This section is about TRINIDAD and the background to my "Cocoa" books. Some of the issues and information include:
- How people got from India to Trinidad in the mid 19C,
- That today they make up almost 40% of the population,
- How they struggled to make a living and endured great hardships, poverty, ill-health and injustices
- How they dreamed of escaping their difficulties,
- About how they actually fulfulled their dreams.
Set in 1917 Trinidad, twelve year old Amina becomes very ill with typhoid fever and close to death. Miraculously, she begins to recover, but is horrified to discover that her parents have broken their promise to her, and a marriage is arranged. She hoped to remain in education to become a teacher. But she is prepared to fight, and together with her friend Sumati, they make a pact. But Sumati's falls in love, and takes a path which endangers both of them.
About Me
- Marilyn Rodwell
- The Wedding Drums - my novel set in an early 20C village in Trinidad is almost here. Two young girls, Amina and Sumati plot to escape their arranged marriages and plan to live life following their own dreams. But Sumati falls in love and runs away, putting Amina's plans in jeopardy. Neither of them bank on what is in store for them. Soon they face the adult world of scheming men, corruption, prostitution and violence, and life in the village will never be the same again.
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteI just wondered if any of you know anyone whose ancestors went from India to the Caribbean?
Do you know how they got there? And why they went?
I think that there must be a lot of you out there who have some ideas around this subject, but there are a so many who had no idea that there are even any Indians in the Caribbean.
I recently met a college history lecturer who has written thirteen historical novels, but never knew that there were Indians in the Caribbean. He was intigued, very curious and wanted to know more.
I remember that my great grandmother said that her mother was stolen as a child, from her village, and put on ships and taken to Trinidad.
So, I am really interested in knowing if you have any stories or info to share.
Bye for now
Lv
Marilyn
The Journey from India is quite an interesting one. The actually history can be found in most West Indian History books, but what cannot be found are people's own stories, their own experience passed down to their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don't loose it. Don't be afraid of it and most of all, don't be ashamed of it.
ReplyDeleteLet's record it. Click on the Journey from India page, top right, come back here and make a comment.
Thanks to all who emailed me direct.