Background image taken by Kurt of Whapaxx Photography
In this episode, I sit down with writer, Cherie Jones and talk about the story BEHIND the story - as two Barbadians, we tell the story of Barbados as WE know it AND as the backdrop of her novel, "How the One Armed Sister Sweeps Her House."
We delve into who Cherie is - as a mom of 4 & Caribbean woman, but more importantly, a woman who is just trying her best. She opens up about some of the personal experiences that provided insight into telling the story of her characters.
This critically acclaimed debut author also gives us the privilege of an inside look into something she’s working on, her next novel.
Cherie Jones is a storyteller and I’m so glad she never stopped following her dreams.
Warning: This episode may be triggering for some listeners as it deals with domestic violence. We urge you - if you know something, say something. Let’s be our sister’s keeper. It can make a difference.
This literary work puts a spin on the catchphrase “I like where you vacation.”
Enjoyed our conversation and haven’t gotten a chance to read the book yet?
Sorry for the spoilers, but we didn’t ruin the ending!
To see how Lala’s story ends and and the how the lives of the other characters intersect,
get your copy of the book!
One of the major recognitions for Cherie was her book being the
February book pick selected by Good Morning America for their Book Club.
Here’s the interview.
During our talk about the 80s in Barbados, Cherie reminisces about how one particular event shocked her and made her introspective about Barbados. This situation was one where
28-year-old Ingrid Quarless was fired from her job at a local hotel.
An article published in the local newspaper revisiting the case can be found below.
During the interview while also we spoke on the landscape, this image of the juxtaposition on Barbados’ West Coast provided the perfect example of the view many locals face while traveling along the West Coast.
To the left is accommodation marketed for tourists next to the narrow passage providing access to the beach (also through the side of a small restaurant) and a small chattel house in need of repair.
Lucky for us, Cherie snapped an image of the landscape that left an indelible impression on her.
West Coast Contrast - Photo courtesy of Cherie Jones
Background image taken by Kurt of Whapaxx Photography
Originally, this episode was going to be named "Lala's Milieu" as this episode gives a lot of context into the life and environment of the main character of Cherie's book and the actions of the supporting characters. This environment of Barbados is also the birthplace of the author and provides the setting that enabled harmful attitudes and reactions in a country marketed as paradise. The milieu of most Barbadians is explored with a nod to the 80s but showing that certain aspects of the culture, our values and lack of community still persist while treating locals as mere second-class citizens in the place of their birth.