Author: Carol Mitchell
Publisher: Central Avenue
Publication Date 9/19/2023
Rating: 💥💥💥💥
What start bad a mornin', cyan end good a evenin'." — Jamaican proverb.
Amaya Lin has few memories of the years before she turned eighteen. Now in her forties, she has compensated by carefully cultivating a satisfying life as a wife, mother, and business professional. Her husband’s law practice is on the brink of major success; her neurodiverse son has grown into an independent adult; and she has come to terms with her aunt’s dementia. This sense of order is disrupted, however, when she encounters a stranger who claims to have an impossible connection, launching Amaya on a tumultuous journey into the past.
Using three interwoven narratives spanning the United States, Trinidad, and Jamaica, Carol Mitchell's debut gives voice to an immigrant woman forced to confront her repressed memories of violent trauma. Only then can she discover what she is capable of when it comes to self-preservation and the protection of her family.
Amaya Lin has few memories of the years before she turned eighteen. Now in her forties, she has compensated by carefully cultivating a satisfying life as a wife, mother, and business professional. Her husband’s law practice is on the brink of major success; her neurodiverse son has grown into an independent adult; and she has come to terms with her aunt’s dementia. This sense of order is disrupted, however, when she encounters a stranger who claims to have an impossible connection, launching Amaya on a tumultuous journey into the past.
Using three interwoven narratives spanning the United States, Trinidad, and Jamaica, Carol Mitchell's debut gives voice to an immigrant woman forced to confront her repressed memories of violent trauma. Only then can she discover what she is capable of when it comes to self-preservation and the protection of her family.
My thoughts.
A story that goes back and forth 20 years, This was such an enjoyable read. There were plenty of secrets and questionable actions that will have you shocked. It also shows how secrets can cause issues. And don't forget the drama that will have you on an unexpected journey. I felt bad for Amaya, especially having to work and take care of her aunt who has Alzheimer's. I especially loved how the story unfolded. Add to the fact that there are numerous lessons in the story made this such a good and enjoyable read.
About the Author
Carol Mitchell describes herself (in jest) as being in self-imposed exile from her Caribbean home. She holds an MFA and teaches writing in Virginia. She is also a fellow of the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. Her short stories have appeared in various Caribbean journals and four of them have been long-listed for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. She has written 18 children’s books. What Start Bad a Mornin’ is her debut adult novel.
linktr.ee/writewithcarol
linktr.ee/writewithcarol
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