The Hidden Harsh Realities of Paradise

This week we take a look at a fantastic novel which I read at the end of May, How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House. This book is the debut novel by Cherie Jones and was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for fiction in 2021. I don’t think this is one that is going to appeal to everyone – it is sad, violent and explores topics like domestic violence and trauma. In saying this, I generally find violence very hard to read but I do skip over the parts if I am having a negative reaction – I think I did that once in this book. I think the violence might be harder to listen to if you choose to do this one via audiobook but that is just a guess on my part. Fair warning!

Set in the fictional town of Baxter's Beach, Barbados, this story interweaves the lives of several characters, each grappling with their own struggles and secrets. The protagonist is Lala, a young woman trapped in a cycle of abuse and poverty. Her life is intricately linked with her husband Adan, a violent and troubled man, and her grandmother Wilma, who raised her with harsh lessons about survival. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a crime—a wealthy tourist's murder—which acts as a catalyst, revealing the dark underbelly of the seemingly idyllic island.

The themes explored in this book include generational trauma, systemic violence, and inequities in society. Jones explores the stark divide between the locals and the affluent tourists who visit the island. The title itself comes from a cautionary tale told by Lala's grandmother (none of the characters have one arm). This story symbolises the burdens women carry and the ways they are expected to navigate a world of limited choices – I think this is the overriding theme of this book. As I say, heavy stuff. (Bear with me, I feel like I have not sold this!)

Why did I rate this book so highly? Firstly, character development:

Lala is such a complicated character. She is both vulnerable and resilient. Her journey is one of seeking agency in a world that continuously tries to strip it away from her. In this, I think we have a more accurate narrative of the domestic violence experience. It isn’t the “oh he hit me and now I will leave” narrative that you sometimes find in other ficitionalised depictions of this significant societal issue. Adan, her husband, is portrayed with a complexity that evokes both anger and pity. Portraying characters that are awful yet invoke empathy is such a skill that I don’t think is very common.

The secondary characters, such as Mira Whalen, the widow of the murdered tourist, and Tone, a local beach boy entangled in the crime, add further depth, perspectives and contrast to the narrative. I wonder whether Jones considered writing more about Mira Whalen? I would’ve liked to delve into her character more but I appreciate that one of the reasons for her inclusion was, I assume, to provide a contrast to the lives of the other characters.

Reason number two for high praise for this book – stunning writing. The prose is lyrical and raw. Jones’ ability to weave multiple viewpoints seamlessly creates a tapestry of voices that bring the community and its struggles to life. The use of dialect and vivid descriptions grounds us in the cultural and physical landscape of Barbados. This isn’t one of those literary fiction books with long sentences and words you need to look up. The writing is very accessible, and the plot will have you hooked.

This book is authentic and emotional. Jones doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of paradise, highlighting systemic issues in a way that is both accessible and impactful. Some readers may find the heavy focus on trauma overwhelming, as there is not a lot of light to the shade, but it is present.

This stunning, gritty debut gives a powerful voice to the unheard, immersing us in the rawness of humanity and the harsh realities faced by many. It sheds light on socio-economic divides and the relentless struggle for survival, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of poverty. Through its compelling narrative, it teaches us about resilience and empathy.

This is one of the reasons I love reading so much - books such as this one, broadens our understanding of the world and enriches our own lives by fostering a deeper connection to the stories that often go unnoticed. I highly recommend reading it, as it is a testament to the strength of people, and the importance of compassion.

After all, life is too short to read bad books.