43 pages • 1 hour read
Abeng
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Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
Jamaica • 1950s
1984
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Abeng by Michelle Cliff follows Clare Savage, a 12-year-old bi-racial girl in 1958 Jamaica, as she navigates her complex heritage amidst the island's colonial history and cultural tensions. Through family histories, vignettes, and historical facts, Clare uncovers the brutal legacy of British rule, societal divisions, and her precarious position between former colonizers and their former slaves. The novel addresses human rights violations, such as slavery, systemic racism, and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
1,051 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Michelle Cliff's Abeng is praised for its vivid portrayal of Jamaican culture and complex exploration of identity and colonialism. Reviewers commend its lyrical prose and rich historical context, though some find the narrative structure challenging and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's seen as an insightful, if occasionally dense, work that prompts deeper reflection on heritage and self-discovery.
Who Should Read Abeng?
Readers who enjoy Abeng by Michelle Cliff are typically interested in postcolonial literature, Caribbean culture, and identity exploration. Comparable to fans of Jamaica Kincaid's Annie John and Edwidge Danticat's Breath, Eyes, Memory, this audience appreciates richly woven narratives about personal and cultural histories.
1,051 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
176
Novel • Fiction
Jamaica • 1950s
1984
Adult
18+ years
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