Official Review: The West Indian by Valerie Lester

[EmunahAn]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The West Indian" by Valerie Lester.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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It is the 1700s and after learning of the death of her fiancé, Martha Grant accepts a marriage proposal from her cousin based in Jamaica. She crosses the Atlantic and once she sets foot on the island, she is enchanted by the beauty of the land. Henry, her husband, seems distant but Martha remains hopeful that they will rekindle their childhood friendship. Henry, unlike his reckless brother Jonas, has a mind for business having inherited much of his father’s wealth. The idea of a heavenly home that Martha had once envisioned is soon shattered when she discovers that Pearl, Henry’s half-sister is expecting Henry’s child. Things start to go downhill from there.

I loved that The West Indian by Valerie Lester is characterized by riveting twists and turns that are both shocking and unexpected. In the beginning, everything seems so tranquil. Jamaica’s biodiversity is vibrant and to Martha, it is a land of promise, unlike England where she could have likely become a spinster. Henry seems agreeable enough and Pearl and the house servants serve as great companions for the newly-arrived bride. In an instant, the peace is broken when Martha discovers she married a materialistic man who has little interest in any form of friendship and only cares for his own needs.

The beautiful nature of the land and the island people’s captivating culture is wonderfully presented in the book. I liked the inclusion of snippets of the slaves’ wonderful stories, dances, and traditions which are not only informative but make the story authentic. Their delightful culture and easy-going nature are contrasted with the settlers’ greed, materialism, and selfishness. Martha’s plan to start a school for the slaves’ children is opposed frequently by the other settlers who only wish to take advantage of the slaves and build their wealth.

The characters are very well developed, which is another aspect of the book that I liked. Even though Martha is sympathetic, she has her own mind and is ready to take daunting steps when required. She is also keen and it is through her observations that the true characteristics of the other characters are revealed. Henry is not only the antagonist in the story but he is also a representation of the attitude of the settlers.

Another wonderful feature of the book is the style in which it is written. Records of Martha’s journal are used to tell the story which makes it more personal as the tone is conversational. However, I would have preferred a slower ending instead of the shocking close.

The West Indian by Valerie Lester is also professionally edited and I did not identify any grammatical errors. Readers who appreciate novels that incorporate historical details and family drama will love the book. Readers who are not drawn to either aspect may not enjoy it. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

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The West Indian
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Like EmunahAn's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Prisallen]

The setting in Jamaica got my interest right away, and the plot as well as character development sound riveting. I will have to add this to my list of books to read. Thanks for the review!

[kandscreeley]

I love that this takes place in Jamaica. Not many fiction books do. I can't imagine going out of country to marry your cousin only to find someone else is carrying his baby. That would be a bit of shock. I wonder how things work out. Thanks for the review.

[yimei1209]

Just by the title, I didn't expect it to be this kind of story. From your review, I must say I find the plot intriguing and would love to read this book. Thank you so much for the review, it's amazing!!

[Kristy Khem]

Interesting premise! Sounds like a lot of drama. I like the Jamaican setting since I live in the Caribbean Thanks for the review. Well done

[Juliana_Isabella]

This sounds like an interesting read. I hope it is historically and culturally accurate.

[Chidinwankwo]

It is any interesting story that teach those who want to pay attention