Is Just a Movie

by Earl Lovelace, Jeb Loy Nichols (Cover Design)

In the town of Cascadu, Trinidad, the 1970 Black Power rebellion has failed. Sonnyboy, hapless and luckless, is desperate to be recognised as part of the rebellion and forces the uninterested police to arrest him. KingKala, a singer, returns from detention and is sidelined in the calypso tent, his music dated and unfashionable. They now hope to make their name in the movie that is being shot on the island - but that too does not end as expected.

And so we follow the townsfolk through their experiments in music, politics, religion and love; as, in their day-to-day adventures - be it a game of cricket, the short life of a corner shop or a miracle at a funeral - they begin to see more clearly what their community has to offer for its liberation.

Sad and uplifting, humorous but never mocking, Is Just a Movie is a warm, gentle novel about small moments of magic in ordinary life.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, 21st Century, Literary Fiction

355 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2011

About the author

Novelist, playwright and short-story writer Earl Lovelace was born in Toco, Trinidad in 1935 and grew up in Tobago. He worked for the Trinidad Guardian, then for the Department of Forestry and later as an agricultural assistant for the Department of Agriculture, gaining an intimate knowledge of rural Trinidad that has informed much of his fiction.

He studied in the United States at Howard University, Washington (1966-7) and received his MA in English from Johns Hopkins University in 1974. In 1980 he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship and spent that year at the University of Iowa. After teaching at a number of other American universities, Lovelace returned to Trinidad in 1982, where he now lives and writes, teaching at the University of the West Indies. A collection of his plays, Jestina's Calypso and Other Plays, was published in 1984.

His first novel, While Gods Are Falling, was published in 1965 and won the British Petroleum Independence Literary Award. It was followed by The Schoolmaster (1968), about the impact of the arrival of a new teacher in a remote community. His third novel, The Dragon Can't Dance (1979), regarded by many critics as his best work, describes the rejuvenating effects of carnival on the inhabitants of a slum on the outskirts of Port of Spain. In The Wine of Astonishment (1982) he examines popular religion through the story of a member of the Baptist Church in a rural village. His most recent novel, Salt, was published in 1996 and won the Commonwealth Writers Prize (Overall Winner, Best Book) in 1997. Set in Trinidad, the book explores the legacy of colonialism and slavery and the problems still faced by the country through the story of Alford George, a teacher turned politician.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I usually go for character-focused narratives that favor depth over breadth, it was obvious early on in this novel that Lovelace wanted to give a panoramic view of Trinidad and introduce us to many, many characters along the way. I tried as best I could to give this book the benefit of the doubt, and to try to absorb as much as I could even knowing I'd miss many of the political and historical references, and knowing I'd misremember a few characters as I got further and further in. I'm glad I stayed with it.

There are so many great scenes in this book. I found the female characters, and the meticulously described scenes of a new marriage (husband messing up the zipper on his wife's dress; wife staying immobile in bed instead of leaning a few inches over to let husband make contact with her) particularly well rendered. And although I still consider myself woefully ill-informed about Trinidad and Tobago's history, I think I have a better sense of how that country perceives itself, and about some of its more famous traditions (especially calypso) than I had before.

A thought-provoking novel--one of those rare books that is both enjoyable to read, and enjoyable in an entirely different way after having read it.

[Shatterlings · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a strange rambling sort of book, you meet characters, then find out their life story which may or may not connect to the other characters, then it all happens again with the next character. It has a certain charm but there’s a lot of stream of consciousness type writing with very little dialogue that makes it hard to follow in parts. It just didn’t really work for me.

[Seandel Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad that this was my introduction to Earl, seeing that other titles for the author garnered more favorable reviews! Is Just a Movie starts off considerably strong and then meanders into smaller streams of details and paragraphs that just didn't engage me as a reader, instead of the inverse. Is Just a Movie blended a brilliant juxtaposition of performance and death in it's titular chapter which held an enormous promise to what could've followed but the promise was broken as you weave through a host of characters that weren't entertaining. The imagery of life in Cascadu and Trinidad in that era was well painted but the story became superfluous and disenchanting somewhere along the line.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just had the delightful freelance assignment of Americanizing spelling & punctuation in the soon-to-be-released US edition of this book (by Haymarket Books)! I found it utterly engrossing, the characters fascinating. Loved "living in" Trinidad at the height of the Black Power movement & throughout the disappointing--but not hopeless--political & cultural movements of the ensuing years.

Carnival has a large presence in the story; it can be seen as a recurring character bringing joy & release even in dark times.

I can't wait to read other Lovelace books.

[Mikhail Lutchman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The many intertwining short stories that made up this book feels appropriate for the small town village life being described. Still, it felt a bit disjointed overall. However, Lovelace's commentary on the evolution of society in Trinidad and Tobago is unparalleled: thoughtful, incredibly insightful and absurdly hilarious at the same time.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I intend on delving further into Lovelace's work after this. This was just a lot of fun as well as informative and poetic. The characters are bright, colorful, and memorable and I could hear the music in the background the whole time.

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally really enjoyed the cultural aspect of the story. King takes the reader on a sort of person based tour of Cascadu and each character represents an important aspect of the changing landscape. I really liked Sonnyboy’s transformation throughout his political affiliations and his eventual departure from moderate politics to Marcus Garvey style solutions. What stuck out to me is the positioning of female characters as equals in terms of behavior if not in circumstances. Even though the era concerned is decades ago, Dorleen and Aunt Magenta are positioned as independent actors. Yet they are still not independent of men. This is not issue pertinent to any pressing misogyny because I am having trouble recalling a male character positioned independently from women. Kings cuck-like pursuit of Dorleen was amusing to me but also very revealing as to how gender relations play out at this time, which is surprising. What I expected would result in altercation and animosity between them was actually quite amicable and I dare say respectful.

[Rol-J Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that only Earl Lovelace could write, Is Just a Movie is a snapshot of life in Trinidad and Tobago across several decades, from the 1970s to the early 2000s, and Lovelace is quite deliberate in making you work to figure out the exact decade you're in before dropping a hint.
Overall, this was a quick read, but the first ½ took some effort to handle, as I adjusted to the unique writing style of Lovelace, and perhaps the initial difficulty in warming up to this novel is caused by the many themes covered – race relations, culture (food, carnival, dance, calypso, chutney, steelpan, tassa), politics, colonialism, neocolonialism, corruption, love, family. You name it. Most of all, however, I think I took away that amidst all the hardship and conflict, there are still common characteristics that define all humans regardless of class, race or creed.

4.5/5

[Meag · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so indescribably beautiful about this book but I'll try to form the words anyway.

Lovelace spends this entire novel introducing us to the people of Cascadu. Almost every chapter is a new person with a story to tell and a piece of their soul linked to either another character or to the town itself. It pulls you in and reminds you that everyone has a story to tell and if you listen carefully you'll learn something about yourself as well.

It's hard to believe the amount of topics this book tackles, it almost reads like a series of essays about race, class, identity and assimilation. But just like the description it's humorous but never mocking and I will always love Lovelace for never shying away from a controversial topic.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I became the poet of the revolution"

Earl Lovelace takes great care with the words he writes. Dipping them in deep meaning. As a black American with carribean heritage, this book was a nostalgic scent. His writing, mostly the structure of the story- balancing complexities with poetic language and humor does remind me of Vonnegut. It is a great work that reveals the neoliberal Caribbean politic and the absurdities in that.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible writing and a diverse and lively cast of characters that show you many sides of 70s Trinidad. The story is episodic, and the most engaging episodes would almost stand alone as some of the best short stories I’ve ever read, but they’re threaded together through characters and themes in a way that still produces an impactful novel. Best book I’ve read in a while.

[Sasha (bahareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever had someone stop you and you internally sighed because you knew they about to talk ya ear off and they story not going anywhere? That is exactly what Lovelace did here. If you enjoy books with no plot, just vibes this might be for you. Any character mentioned gets their backstory told, and in the background readers see Black Power movements in this fictional Trinidadian town. The narrative can be hard to follow because the stream of consciousness just keeps moving forward onto the next character. Each character builds a piece of Lovelace's puzzle of the town of Cascadu. This is not my favorite Lovelace novel.

[Apphia Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is Just a Movie is humorous, interrogating, and observational commentary on post-independence Trinidad. Though not my favourite from Lovelace, an enjoyable read.

Check out my full review on my IG @apphiareads

[Catrina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn't my typical genre of book. I didn't find anything particularly wrong with the book, it just wasn't something that really interested me. It took a long time for me to get invested in the story. The writing and the plot style was hard for me to follow at times.

[Shane Rajiv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ish book, I’ve read most Lovelace’s books but felt this one was too disconnected - no central story and each chapter feels like it’s introducing a new character. Salt is much better. This book has its moments though

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Lovelace usual quality...1 word....Disappointing

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly poor showing from the normally stalwart Lovelace. Get a copy of The Schoolmaster instead.

[Shivanee Ramlochan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excerpted from the full review:

"Perched on the shoulder of the narrator, KingKala, the reader can expect to shift seamlessly through decades, major occurrences, seasons of both nature and politics. The Prime Minister who rules both uneasily and assuredly over the nation is seen at one instance in the heyday of his governance; in a later scene, he appears to still be in power, far past his expected due. The everyday grit of ordinary circumstance is pitted against the suggestion of otherworldly happenings. This subtle marriage of the literal and the fantastical is woven together with an unblinking skill; it convinces utterly, making no digression seem unnecessary, no tall tale excessive. It feels perfectly natural for villagers to be playing cards in one chapter, then lining up to officially sell their Dreams for money in another. Ancient historical figures are invited to celebrate the nation’s successes; prime ministers declare their intentions to live forever; miracles remain within the realm of hope. A multitude of voices accompany single encounters, acting as a reminder that there are a whole host of ways in which reality can be perceived. Not every story needs to be told within rigid lines; Is Just a Movie benefits from the intricate tapestry of its structure, presenting a reading adventure as ornate as it is serenely guided.

The narrative never focuses doggedly on Sonnyboy alone, allowing the stories of the other inhabitants of Cascadu to be told in vivid, enduring detail, with equal measures of humour and sobriety. Through Sonnyboy’s experiences are filtered the hopes and dreams of unforgettable figures: of Franklyn, whose unmatched prowess at batting causes an entire village to creak to a standstill; of the beautiful Dorlene, whose near-mishap with a falling coconut prompts her to literally turn her life around. Daily events shape the fabric of everyday communal life, ranging from the commonplace to the fantastic: the swift decline of corner shops, the disaster of a flambeau-lit political party’s campaign, the unexpected miracle accompanying a funeral."

You can continue reading my full review of Is Just a Movie at Novel Niche.

[Osvaldo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Just a Movie is the first book by Earl Lovelace I’ve ever read, but I plan to go back and read more of his work. I was introduced to the book when I heard him read from it last year, and found it funny and insightful.

The rest of the book maintains that mix, but there is a whiff of sadness clinging to the whole thing, a sense how of the legacy of colonialism undermines Trinidad’s attempts at development and agency, and disrupts attempts to make something cohere from the amalgam of people that make up its society. There is a sharp critique of the divisiveness of identity politics that seeks to highlight the positionality of power in regards to globalization.

The book has deceptively laconic approach to telling its stories, unafraid to go back in time for a few chapters to fill in someone’s back story before continuing with a hazy present moment only loosely attached to actual years depending on the reader’s ability to match up references with the knowledge of Trinidad & Tobago’s history (my own, I am ashamed to admit, is not so great). But this languid movement through time is clearly carefully craft by Lovelace, whose use of language masterfully gives a sense of place and character.
Ultimately, the book seems enmeshed a sense of what Lauren Berlant would call “cruel optimism,” when the “the object/scene of desire is itself an obstacle to fulfilling the very wants that bring people to it.” As someone in the book explains in regards to the failed Black Power Revolution, the problem with the demand for power is that it is admitting that you don’t have any—and thus the promise of power can be used to manipulate people.

This is the kind of book that demands more than one reading. I hope to get back to it soon.

[Nisha Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you think about the Caribbean, Earl Lovelace is one of the writers who comes to mind. Funny, poignant and socially conscious, his work is a highlight of what we can do as a people.

Is Just a Movie almost does this to great effect. Covering the lives of the villagers of Cascadu from the eyes of King Kala, it is a funny, smart book about life in Trinidad over a generation of experiences. Characters like Sonnyboy, Manick and Dorlene come alive in vivid colour, unafraid of simply being, simultaneously rejuvenating and reconstructing Carnival as the lifeblood of the nation.

However, in his eagerness to set to the task of doing this, Lovelace falls short of great by muddling together the stories in a near jumbled mess. The format works, such as it is, because I can see the way in which it would play out as a Robber tale, but as a written work, it meanders and wanders a bit too much for my taste.

Still, a recommended read and one that's enjoyable anyway.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pity that this book was the first book from Earl Lovelace that I read. Not because there is anything wrong with it, but simply because it showed the talent that one can find in our West Indian writers, who many locals have chosen not to read.

In reading this book I felt closer to my country. I actually felt as if this book epitomized what it meant to be living in Trinidad and captured the diversity of our people.

In the similar way that the music of Dorlene was felt by Sweetie Mary as being a part of her, as embodying her I believe this book embodies the spirit of Trinidad and Tobago and its people.

No wonder that this book won the Bocas Lit Fest prize in 2012 for Caribbean literature.

I would think that Earl Lovelace has injected his emotions, in a most humorous and sarcastic and yet, even serious way, in this book. To me it is truly a masterpiece.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comfortable read by a great storyteller, but with some uncomfortable truths: "The devil is no longer in the make-believe of Carnival, he is right here on our streets. The Midnight Robber is not a character in our fiction, he is in possession of real guns." ". . . the challenge of blending the discipline derived from the order imposed by the plantation, the creativity that came out of resistance and the anarchy of individual rebellion, and at the end still come up with one nation." ." . . the fiction that every ethnic and religious group in the country had started off with equal opportunity." Immensely readable, but I had some difficulty with the time lines which began to merge towards the end of the work.

[Bill Brydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...her head tied with the cloth of her Shouter Baptist faith, her face serene, on it a kind of battler’s acknowledging smile, respectful of her marvellous opponent, a world that had wrestled her down and was watching her strain to rise again; her whole history there in her face, her good looks, the admiration from men, the parties, the good times, the first man, the first child, then the second, and now the chain of four remaining children, three daughters and a son, her beauty passed on to their faces now, the flare of nostrils, the full lips, the nearly sleepy eyes, her consolation and pride that this was her own place,.."

[World Literature Today]

"Key to Is Just a Movie is Lovelace’s deft positioning of his narrator amid his characters—not behind them, like Flaubert’s. As a calypsonian, King Kala, as he is erroneously called because he once won the calypso crown, participates in a more efficacious collective ritual: Carnival." - Robert H. McCormick Jr., Franklin College Switzerland

This book was reviewed in the September 2013 issue of World Literature Today. Read the full review by visiting our website: http://bit.ly/1a1Vq8L

[Ginger Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Earl Lovelace has set a very high standard - he is one of the best novelists in the world, let alone the Caribbean - and unfortunately this doesn't quite sit up there with his previous best efforts.

It's thoroughly enjoyable, witty as usual, and has many beautifully written passages. But some of it rambles a bit, and towards the end the plot, such as it is, becomes unnecessarily farcical and unbelievable.

Not Lovelace at his best, but still streets ahead of most novels.

[Nicolette Bethel]

Not a review as I haven't read this yet, but I was in Trinidad when Lovelace won the Bocas prize for this book, and I heard the judges say that this is a great master's greatest work, and I heard Lovelace read from the book and I loved what he read, and I have a soft spot for Earl Lovelace anyway, so this book is on my to-read list for sure.

[Karina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually love anything Lovelace - but I just could not sink my teeth into this book. I do not identify with the Trinidad he describes here. I just could not finish this book.

[Kela Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord! 5 stars is not enough. Better still hearing Mr. Lovelace read from it! We were rolling with laughter! Such a complex book too!

[Khrys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliantly and typically an Earl Lovelace novel! That! is storytelling!

[Madhu R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out great, but then seemed to meander and lose its way halfway through. I wish this were a collection of short stories instead of a novel since the narrative isn't strong enough.