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Literary Fiction· Grenada

The Colour of Forgetting

by Merle Collins
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1995English
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About This Book

Merle Collins's The Colour of Forgetting (1995) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. The Colour of Forgetting is a poignant exploration of memory and history in a Caribbean village. Collins weaves a narrative that reflects on the impact of colonialism and the struggle for independence. The novel is noted for its lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, making it a significant contribution to Caribbean literature. Themes of memory, history, colonialism run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorMerle Collins
Published1995
Country of Origin🇬🇩 Grenada
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780862327862
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇬🇩 Grenada

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

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Editorial Assessment

Merle Collins published The Colour of Forgetting in 1995, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Grenada. The book's treatment of memory, history, colonialism, independence accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Colour of Forgetting 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. What distinguishes The Colour of Forgetting is how it handles its central concerns — memory, history, colonialism, independence — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Merle Collins's role in the literature of Grenada is well established. The Colour of Forgetting 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

The New Yorker
notable · regional
19950
✍️
About the Author
Merle Collins
Grenada
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Merle Collins is a Grenada author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Colour of Forgetting about?

The Colour of Forgetting is a poignant exploration of memory and history in a Caribbean village. Collins weaves a narrative that reflects on the impact of colonialism and the struggle for independence. The novel is noted for its lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, making it a significant contribution to Caribbean literature.

Who wrote The Colour of Forgetting?

The Colour of Forgetting was written by Merle Collins, from Grenada. First published in 1995.

What awards has The Colour of Forgetting won?

The Colour of Forgetting has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Colour of Forgetting worth reading?

The Colour of Forgetting 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 memory, history, colonialism.

Where can I buy The Colour of Forgetting?

You can buy The Colour of Forgetting on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Colour of Forgetting?

The Colour of Forgetting is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Colour of Forgetting from?

The Colour of Forgetting originates from Grenada's literary tradition. Explore more books from Grenada on our country page.

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