REVIEWS
“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.
UTOPIA By VANESSA LEE | Reviewed by: Carlos Brathwaite
Back in February local vocalist Vanessa Lee released her debut EP: UTOPIA –
Cosmic Love Risin’.
Lee’s anthology fits her proclamation of being an “advocate of love and self-actualisation”.
Whether it’s through the inspiring “Boom She Laa”; the romantic “‘Tween”; the promarijuana “Knowledge”; the self-love advocating “We Try”; or the revolutionary “People
Know”; her euphoric vocals complement the varied reggae productions featured on the
compilation.
The 22-year-old songstress is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Music at the
Edna Manley College School of The Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica.
Listen to UTOPIA - Cosmic Love Risin’ here:
http://246mixtapes.com/2015/02/utopia-cosmic-love-risin-vanessa-lee/
REVIEWS | BIM ROCK | 67