Merle Hodge

Merle Hodge is a Trinidadian novelist and critic, best known for her work in the field of Caribbean literature. Born on February 8, 1944, in Curepe, Trinidad and Tobago, she gained recognition for her first novel, 'Crick Crack, Monkey' (1970), which is a classic of West Indian literature. The novel addresses themes of colonialism, gender, and social identity in the post-colonial Caribbean. Hodge is also known for her advocacy for gender equality and her academic contributions to the study of Caribbean literature.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Crick Crack, Monkey

    This novel is a coming-of-age story set in Trinidad, exploring themes of colonialism, identity, and cultural conflict through the eyes of a young girl named Tee. As she navigates the complexities of her Afro-Trinidadian heritage and the imposed British colonial education system, Tee is torn between the warmth and vibrancy of her working-class upbringing with her aunt Tantie and the strict, anglicized environment of her middle-class aunt Beatrice. The narrative delves into the psychological impact of cultural dislocation and the struggle to find a sense of belonging in a society deeply fractured by class and race.

    The 3451st Greatest Book of All Time