Book Description

Where on earth is this place called Tobago in which twenty six authors have come together to produce an anthology called, Tobago in Print, vol 1? While the geographical location of this precious, unique and serene island can be easily placed at the near-southernmost tip of the Caribbean chain of islands, its soul and spirit shine out in the pages of this riveting book. Perhaps the soul of the island is best captured by Crystal Skeete, Tobagos champion spoken word artiste who writes, Bago is the place that we win wars with we mouth not with guns and knife. Whatever the island of Tobago is, the Tobago Writers Guild production of this book is a work of love unity and excellence. Members thank the groups guru Marlene Nourbese Phillips, herself an award winning author of the book, Harriets Daughter who nurtured in them the belief that they can accomplish this book. She has herself written a very fitting foreword to the book declaring that it illustrates the breadth of English expression that is the linguistic reality and heritage of Tobago. The work of each of the 26 contributors to this book is a study of creativity and original thought. It reflects an exciting array of themes, styles and perspectives. It answers the question of exactly what are the concerns of Caribbean people and its writers. Is it for good health care as so graphically presented by Gloria Austin in Heart to Heart, or for the preservation of the islands traditions explored by Milca Robinson Reid in Heritage Beginnings or the age-old prejudices of skin colour recorded by Laureen Burris Phillip in Growing Up Red or for future of its youth in De African Dimension of Deborah Moore-Miggins? In this book, it is all these things and more. Reginald O. Phillips also took time to pay tribute to Tobagos icon and internationally recognized statesman in the person of deceased former Prime Minister - and President of Trinidad and Tobago, Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson. Indeed, this book is a collectors item for Caribbean people and those interested in Caribbean literature.