Madam Fate-C

Madam Fate brings to life so many pleasantly familiar images and ideas with which Caribbean people will identify. From the cover right into the text there is a powerful sense of local history and experiences. Even more refreshing is the way the book captures the reaity of the natural ecology of Jamaica in a way that few novels even attempt to do. I strongly recommend the book for any one, but particularly for those seeking to reconnect with their Caribbean homelands.

From the narrative perspective to the superb story-telling style (a lost art), to the imagery, to the beautifully rich characters, this book was absolutely incredible. I have never before seen such an original novel that forced you to pay attention (rather, made you want to read closely) but didn't come across like the writer is showing off. There seems to be a trend toward "cleverness," or writing as confusing a novel as possible thinking that makes it brilliance. Marcia Douglas reminds us that brilliance isn't forced. Madam Fate makes you question and think, and is amazingly and beautifully written.Her novel feels like an afternoon in the sunshine. The warmth and its memory and effects stay with you long after you've finished it...and you find yourself wondering how Ida and Gracie are doing...

"madam Fate" is not any other book that will only make you have a good time reading it. It has a rare quality of authenticity that takes you at the roots of reality and yet, in a most subtle and minute way, has the "capability" of transferring the reader into a more exclusive and profound realm of magic and jamaican mysticism. The thin line between natural and surnatural becomes porous and one is experiencing a thrilling jolt at the realisation that, in "madam Fate," all the ingredients are at last exposed to allow the reader to peep directly into the magic reality of life. The emotions that are involved in this book are no stranger to such a liberating and revelatory effect that is conveyed onto the reader. Marcia Douglas has a gift of power and a keen sense of the beauty of life when it is approached properly and respectfully. I highly recommend this book. Since i am french, i also highly recommend this book to my compatriotes who are always on the lookout for "depaysement" and new visions of life. Ce livre est une petite merveille!

I am so glad that I found this book! Marcia Douglas is a wonderful and gifted storyteller. The writing is fresh and innovative and I really like the experimentation with form as well as the lyrical language. This is a new voice we have not heard before. I highly recommend this book.