Customer Reviews

Song of Night

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cyan (also known as Night) grew up in a small seaside village on the island of Barbados with her father, mother and sister. At a very early stage in her life, she is faced with some very unsettling events that re-arranges the family structure and in the process, Cyan is forced to make decisions and deal with issues seemingly far beyond her years. Her character becomes strong-willed and very independent in her thinking and actions. The book is set in Barbados, and has a unique Caribbean flavor - the story is fascinating, that seems to unmistakably transcends the people, culture and politics of the island. It's a cleverly written story that to me reflects the circle of life, decisions and resulting consequences. Song of Night captures this and more! Another excellent read by Glenville Lovell!

Mr. Lovell brings out the real life of a young girl growing up in beautiful Barbados. I felt as thought I knew Cyan personally, she was sassy and real during all of her traumatic adventures. All of the characters were phenomenal. This book made me a laugh and it made me cry. Mr. Lovell also did an excellent job in presenting the facts about Barbados and its problems. I'm waiting for a sequel.

This book gives a great perspective into a young girl's life in Barbados, the life she faces and the choice she has to make. You feel for Night, but at the same time, are able to stand back and evaluate her from a distance -- the book is written so that you as the reader keep your perspective too. It brings Barbados to life -- not just a touristy place, but a place where real people live. The mother and daughter tension in the book was interesting, as it shows the tensions that exist in almost every mother/daughter relationship to a degree. Also, the use of decriptions, language, politics of the island were very well done.

I enjoyed Song of Night because it really took me away to a place of warmth and beauty (Barbados). The characters were real and endearing, especially the main character, Cyan, who's free spirit takes her to situations bigger than the island she inhabits. I loved the romance between her and her lover Breeze, the friction and the tenderness. The graphic scenery descriptions place you in the midst of Barbados, getting to know the people behind the people who walk the streets and stand in front of the local shops. The book also reveals the darker side of life and the distance between the haves and the have nots. I would reccomend the book to anyone who wants to be captivated and taken for a ride to a place where you'll meet real people in real situations.

There are very few authors who can create characters who live with you long after you have read the last page. Glenville is one of them.
Song of Night left me gazing out my window searching for even the faintest flicker of fireflies.
I highly recommend this book.

I loved Song of Night. I could not put the book down once I got into it. It was the kind of book that put me in the story and in the lives of everyone in it. I could not put it down until I finished it. After reading that book I cannot wait to visit Barbados.

I PURCHASED THIS BOOK AND ADDED IT TO MY GREAT COLLECTION OF NOVELS BY BLACK AUTHORS.WHEN I OPENED THE PAGES I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN.I LOVE THIS STORY,IMIDIATELY I MOVED MYSELF INTO THAT VILLAGE I LIVED THERE FOR THREE DAYS WHILE I READ THIS STORY.
CYAN(A FIREHOUSE OF PASSION)OF COURSE WAS MY FAVOURITE CHARACTER.I IDENTIFIED SO MUCH WITH HER,I FELT HER PAIN AND HER PASSION FOR LIFE.I CRIED AND I WAS ALSO FILL WITH LAUGHTER,SHE WAS SO STRONG AND YET SO VULNERABLE.ALL OF THE CHARACTERS WERE SO REALISTIC .
MR LOVELL SHOWS US A SIDE OF BARBADOS THAT WE ALL NEED TO TAKE A MORE SERIOUS LOOK INTO .THIS BOOK SHOULD BE ON THE SHELF OF EVERY PUBLIC SERVANT IN BARBADOS MOST OF ALL THE PRIME MINISTER.
THANK YOU GLENVILLE LOVELL KEEP TELLING YOUR STORIES WE NEED TO HEAR MORE.

Glenville Lovell's A Song of Night, is an intense read. Lovell masterly takes the reader through the traumatic events of the life of Cyan (aka Night), a young woman caught in the extremes of life. Cyan is constantly battling big issues on the small island of Barbados. Her issues are big because she doesn't know how to have or handle small problems. Though a character of extreme loves and hates, Lovell makes the reader identify with Cyan and sympathize with her. There is an honesty in this book that is rare in popular fiction, perhaps more honesty than what we, as readers, want. Lovell isn't gentle with his characters, the lives of these people are laid bare and no quarter or excuses are given. Who knew life in paradise could be so hard?

Lovell, as well as dealing with his characters in realistic ways writes about his native Barbados with the same unstinting hand. Lovell cleverly presents the problems facing Barbados through well constructed reportage and dialogue at the end of this novel the reader realizes that they know a great deal more about the tiny island nation and it's people than when they began.

Lovell's style is beautiful. The cadence of his writing is reminiscent of the rhythms of the Caribbean. Certain passages are so poignant and lyrical that they almost demand being read aloud. This is a novel rich with imagery and symbolism, some of it obvious and some so well crafted and seamless that it is simply expected and accepted.

This is a book to be shared, too much of a literary feast for one. This was A.W.A.R.E.'s (one of the best book clubs on the Eastern coast) June selection and as such was perfect. I can't imagine reading this book and not talking about it, Cyan and the rest of the inhabitants of A Song of Night demand and deserve it - that's the gist of A Song Night, you're not going to read this book and come out unchanged. The characters and story will remain with you demanding your attention, thoughts and time.