The Same Earth [Paperback]

Kei Miller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

When Imelda Richardson leaves the small village of Watersgate, Jamaica, armed only with one small suitcase, she is doing so for the second time. One of the throng of young Jamaicans who left the island after the devastating hurricane of 1974, Imelda's journey has taken her to England, to the home of ganja-growing rebel Purletta Johnson, the arms of fake Northerner Ozzie, and a law degree. But when her mother dies Imelda returns to Watersgate, choosing Jamaica over England. 1983 is still a couple of years shy of the great dancehall explosion in which artists like Shabba Ranks would sing how he "loved punany bad," and the village is still dominated by the Evangelical church and the thundering voice of Pastor Braithwaite. When Tessa Walcott's panties are stolen—and in the absence of Perry Mason—she and Imelda decide to set up a neighborhood watch. But they haven't counted on Pastor Braithwaite and the crusading zeal of Evangelist Millie. As a Pentecostal fervor sweeps through the village, the tensions between old and new come to a head.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The hazards of homecoming lie at the heart of poet Kei Miller's charm-filled debut...a breezy good-humour pervades Miller's portrait of island life.' INDEPENDENT

About the Author

Kei Miller has published several collections of poetry and a book of short stories, The Fear of Stones, which was short-listed for the Commonwealth Writer's prize for Best First Book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix; Reprint edition (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075382311X
• ISBN-13: 978-0753823118
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,497,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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