Island in the Sun by Monica Carly - REVIEW
Island in the Sun by Monica Carly is a rich and evocative memoir that vividly recounts the author's six formative years spent in Jamaica between 1948 and 1954. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II England and colonial Jamaica, Carly’s narrative is a warm and nostalgic account of a unique childhood in a culturally diverse, racially complex, and geographically stunning part of the world. Through Carly’s memories, readers are transported to a time when Jamaica was a British colony, and the lingering effects of colonialism could still be felt. The memoir is not only a personal reflection of her family's relocation from England but also an insightful observation of the social dynamics, landscapes, and everyday life on the island.
The story begins in post-war England, where Carly, then a young girl, is living a relatively ordinary life. The memoir introduces readers to the hardships of wartime England, including the ever-present threat of air raids, rationing, and the somber effects of the war on daily life. This section of the memoir serves to highlight the contrast between the rigid, gray atmosphere of England and the warm, vibrant world of Jamaica that the family would soon encounter.
Monica’s father, a Baptist minister named Keith Tucker, is offered a prestigious position as the principal of Calabar Theological College in Kingston, Jamaica. This opportunity uproots the family from the familiar surroundings of Sheffield and places them in a completely new and foreign environment. Carly's description of the relocation process—from the family's sudden departure to their journey aboard the SS Cavina, a banana boat that ferried them to Jamaica—draws the reader into the young girl's bewildered yet excited mindset.
As they set sail, Carly’s youthful wonder is evident in her observations of the voyage, the warmth of the air, and her fascination with her new surroundings. The ship itself becomes a symbol of transition, slowly taking her from the restrained world of England to the lively, sun-drenched life awaiting her in Jamaica.
Carly’s initial impressions of Jamaica are filled with curiosity and wonder. The family arrives to a torrential downpour, a surprising contrast to the sunny island they had envisioned. The house they move into, located at Calabar College, becomes the focal point of much of the memoir. Carly's father’s role as principal entails raising the academic standards of the theological college, which had been struggling to produce graduates with sufficient scholastic training. Meanwhile, Carly's mother is tasked with managing the household, including cooking for not just the family but also for a dozen students from the college—a daunting challenge given the kitchen's outdated equipment, including a primitive icebox instead of a refrigerator.
Carly’s descriptions of the practical challenges her mother encountered in running the household add both humor and a sense of authenticity to the narrative. She details how her mother, who did not drive, had to be driven to the local market to purchase supplies and how she learned to cook using ingredients and equipment entirely foreign to her. The portrayal of the mother’s resourcefulness and adaptability serves as a testament to the resilience of women managing domestic life in a new and challenging environment.
One of the most striking aspects of Island in the Sun is Carly’s vivid depiction of Jamaican society. Through her young eyes, the reader is introduced to a multi-ethnic, multicultural world far removed from the homogeneity of England. Her school, St Andrew High School for Girls, is a microcosm of Jamaican society, with students of African, Chinese, Indian, and European descent. Carly’s encounter with this diversity is a key theme throughout the memoir. She reflects on the differences in skin color, social class, and culture, and the ways in which these distinctions play out in everyday life.
Her friendship with Gertrude Aub, a German-Jewish girl whose family had fled Europe after enduring the horrors of the Holocaust, adds another layer of depth to Carly’s narrative. Through Gertrude’s story, Carly becomes aware of the broader historical context of the time, including the trauma of the war and the displacement experienced by Jewish refugees. The contrast between Gertrude’s experiences and her own upbringing offers Carly, and the reader, a broader understanding of the world beyond Jamaica’s shores.
While the memoir touches on the complexities of Jamaican society, it is filled with warmth and affection for the island and its people. Carly’s descriptions of the food, weather, and local customs are rich with detail. She writes about eating spicy patties, learning to tolerate the intense tropical heat, and interacting with locals who quickly became part of her family’s life. The book’s title, Island in the Sun, reflects the joyous, vibrant atmosphere Carly encountered during her time on the island.
Particularly memorable are her reflections on the slower pace of life in Jamaica, which stands in stark contrast to the hurried, structured life she had known in England. Carly writes about how even her father and the headmaster of the local boys' school, initially striding about with the urgency of Englishmen, gradually adopted the slower, more relaxed gait of the Jamaican people. This transformation highlights the influence of the island’s culture and the way it reshaped the family’s rhythms of life.
As Carly grows older, she becomes more aware of the social and racial dynamics of colonial Jamaica. Her father’s work at Calabar College puts him in contact with a diverse group of students, and Carly begins with a diverse group of students, and Carly begins to observe the lingering effects of British colonial rule. Though the memoir does not delve deeply into political issues, it offers subtle insights into the tensions between the colonial past and the desire for self-determination that was growing in Jamaica during the period.
The college itself, established by Baptist missionaries, represents a legacy of colonialism, with its mission to educate local ministers within a British religious framework. Carly's father plays a significant role in modernizing the institution, raising the academic standards and helping the students achieve degrees from London University. Through this, the memoir hints at the broader movement toward decolonization that was beginning to take shape across the Caribbean.
Island in the Sun is a beautifully written, nostalgic memoir that captures a unique period in the life of both the author and Jamaica itself. Monica Carly’s storytelling is filled with warmth, humor, and vivid detail, transporting readers to the vibrant, diverse world of post-war Jamaica. The memoir is not only a personal reflection on childhood but also a broader exploration of cultural identity, colonial legacy, and the power of place in shaping who we become. Carly’s love for Jamaica is evident on every page, making Island in the Sun a moving tribute to an island that forever changed her life.
