Ah! brace yourself! Prepare to embark on a whirlwind journey of a heart gripping tale of love and woe, struggles with self esteem, survival and the abandonment of marginalized communities by their governments in “Here Comes the Sun.”
This book was recommended to me by the ever wonderful OpinionsOfaBookLover, who is simply brilliant at recommending interesting reads. She goes through the fluff so you don’t have to. Thanks Sis!
In the vibrant setting of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Dennis-Benn immerses us in the lives of her characters residing in the River Bank shanty town. Through their stories, she unveils the raw reality of Jamaican life, peeling back layers beyond the picturesque facade of tourist attractions. With unflinching honesty, Dennis-Benn delves into themes of race, class, sexuality, and gender, painting a compelling portrait of the complexities that shape the island’s society.
“Here Comes the Sun” revolves around the dynamic of a family: Delores, the mother, along with her daughters Margot and Thandi, with Margot being the elder sibling. Their narrative not only exposes the harsh realities of poverty within the black Jamaican community but also delves into the profound effects of colorism and the exploitation of women within the tourist industry.
There’s a pithy saying that “morality is a luxury good”, indeed Margot’s character exemplifies this notion. As a determined young woman, she grapples with life’s challenges, striving to break free from the constraints of poverty and patriarchy. On the flip side, Thandi serves as a reminder of the importance of allowing children to experience their own struggles and hardships.
The stoic advice on parenting & children is to “understand that your children are their own persons, with unique thoughts, experiences, and desires. They must find their own way in life, and it may not always align with your vision”
Delores, on the contrary, is a character I struggle to extend forgiveness to. While it’s often said that hurt people hurt others, there’s no justification for a mother who robs her child of innocence under the guise of financial struggles. The narrative vividly illustrates the cycle of generational trauma, handed down from Grandma Merle to Delores, and then to Margot.
I found Verdene to be a highly dispensable character. It was challenging to justify her significance to the overall plot. Despite having a strong bond with her mother, the backstory didn’t suggest a particularly close relationship that warranted her complete abandonment of her life in England to return to her mother’s house in Jamaica. There, she endured being treated like a leper, encountered continuous hostility, and had no source of income except for the insurance money left by her mother.
From the exploitation of women in the tourist industry to the devastating impact of colorism on the lives of black Jamaicans, Here Comes the Sun exposes the ugly underbelly of paradise with vivid clarity that is both heartbreaking and illuminating.
For Bibliotherapy:
If you don’t understand what Bibliotherapy is, you can go ahead to read my post about it here.
We will explore the themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom through this book which offers insights and lessons that can resonate with us on our own personal journeys.
- Identity and Self-discovery
- As we follow Margot, Thandi, and Delores on their journey, we come face to face with the complexities of identity. Margot navigates her sexuality and desires, while Thandi battles with her self-esteem in a society that idolizes values Eurocentric beauty norms.
- Think back to those moments in the book where characters wrestles grappling with their identities. How did their struggles resonate with your own journey of self-discovery?
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity
- You can’t help but be moved by the resilience shown by the characters in “Here Comes the Sun” when life throws them curveballs. Just look at Charles – despite the odds stacked against him, he never gave up. He drew strength from his love for Thandi and his unwavering determination to carve out a better future.
- Reflect on moments in your own life when you’ve had to dig deep and summon resilience in tough times. What tactics did you use to overcome obstacles? And how can you draw inspiration from the characters in the book to navigate your own challenges?
- Pursuit of Freedom and Liberation
- At its heart, “Here Comes the Sun” is all about the quest for freedom and breaking free from the shackles of society. Margot dreams of escaping the confines of poverty and patriarchy, while Thandi seeks to defy colorism and societal expectations. Their journeys serve as a powerful reminder to fight for our own freedom and agency, no matter the obstacles.
- Think about those pivotal moments in the book where characters boldly pursued liberation. How can you channel their courage and determination into your own pursuit of freedom?
Whether you’re embracing who you truly are, finding strength when life gets tough, or chasing after your dreams of freedom and liberation, I hope this book sparks inspiration and empowers you on your journey of healing and self-discovery. Always remember, you’re not alone, and your story is important—it’s worth sharing with the world.
Until our next conversation,
Nwaanyi Ije
