Vincentian launches her first novel

Interesting things happen when it rains in Yonette Graham’s first novel “When It Rained.” Graham, a Vincentian author launched her book on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the Jujube Book Store.{{more}}

Speaking to Searchlight, Graham said that in the book, certain incidents are attached to the occurrence of rain. “Every time it rains, something happens. It could be sorrow, it could be someone dies, it could be lost love, or a revelation of secrets,” she said.

The idea for the book came as Graham was doing a cultural study as part of her Human Resource Management graduate programme at the Long Island University. She said that she was encouraged by her teachers at the school to pursue the study as a novel. Graham explained that the novel is basically a short story which would appeal mostly to persons in the age group 15 to 20. She, however, hopes that all would read the novel and enjoy it.

Graham also expressed hope that the novel will be used by secondary schools, adding that it was her goal to give back to schools by writing the book. The author, who said that she attended the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, explained that she loved reading novels throughout her teenage years. She added that she hopes that someone may be inspired by what she has done.

Graham said that she has also received varied feedback from persons who have read the novel. “A few people have said they don’t like how it ended, some people said they cried, some people said it was sad, some people said they were happy,” she said. She added that plans are already in process to write a second part of the book.

The author extended thanks to God who she says has always kept her through everything, her parents, husband and the rest of her family circle for their support. She also thanked her teachers at Long Island University who encouraged her to write the novel, though she was skeptical of the idea at first. The novel is available at Jujube book store at EC$25.