FICTION

These Ghosts Are Family

by Maisy Card
S. & S. Mar. 2020. 288p. ISBN 9781982117436. $26. F
COPY ISBN
DEBUT Stanford Solomon is not who he says he is. Beginning life as Abel Paisley, he left Jamaica for London in 1970 so that he could earn more money for his family and escape his unhappy marriage. A freak accident in London allowed him to assume his partner’s identity and fake his own death. He then started a new life in New York, married again, and created a new family. More than three decades later, circumstances compel him to bring his families together and let them in on his secret. His revelation meets with mixed reactions, explained by each participant traveling back in time to tell their own story. Card weaves a multigenerational narrative that tackles racism, colonialism, slavery, immigration, infidelity, and family ties—and just about every other issue of the modern age.
VERDICT Set in both Jamaica and New York, this debut novel effectively reveals contrasting cultures and customs. Though the Jamaican patois requires close attention, readers of general fiction will enjoy unraveling the threads of this complex tale. [See Prepub Alert, .
Reviewed by 8/5/19.]Joanna Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Libs., Providence , Feb 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

The Best American Mystery Stories 2020
FICTION

Slum Virgin
by Cabezón Cámara, Gabriela
FICTION

Missionaries
by Klay, Phil
FICTION

Still Life
by McDermid, Val
FICTION

Outré
by Wilson, D. Harlan
FICTION

Loveoid
by Morin, J.L
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?