43 pages1 hour read

No Telephone to Heaven

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987

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Book Brief

Michelle Cliff

No Telephone to Heaven

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Afro-Caribbean Literature

Education

Modern Classic Fiction
Period
Colonialism & Postcolonialism
Setting

Jamaica • 20th century

Theme
Mothers
Topic
Race & Racism

Education

LGBTQ+
Publication Year

1987

Publisher

Plume

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

No Telephone to Heaven by Michelle Cliff continues the semi-autobiographical story of Clare Savage, a Jamaican-American woman navigating her identity across different cultures and political landscapes. Clare grows up in Jamaica, moves to New York, and studies in London, ultimately joining a Jamaican revolutionary group. The novel explores themes of race, class, gender, and colonial history. This story includes depictions of violence, racial prejudice, drug addiction, and sexual trauma.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,396 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Michelle Cliff's No Telephone to Heaven is widely praised for its compelling narrative and rich exploration of postcolonial identity and gender issues. However, some critics note its nonlinear structure can be challenging. Overall, Cliff's evocative prose and deep cultural insights make it a profound, albeit complex, read that resonates on multiple levels.

Who should read this

Who Should Read No Telephone to Heaven?

A reader who would enjoy No Telephone to Heaven by Michelle Cliff is likely captivated by postcolonial literature and complex identity narratives. Fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved and Jamaica Kincaid's Annie John will appreciate Cliff's exploration of Afro-Caribbean heritage, colonialism, and feminist themes.

4.1

1,396 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Clare Savage

Clare is the protagonist, a light-skinned Jamaican woman navigating her identity and connection to her homeland through her experiences in Jamaica, the U.S., and England.

Clare’s father, who moves his family from Jamaica to the United States, seeking to pass as white to create a new life while disconnecting from their heritage.

Clare’s mother, who initially follows her husband to America but returns to Jamaica, grappling with racial identity and privilege.

Clare’s younger sister, who remains in Jamaica with their mother and struggles with adaptation after moving back to New York.

A black Vietnam veteran who Clare meets in Europe, dealing with unresolved issues from the war and leaving a significant impact on Clare's life.

A servant to a wealthy family, originating from a Kingston slum, whose life spirals after a traumatic confrontation with his employers.

Clare's closest friend, a non-binary individual reflecting on gender identity issues, who encourages Clare to embrace her Jamaican roots and resolve her identity conflicts.

Fun Facts

No Telephone to Heaven by Michelle Cliff is noted for its exploration of postcolonial themes and the complexities of identity, particularly in the context of Caribbean and Jamaican cultures.

The novel is a sequel to Cliff's earlier work, Abeng, continuing the story of the protagonist Clare Savage and her journey of self-discovery and cultural understanding.

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Michelle Cliff uses a non-linear narrative structure in No Telephone to Heaven, incorporating elements of magic realism and multiple perspectives to enrich the storytelling.

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Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Afro-Caribbean Literature

Education

Modern Classic Fiction
Period
Colonialism & Postcolonialism
Setting

Jamaica • 20th century

Theme
Mothers
Topic
Race & Racism

Education

LGBTQ+
Publication Year

1987

Publisher

Plume

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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