Jamaica Kincaid’s second book (1988) expands the vision of a theoretical tourist vacationing in Antigua. The tourist soaks up deliciously sunny skies, gazes at unbelievably blue seas, and walks along silky white sand beaches. Kincaid, residing invisibly alongside her created tourist, points out what else needs to be seen.
Why are the natives all Black, and under what conditions did colonial masters purchase them and put them to work as slaves? Why did British colonists leave a recently independent island nation with such a corrupt government? How come there are no working sewers, no library, and the island’s only hospital is filthy, crumbling, and occupied by three incompetent doctors? What right do the islands tiny minority of whites and middle easterners have to their exclusive clubs, gated mansions, and subservient (Black) servants.
Nearly 40 years on, Kincaid’s strong voice, points a lasting indictment at colonialism, tourism, and corruption.