I read this 1930s to 1950s historical fiction set in Georgetown, Guyana, as part of my read around the world challenge. The author was born and raised in Guyana.

I learned a little about the country along the way. Guyana is on the northern mainland of South America, and was colonised by the Dutch before becoming a British sugar-producing colony in the late 18th century, called British Guiana. It gained independence in 1966. Guyana is the only South American nation in which English is the official language. However, the majority of the population speak Guyanese Creole, an English-based creole, as a first language. It is considered part of the mainland Caribbean region. The population is made up of around 40% Indian, 30% African, 20%, Multiracial and 10% Indigenous peoples with Europeans making up less than 0.5% of the population.

This is the third story in the Quint Chronicles however the first one I have read, which didn’t seem to be a problem. It is the story of Mary Grace Smedley Cox, the mixed race daughter of wealthy white plantation owners. Grace struggles to be accepted by society and wrestles with the mystery of her birth and a difficult relationship with her forceful mother. She feels a much stronger bond to her wise and affectionate aunt Winnie and her sons.

When Jock Campbell emigrates to British Guiana (affectionately known as BG by the locals) with ambitious plans to dramatically improve the lot of the oppressed plantation workers, Grace finally feels she has met a soulmate. The story is an insight into the struggles of a woman of colour in colonial British Guiana and also into the politics of change. Jock Campbell is a historical figure, a dedicated reformer and he was also later instrumental in establishing the Man Booker prize. Passionate revolutionary Cheddi Jaggan is also featured. I enjoyed this book although I felt it sagged somewhat towards the end, with a not overly inspiring ending. There were some lengthy political monologues along the way but I would be happy to read another book by Sharon Maas. ( )