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Poetry· Saint Lucia

The Star-Apple Kingdom

by Derek Walcott
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1979English
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About This Book

Few works of poetry have earned the sustained critical attention that The Star-Apple Kingdom (1979) by Derek Walcott continues to receive. The Star-Apple Kingdom is a collection of poems by Derek Walcott that delves into the history and culture of the Caribbean. Through his evocative and lyrical style, Walcott addresses themes of exile, identity, and the legacy of colonialism. This collection is notable for its exploration of the Caribbean's complex past and its influence on the present, solidifying Walcott's reputation as a leading voice in Caribbean literature. Themes of exile, identity, colonialism run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorDerek Walcott
Published1979
Country of Origin🇱🇨 Saint Lucia
LanguageEnglish
Category🌿 Poetry
ISBN9780374515591
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🌿 Poetry

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

Explore all Poetry books →
Country of Origin

🇱🇨 Saint Lucia

This book is part of Saint Lucia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Saint Lucia →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1979, Derek Walcott's The Star-Apple Kingdom is a work of poetry that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with exile, identity, colonialism, history gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 0 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes The Star-Apple Kingdom is how it handles its central concerns — exile, identity, colonialism, history — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Derek Walcott's role in the literature of Saint Lucia is well established. The Star-Apple Kingdom 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 multiple 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.
✍️
About the Author
Derek Walcott
Saint Lucia
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Derek Walcott is a Saint Lucia author whose work in poetry has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Star-Apple Kingdom about?

The Star-Apple Kingdom is a collection of poems by Derek Walcott that delves into the history and culture of the Caribbean. Through his evocative and lyrical style, Walcott addresses themes of exile, identity, and the legacy of colonialism. This collection is notable for its exploration of the Caribbean's complex past and its influence on the present, solidifying Walcott's reputation as a leading voice in Caribbean literature.

Who wrote The Star-Apple Kingdom?

The Star-Apple Kingdom was written by Derek Walcott, from Saint Lucia. First published in 1979.

What awards has The Star-Apple Kingdom won?

The Star-Apple Kingdom has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Star-Apple Kingdom worth reading?

The Star-Apple Kingdom 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 exile, identity, colonialism.

Where can I buy The Star-Apple Kingdom?

You can buy The Star-Apple Kingdom on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Star-Apple Kingdom?

The Star-Apple Kingdom is classified as Poetry. Collections of verse spanning lyric, epic, and experimental forms.

What country is The Star-Apple Kingdom from?

The Star-Apple Kingdom originates from Saint Lucia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Saint Lucia on our country page.

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