Hungry Ghosts: A Novel by Kevin Jared Hosein
"Hungry Ghosts" by Jamaican author, Marlon James, is a gripping novel set in 1940s Trinidad, depicting the collision of two families from vastly different backgrounds. The Changoors, living in luxury on a hill overlooking Bell Village, contrast sharply with the Saroops, who reside in the rundown barracks below. When Dalton Changoor goes missing and his wife Marlee's safety is threatened, Hans Saroop is enticed to become a watchman on the Changoor farm.
As the mystery of Dalton's disappearance unfolds, the lives of these families become intertwined in unexpected and shocking ways, revealing the harsh realities of class, religion, and historical violence in Trinidadian society. James' narrative delves deep into the complexities of generational trauma, power dynamics, and the lingering effects of colonialism and social inequality.
Through evocative prose and a compelling storyline, "Hungry Ghosts" explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of lives in a vividly portrayed historical setting. It is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that resonates with the reader long after the final page.