Black Rock by Amanda Smyth was her debut novel and it is set on Trinidad and Tobago during the 1950s. It follows sixteen-year-old Cecilia who arrived into the world as her mother departed it. Her English father doesn’t know of her existence so she is raised by her Aunt Tassi and lives with her and her twin cousins in Black Rock, Tobago. That is until something horrific happens to Cecilia and she is forced to flee her home and seek sanctuary on neighbouring Trinidad.
A new life begins
Cecilia secretly boards a Trinidad bound ferry with a plan to head for the Tamana Estate where her Aunt Sula lives.
However, on the journey to Port of Spain, Cecilia falls dangerously ill and is helped by a fellow passenger. The kindness of William and his mother will change Cecilia’s life forever.
Cecilia is a captivating, beautiful and ambitious teenager but is very much defined by her economic situation and the times she lives in. Her drive might enable her to escape Black Rock but life in Trinidad will not be easy. And she discovers her beauty is both a blessing and a curse.
What did I think of Black Rock?
I will get right to the point. Black Rock makes for very uncomfortable reading at times. The story explores dark themes of power and control, manipulation and exploitation. However, the fantastically descriptive writing of Amanda Smyth pulls you along. I was transported to the tropical islands of Trinidad and Tobago as I routed for Cecilia. Hoping that she’d realise the truth of her situation.
Would I recommend Black Rock?
Yes. Black Rock by Amanda Smyth is a brilliant novel and I highly recommend it. This wonderful novel will take you on an emotional journey with incredibly flawed characters. But don’t expect a cosy read and don’t expect a neatly tied up, happy-ever-after ending either.