ST. LUCIA-BORN writer, Steffanie Edward, has acquired a two-book deal with a UK publisher, Bookouture/Storyfire Ltd., a member of the Hachette United Kingdom.
Edward was born in La Caye, Dennery and emigrated to the UK in the late 60s.
“I’ve been away for a long time,” she says, ‘but being brought up in a strong St Lucian family, who never stopped speaking Kwéyòl and talking about ‘back home’ has kept my St Lucian identity intact.”
Edward’s debut novel, ‘This Other Island’, is mainly about Yvette, who was conceived on a ship bringing migrants to the UK as part of the Windrush generation. Yvette’s father’s dying wish for her was to trace a man he encountered on the journey. This sends her on an emotionally charged quest of self-discovery. The story is told from three points of views: Yvette, her mother Doli and father Joe.
Edward says she was inspired to write this novel because she wanted to write a story which would give voice to older Caribbean people.
“They were mainly featured as secondary characters in novels I’d read. When I started writing the novel, I had already identified two of my main characters, but after listening to my mother talking about her journey on the ship coming to England, my story started to take a different shape,” she said.
One reviewer has described the novel as ‘very touching, immersive and captivating’. Another said, ‘Edward’s writing draws you in to this spinning family secret. Which keeps you on your toes through the entire book.’
Edward is currently working on her second novel which will be published in 2022.
‘This Other Island’ will be published on 21st May 2021.
You can get your copy through either of these links:
Amazon Apple Google Kobo
You find out more about Steffanie Edward by visiting her website or connecting with her on social media.
Website: https://www.saedward.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdwardsaEdward
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwardsteffanie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Steffanie-Edward-101943815246620