“A Small Place” by Jamaica Kincaid

Like its title, this is a small book - just 81 pages - and it became my first read of the year. Written by Jamaica Kincaid, an Antiguan-born author, it explores life on the Caribbean island of Antigua. Intriguing and exotic, right? But before I dive into the book’s content, I should mention two important details I hadn’t noticed when I bought it, which makes the book even more special.

First of all, it is signed by the author! How often does that happen? The book has been standing on my shelf for three years, it survived two moves and I only noticed this treasure when I opened to read it.

Moreover, on the cover of the book there is an actual stamp from the Antigua Post Office! It is not cancelled of course since it is not on a letter or a postcard but still! I thought it was just a picture but no, it is a stamp glued on paper. On one of the covers of the book the publishers thank the Antiguan post for granting the permission to use their stamp. As a fan of snail mail, I was surprised and really happy to find such a unique item on one of my books! I am not a stamp collector but even so I am honoured to have it in my posessions.

Now about the book itself.

A Small Place is a non-fiction essay where the author delivers a sharp critique of Antigua that explores the lasting damage of colonialism and modern tourism. Speaking directly to the reader, she contrasts the tourists’ carefree enjoyment of the island’s beauty with the everyday struggles of Antiguans living with poverty, corruption and weak institutions. Kincaid reflects on Antigua’s British colonial past and argues that independence did not end exploitation, as local leaders often continued oppressive systems. Through an emotional and confrontational tone, she challenges readers to recognize their privilege in the island’s ongoing inequality.

Because of this directness and sharpness of the tone of the book, it was hard not to have been offended while reading the book. At times I even had to stop reading and put down the book for a moment. However, it was important to remind myself that it is not me or any reader personally whom the author blames for Antigua’s problems but the combination of its past and present.

One of the reasons I felt targeted by the author was that I did visit Antigua as a tourist a few years ago. It was a special holiday destination for me as I had never been to a Caribbean island before. During and after the trip I was keen to learn more about the history and culture of the island, so I researched the authors originating from the country. This is how I stumbled upon the name of Jamaica Kincaid, who was born in St. John’s - the capital of Antigua. I bought her book ‘A Small Place’ in London and now I finally read it and I am glad I did. But I must admit that without my trip, it could have happened that I might have missed her name. Now I am keen to read more from the author.