has penetrated into the ills of a society and the characters' inability to cope with change.

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Created Jun 22, 2011 at 8:11pm • Submit your own review...