Story
Small Island is set in London just after the Second World War, and describes the impact of the war on its characters, from their very different perspectives. We see post-war Britain from the point of view of West Indian characters Hortense, Gilbert and Michael. Having grown up in Jamaica, believing Britain to be the ‘Mother Country’, they are shocked at their cool reception by the English upon their arrival in 1948 London. Full of hope and looking for accommodation and work, they are greeted not with welcomes and gratitude for fighting for Britain in the war, but with scorn, mistrust and social exclusion.
Review
This is a rollercoaster of a novel which covers themes of love, loss, prejudice and redemption. The examination of the difficulties of an interracial relationship at a time when such a thing was considered socially unacceptable is heartbreaking. Despite the book having been published in 2004, the story of Caribbean immigrants arriving on the Windrush into a society which is inherently racist feels poignant and relevant to 2018’s Windrush Scandal.
Verdict
I would give this novel 4/5.
Most Memorable Quote
“What a forlorn desire to seek indifference.” Gilbert thinks to himself when he realises that he has become so accustomed to being on the receiving end of unpleasantness and racism that he would prefer to fade into the background than to hope for recognition and fair treatment.
If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy…
...the film Indigènes which considers the similar treatment of North African soldiers in France after the war, having fought for the Allies.
You might also enjoy watching the BBC adaptation of the novel.
Review by Cathy Walker, Innovation & Learning Team, Trust Office