My selection of 100% Caribbean books for Valentine’s Day

I am far from being a romantic, but as a literature enthusiast, I love to read romantic novels. Not necessarily Harlequin novels, mind you!

For an original Valentine’s Day, why not offer books, or even read poems to your loved one? Perhaps it’s too old school? In the age of social media and what I call time thieves, it would undoubtedly be a lovely way to reconnect. Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love with a capital L. Whether it’s with your significant other, friends or family, we all need it. So, I propose my selection of books to read or offer absolutely to your loved ones, friends and family for Valentine’s Day, and beyond…

1. Pluie et Vent sur Télumée Miracle by Simone Schwarz Bart: the quintessential Caribbean romantic novel

If there’s one book you should have in your library, it’s this one. This novel is one of my favorites. I read it when I was 12 years old, and I still remember certain passages by heart thanks to the poetic writing. It tells the chaotic life of a heroine whose courage and determination make her a model. She marries Elie, her childhood love, who neglects, cheats on and beats her. Then she loses her second love and her adopted child. Nothing romantic, even rather sad, you might say? And yet… Télumée is nicknamed “Télumée Miracle”. She is a lover of life who doesn’t let herself be beaten down, and that’s why it’s a true love story in my opinion.

One of my favorite passages read and reread:

“Elie smiled at me with his beautiful wide eyes, shiny, a little darker than his skin, holding back a tear under his heavy eyelids with short bunches of lashes that he suddenly lowered slowly, as if he had started sleeping on the spot. And still without seeing me, he added: ‘Télumée, if life is what my father says, I may one day get lost in the forest… But don’t forget, don’t forget that you are the only woman I will ever love.’ ‘So romantic’, isn’t it?”

2. Tony Delsham’s Fanm Dewo

If you’re interested in male-female relationships in Martinique, you should read this novel. It marked my adolescence. I then understood the complexity of male-female relationships in the West Indies. It is the first volume of an exciting saga. Ida Robinel, like Télumée, had a chaotic journey. She says no to male and societal oppression, to become a woman “standing in the wind,” “fanm flamm,” against all odds. She refuses to be a “negresse a canne” and a “fanm dewo” (mistress or second wife). Between love, betrayal, and disillusionment, I find this novel magnificent.

3. Sabine’s Stories

For lovers of short stories, here is a collection by historian and game creator, Sabine Andrivon-Milton, recounting slices of life of the Martinican population. Between stories of love and family, I appreciated that these were themes that concern us. Sabine’s Stories are me, you, us. Note that volume 1 is currently sold out, so don’t hesitate to visit the online store.

4. “La princesse Yomi et le Chevalier” by Michelle Houdin

For this celebration of love, I haven’t forgotten the children with a lovely bilingual French-Creole tale telling the story of a beautiful encounter between a traveler from a distant galaxy and a beautiful princess. A lovely story for children from the age of 6, which will appeal to both young and old… Something to make us dream

5. “Sexualité épanouie en 15 étapes” by Claudie Caufour

And what if we ended on a slightly naughty note? I chose to conclude with a book about sexuality written by a Martinican, Claudie Caufour, a sex therapist practicing in Lyon, who has chosen to explain the bodily dynamics whether you’re a man or a woman. She offers us a better understanding of our sexuality. Because making love is something that can be learned. Yes, not just in practice. Theory is also important. So don’t hesitate to get it for yourself or to give it without taboo.

As you may have understood, far from the debate on Valentine’s Day, a commercial holiday or a holiday for lovers, I suggest we celebrate Love or Friendship. So whether you’re with your significant other, friends, or family, let’s just say we love each other… Happy Valentine’s Day to all!