Official Book Synopsis
After Betty Ramdin’s husband dies, she invites a colleague, Mr. Chetan, to move in with her and her son, Solo. Over time, the three become a family, loving each other deeply and depending upon one another. Then, one fateful night, Solo overhears Betty confiding in Mr. Chetan and learns a secret that plunges him into torment. Solo flees Trinidad for New York to carve out a lonely existence as an undocumented immigrant, and Mr. Chetan remains the singular thread holding mother and son together. But soon, Mr. Chetan’s own burdensome secret is revealed, with heartbreaking consequences. Love After Love interrogates love and family in all its myriad meanings and forms, asking how we might exchange an illusory love for one that is truly fulfilling. In vibrant, addictive Trinidadian prose, Love After Love questions who and how we love, the obligations of family, and the consequences of choices made in desperation.
My Review
Love After Love is a really great story and what made it even more amazing – was listening to the audio book read by the author in an authentic sweet Trini accent. As I was listening, it almost felt like my neighbor Ms. Sherma was talking to me. I even told Ms. Sherma this much.
I enjoyed hearing and learning the Trinbago sayings, phrases, slangs and authentic quips, that was present all throughout the book. As I listened to the book, in my rocking chair, I’d close my eyes to transport myself to Trinidad. I’ve never been to Trinidad but the author did a great job of describing the places places and setting the scenes, where I’d closed my eyes, listen to the story and it would feel like I was right there at that place with the characters. It wasn’t just the scenes in Trinidad, the scenes in New York were also just as vivid.
I also like the depth and layers of the characters which would result in you feeling a range of emotions towards them. Most importantly, the book brought up various issues not often discussed in “Caribbean public”. These include mental health and wellness, LGBTIQ+ issues, domestic violence and immigration. I thought that each topic was covered in a way that you could either relate to, know someone else with similar experiences or if unfamiliar allows you to empathize.
I’ve always been interested in reading more Modern Caribbean novels and Love After Love in audiobook is pure magic! The authentic Trini language communicates and connects you for a great listening experience. It is a MUST Listen or Read.
About the Author
Born in Trinidad, Ingrid Persaud was a legal academic for many years before she published her first novel. Her writing has appeared in Granta and Prospect magazines. Ingrid lives in London. Her debut novel, Love After Love, was published by Faber & Faber in 2020 and was the winner of the 2020 Costa First Novel Award.
