Book Review: How Annie John Changed My Perspective on Storytelling

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By now, you’ve probably guessed that I’m obsessed with coming-of-age stories. I’ve read them throughout every stage of my life.

One of my favourite authors of coming-of-age stories is Jamaica Kincaid. The fact that her first name references the land of my birth is an obvious bias in her favour.

And in case you were wondering, Kincaid was born in Antigua. Her collection of brilliant stories makes her a classic Caribbean author.

I fell in love with Kincaid’s writing when I read her coming-of-age novel, Annie John. I first read it as a teen, and I reread it more times than I can remember.

Book Review: Welcome to Annie’s World

Annie John is set on the island of Antigua. The story chronicles a series of pivotal moments in the life of the titular character, Annie John.

She’s a child on the cusp of change.

But change can be both cruel and kind. Through Annie’s eyes, her world and everyone within it become hyper-charged with great power and import.

Annie wields her own fierce power. With each tender moment, we grow to appreciate the things that Anne cherishes. We love those whom Annie adores. And when Annie falls out of love, we share her pain and resentment.

Annie’s coming-of-age story is a poignant framing of childhood and adolescence that pulls the reader into an emotional maelstrom.

There’s no retreat until that final scene ushers in a moment of sombre reflection.

How Kincaid Broke the Rules

The power of Annie’s story goes beyond its themes. The narrative structure is different from what I expected of a coming-of-age story.

In Annie John, Kincaid breaks the rules of storytelling. And I loved it.

 Each chapter unfolds on its own terms, pulling the reader into a series of meandering thought streams. Then it spits you out at the end, leaving you panting for more.

After reading Annie John for the third time, I was inspired to explore an episodic narrative structure in my own stories.

Kincaid gave me the confidence to explore new ways of storytelling.

Annie John is the kind of book that burrows deep into your mind and creates its own nest. It echoes the complexities of the adolescent experience while creating its own rules of storytelling.

That’s why I consider Annie John a classic Caribbean story.

Have you read Annie John? What are your thoughts on the story? Which author has changed your perspective on storytelling?

Please share in the comments below. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

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© Christene Campbell at Cozy Caribbean Fiction