Blazer Williams publishes first novel

One of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ more prominent lawyers has offered up another contribution to the local literary scene, with the publication of his first novel.

Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams launched his novel “Memories Of The Hibiscus” on Monday, September 8 to a receptive audience, including the Prime Minister {{more}}Dr Ralph Gonsalves, at Frenches House.

Memories Of The Hibiscus is a work of historical fiction that centres on the life of protagonist George Williams, who has ambitions of playing cricket for the West Indies team, but cannot do so because of financial and social contraints.

In addition to this, the protagonist falls in love with the mixed race daughter of the white estate owner for whom he works.

The novel, which is set in the 1930s, deals with issues of family relationships, culture, religion, colonialism and society.

“If you’re not familiar with the period, then certainly this will give you an idea of what the social conditions, the economic conditions were at this time,” explained Williams.

“A few people have called me and said ‘man, look – I can’t put down this novel!’” he chuckled.

Williams revealed that he started writing Memories Of The Hibiscus, along with another novel, in the 1970s, but took a hiatus from completing them to pursue other interests.

He further explained that the bulk of his research for this book was done in the 1970s and 80s.

“There’s a lot of historical information but, of course, what would carry this is the dialogue… the narrative,” he pointed out. “They create the… feel for the drama in the novel.”

Williams said that he intends to complete his second novel late next year.

“That is a bit more contemporary [than his current novel]. It’s set in the 1950s and 60s.”

To other writers who may be working on their own written works, he said: “Pursue what you want to pursue. It takes a lot of discipline… but if you are serious about what you want to get out of your creative ability, then you must make the time – that is critical.”

Williams further pressed upon Vincentians to read more, and more widely.

“If you don’t read, you can’t write. If you don’t read, you can’t carry on a healthy conversation… That is one of the problems we have in this country,” he pointed out.

“That’s how you understand the world, by reading.”

Prior to this, Williams has published a book of poetry, some of his plays, and works of non-fiction.

Memories Of The Hibiscus is available for sale at Jujube Bookstore and Gaymes Book Centre.(JSV)