Barrel: Soul of a Migrant

A controversial yet compelling story of Caribbean, West Indian life, where dreams are uprooted as there is seemingly no choice but to run away. A humorous but sobering insight into political, social and cultural challenges; where the hopes of life are dashed on the rocks of partisan politics and forced social inequities that spill over into innocent households often with tragic consequences. A heartening insight into some of the realities of immigrant life viewed through the uniqueness of Caribbean/West Indian literature set between Trinidad and Canada, yet the migrant soul is felt as universal: could be anyone, at anytime. Meet Barrel: The desperate refugee from Trinidad running from the shadows of his past, into the darkness of his future, with loneliness as his companion and tormentor. Fed up with the suffering his family endured from an abusive father on a daily basis, and frustrated with the injustice in his country committed by those intoxicated with the arrogance of power, he flees in search of answers and a way to redeem his family and restore their dignity. He shares this journey with Khakaa: wise and cynical, always ready to challenge your intellect with his seemingly sheer lunacy, outrageous wit and years of raw immigrant experience; Bharat: a friend when needed, who received Barrel into the twilight zone of illegal immigrants, taking him under his wing, guiding, encouraging and cementing their friendship and Dougla: a character who often defied understanding with his unique outlook on life. Together, these characters show that life is what you make it and if you don’t make it, that’s life. Your life is your own journey to make. Purchase Brij Goberdhan’s books at: https://www.createspace.com/3841550 https://www.createspace.com/4154774 http://www.amazon.com/Brij-Goberdhan/e/B00815TWGY Follow Brij Goberdhan / Books at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barrel-Soul-of-a-Migrant/285315128146741 @BarrelTHEBOOK https://twitter.com/BarrelTHEBOOK “Your excerpt was an enjoyable read. Barrel is a great character, and we found his decision to leave Trinidad believable. You show good instincts in your use of detail and anecdotes to bring the story to life, and we liked the sense of humour.” ........Coach House Books, 2011: “Conducted in colourful, energetic prose.... focuses on the travails of Barrel, who seeks refuge from a past fraught with personal traumas.” ( Shivanee Ramlochan, The Trinidad Guardian, Book Club)