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Historical Fiction· Saint Kitts and Nevis

Crossing the River

by Caryl Phillips
Aggregate Editorial Score40/100
★Booker Prize
Published 1993English
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About This Book

Crossing the River by Caryl Phillips is a landmark work of historical fiction, first published in 1993. Crossing the River is a profound exploration of the African diaspora across different time periods and continents. The novel weaves together the stories of several characters, each connected by the legacy of slavery. Through its intricate narrative structure, the book examines themes of loss, displacement, and the enduring impact of history. Caryl Phillips' eloquent prose and deep empathy for his characters make this a landmark work in world literature. Themes of diaspora, slavery, loss run through the work. The book has received recognition from James Tait Black Memorial Prize 1993.

Book Details

AuthorCaryl Phillips
Published1993
Country of Origin🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis
LanguageEnglish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780679747770
Editorial Score40/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis

This book is part of Saint Kitts and Nevis's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Saint Kitts and Nevis →

Editorial Assessment

Caryl Phillips published Crossing the River in 1993, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from Saint Kitts and Nevis. The book's treatment of diaspora, slavery, loss, displacement accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Crossing the River among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: James Tait Black Memorial Prize 1993. Our aggregate score of 40/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes Crossing the River is how it handles its central concerns — diaspora, slavery, loss, displacement — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Within Saint Kitts and Nevis's literary landscape, Caryl Phillips occupies a significant position. Crossing the River is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
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

Booker Prize
shortlist · global
19930
✍️
About the Author
Caryl Phillips
Saint Kitts and Nevis
View Author →

Caryl Phillips is a Saint Kitts and Nevis author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crossing the River about?

Crossing the River is a profound exploration of the African diaspora across different time periods and continents. The novel weaves together the stories of several characters, each connected by the legacy of slavery. Through its intricate narrative structure, the book examines themes of loss, displacement, and the enduring impact of history. Caryl Phillips' eloquent prose and deep empathy for his characters make this a landmark work in world literature.

Who wrote Crossing the River?

Crossing the River was written by Caryl Phillips, from Saint Kitts and Nevis. First published in 1993.

What awards has Crossing the River won?

Crossing the River has received the following recognition: James Tait Black Memorial Prize 1993.

Is Crossing the River worth reading?

Crossing the River is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 40/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in diaspora, slavery, loss.

Where can I buy Crossing the River?

You can buy Crossing the River on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Crossing the River?

Crossing the River is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Crossing the River from?

Crossing the River originates from Saint Kitts and Nevis's literary tradition. Explore more books from Saint Kitts and Nevis on our country page.

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