Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy
Poetry· Barbados

The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy

by Kamau Brathwaite
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1973English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy by Kamau Brathwaite is a landmark work of poetry, first published in 1973. Kamau Brathwaite's 'The Arrivants' is a seminal work in Caribbean literature, consisting of three books of poetry: 'Rights of Passage', 'Masks', and 'Islands'. The trilogy explores the African diaspora's journey and the cultural transformations in the New World. Brathwaite's innovative use of language and rhythm captures the essence of Caribbean identity and history, making it a cornerstone of postcolonial literature. Themes of diaspora, identity, cultural transformation run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorKamau Brathwaite
Published1973
Country of Origin🇧🇧 Barbados
LanguageEnglish
Category🌿 Poetry
ISBN9780192111704
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🌿 Poetry

Collections of verse spanning lyric, epic, and experimental forms.

Explore all Poetry books →
Country of Origin

🇧🇧 Barbados

This book is part of Barbados's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Barbados →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1973, Kamau Brathwaite's The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy is a work of poetry that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with diaspora, identity, cultural transformation, history gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of diaspora, identity, cultural transformation, history is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Barbados's literary landscape, Kamau Brathwaite occupies a significant position. The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy 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

TIME 100 Best Novels
notable · global
19730
✍️
About the Author
Kamau Brathwaite
Barbados
View Author →

Kamau Brathwaite is a Barbados author whose work in poetry has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Happy Employees
The Management Companion
Happy Employees
What Evolution Tells You About Leading People
Lead with human nature, and your team won’t just perform — they’ll thrive.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Omeros
poetry

Omeros

Derek Walcott· 1990
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score66/100
Cover of Gitanjali
poetry

Gitanjali

Rabindranath Tagore· 1910
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score60/100
Cover of Poems
poetry

Poems

William Wordsworth· 1807
Notable Work
Editorial Score46/100
Cover of Poems
poetry

Poems

Alfred Lord Tennyson· 1827
Notable Work
Editorial Score46/100
Cover of The Georgics of Virgil translated by Thomas Neville, ..
poetry

The Georgics of Virgil translated by Thomas Neville, ..

Publius Vergilius Maro· 1523
Notable Work
Editorial Score46/100
Cover of The seasons
poetry

The seasons

James Thomson· 1726
Notable Work
Editorial Score46/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy about?

Kamau Brathwaite's 'The Arrivants' is a seminal work in Caribbean literature, consisting of three books of poetry: 'Rights of Passage', 'Masks', and 'Islands'. The trilogy explores the African diaspora's journey and the cultural transformations in the New World. Brathwaite's innovative use of language and rhythm captures the essence of Caribbean identity and history, making it a cornerstone of postcolonial literature.

Who wrote The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy?

The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy was written by Kamau Brathwaite, from Barbados. First published in 1973.

What awards has The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy won?

The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy worth reading?

The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy 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 diaspora, identity, cultural transformation.

Where can I buy The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy?

You can buy The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy?

The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy is classified as Poetry. Collections of verse spanning lyric, epic, and experimental forms.

What country is The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy from?

The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy originates from Barbados's literary tradition. Explore more books from Barbados on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

🌿More PoetryBrowse all Poetry books🇧🇧Books from Barbados🇧🇧 Barbados literature📅1970s BooksPublished in the 1970s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time