“PEARL” By MELANIE R. SPRINGER | Reviewed by: Cherise Catwell

“Pearl” by Melanie R. Springer follows the ups, downs, adventures and mischievous delights of three young boys growing up in Barbados.

When reading “Pearl” one cannot help but reminisce about those summertime adventures of childhood. Whether engaging in games of hide and seek and pitching marbles, or getting in trouble for stealing juicy mangoes from the neighbours’ tree, Springer is able to evoke a sense of childhood glee that brings the reader right back to those joyous and carefree days. It’s not all fun and games though.

As the older sister of one of the three boys becomes unbearable, they journey into the forbidden world of Obeah in an attempt to punish her; but never guess that soon after their ritual she would be dead. The novel explores the events precluding her untimely death as well as how the small community reacts to the death of one of their own.

“Pearl” also explores normal issues experienced in Caribbean culture from close-knit and dysfunctional families to issues of race, class, culture and tradition.

The reader’s interest is held from beginning to end, as Springer uses humour and good old fashioned Bajan wit to grab your attention. This “dark comedy” is sure to have you hooked from beginning to end.