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Historical Fiction· Trinidad and Tobago

The Wine of Astonishment

by Earl Lovelace
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1982English
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About This Book

When Earl Lovelace published The Wine of Astonishment in 1982, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of historical fiction. The Wine of Astonishment is a powerful novel by Earl Lovelace that tells the story of a small Trinidadian community's struggle to maintain its cultural traditions in the face of colonial oppression. Set during the period of the Shouter Baptist Prohibition Ordinance, the novel explores themes of faith, resistance, and cultural survival. Lovelace's narrative is celebrated for its emotional depth and vivid portrayal of Caribbean life. Themes of faith, resistance, cultural survival run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorEarl Lovelace
Published1982
Country of Origin🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago
LanguageEnglish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780435989507
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

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

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago

This book is part of Trinidad and Tobago's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Trinidad and Tobago →

Editorial Assessment

Earl Lovelace published The Wine of Astonishment in 1982, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from Trinidad and Tobago. The book's treatment of faith, resistance, cultural survival, oppression accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Wine of Astonishment among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 0 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The Wine of Astonishment is how it handles its central concerns — faith, resistance, cultural survival, oppression — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Wine of Astonishment reflects Earl Lovelace's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Trinidad and Tobago's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
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
Earl Lovelace
Trinidad and Tobago
View Author →

Earl Lovelace is a Trinidad and Tobago author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Wine of Astonishment about?

The Wine of Astonishment is a powerful novel by Earl Lovelace that tells the story of a small Trinidadian community's struggle to maintain its cultural traditions in the face of colonial oppression. Set during the period of the Shouter Baptist Prohibition Ordinance, the novel explores themes of faith, resistance, and cultural survival. Lovelace's narrative is celebrated for its emotional depth and vivid portrayal of Caribbean life.

Who wrote The Wine of Astonishment?

The Wine of Astonishment was written by Earl Lovelace, from Trinidad and Tobago. First published in 1982.

What awards has The Wine of Astonishment won?

The Wine of Astonishment has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Wine of Astonishment worth reading?

The Wine of Astonishment 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 faith, resistance, cultural survival.

Where can I buy The Wine of Astonishment?

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

What category is The Wine of Astonishment?

The Wine of Astonishment is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Wine of Astonishment from?

The Wine of Astonishment originates from Trinidad and Tobago's literary tradition. Explore more books from Trinidad and Tobago on our country page.

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