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Cover of A Small Place
Biography & Memoir· Antigua and Barbuda

A Small Place

by Jamaica Kincaid
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
#27,490of 99,626 books
Published 1988English
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About This Book

Few works of biography & memoir have earned the sustained critical attention that A Small Place (1988) by Jamaica Kincaid continues to receive. A Small Place is a powerful and lyrical essay by Jamaica Kincaid that explores the complexities of Antigua, her homeland. Through a personal lens, Kincaid addresses the impacts of colonialism and tourism, offering a candid critique of the island's post-colonial struggles. This work is significant for its unflinching honesty and its ability to provoke thought about the broader implications of colonial history. Themes of colonialism, identity, tourism run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorJamaica Kincaid
Published1988
Country of Origin🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda
LanguageEnglish
Category✍️ Biography & Memoir
ISBN978-0374527075
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

✍️ Biography & Memoir

True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

Explore all Biography & Memoir books →
Country of Origin

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda

This book is part of Antigua and Barbuda's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Antigua and Barbuda →

Editorial Assessment

Jamaica Kincaid published A Small Place in 1988, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of biography & memoir from Antigua and Barbuda. The book's treatment of colonialism, identity, tourism, post-colonialism accounts for much of its enduring reputation. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to A Small Place for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of colonialism, identity, tourism, post-colonialism is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Jamaica Kincaid's role in the literature of Antigua and Barbuda is well established. A Small Place can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20020
✍️
About the Author
Jamaica Kincaid
Antigua and Barbuda
View Author →

Jamaica Kincaid is a Antigua and Barbuda author whose work in biography & memoir has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Small Place about?

A Small Place is a powerful and lyrical essay by Jamaica Kincaid that explores the complexities of Antigua, her homeland. Through a personal lens, Kincaid addresses the impacts of colonialism and tourism, offering a candid critique of the island's post-colonial struggles. This work is significant for its unflinching honesty and its ability to provoke thought about the broader implications of colonial history.

Who wrote A Small Place?

A Small Place was written by Jamaica Kincaid, from Antigua and Barbuda. First published in 1988.

What awards has A Small Place won?

A Small Place has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is A Small Place worth reading?

A Small Place is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in colonialism, identity, tourism.

Where can I buy A Small Place?

You can buy A Small Place on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is A Small Place?

A Small Place is classified as Biography & Memoir. True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

What country is A Small Place from?

A Small Place originates from Antigua and Barbuda's literary tradition. Explore more books from Antigua and Barbuda on our country page.

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