LiTTscapes: Landscapes of Fiction of Trinidad and Tobago, a new book on the literary heritage of T&T, has been published. Written by Dr Kris Rampersad, a journalist, educator and media, cultural and literary consultant, the book captures through short descriptions the way the islands have been represented in fiction by some of their most famous, and not-so-famous, children of letters, set against actual photographs. Rampersad, who holds a PhD in Literature from the University of the West Indies, said she felt this year of observance of the 50th anniversary of Independence seemed an opportune time for its release, as the book celebrates the rich literary heritage of the country and the literary imagination of those who, though writing fiction, make some of the most poignant commentaries, presentations, representations and analyses of the experiences of invasion, migration, colonialism and settlement that have brought the islands to their current point in development. 

 

 

Some 100 works of fiction by some 60 writers are captured in this easy-to-read, read, coffee-table style, full-colour compendium. It includes portrayals of the islands by both their award-winning Nobel Laureates—VS Naipaul and Derek Walcot—and other award-winning writers such as Michael Anthony, Earl Lovelace, Samuel Selvon, Ismith Khan, CLR James, Seepersad Naipaul, Neil Bissoondath, Lawrence Scott, Robert Antoni, Shani Mootoo, Ramabai Espinet, Dionne Brand, and Lakshmi Persaud. The book is aimed at the lay public as well as students, academics, schools and policy-makers, among others. Rampersad is also author of Finding a Place and Through the Political Glass.