Robert de la Chevotière’s Tall is Her Body is a sweeping, multigenerational epic that masterfully captures the raw, tangled complexities of life in the West Indies. Spanning decades, this novel is both intimate and expansive, offering a profound meditation on identity, heritage, and survival in the face of deeply rooted social and historical injustice. At its heart is Fidel—a compelling protagonist whose journey from childhood to adulthood is shaped by the shadows of colonialism, systemic racism, and fractured family legacies.
The narrative explores a rich tapestry of themes, including racism, colorism, misogyny, class divisions, and the residual hierarchies of colonial rule. These themes aren’t merely touched on—they are interwoven into the very fabric of the characters’ lives, influencing their choices, their relationships, and their sense of self. De la Chevotière doesn’t shy away from the hard truths. Instead, he confronts them head-on, creating a story that is both haunting and deeply human.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of fate and free will—how characters navigate the tension between the lives they inherit and the futures they dare to imagine. There’s a quiet brilliance in how parallel storylines echo and respond to one another, deepening the reader’s understanding of generational trauma, resilience, and the constant search for belonging.
What truly elevates the book, however, is its incorporation of magical realism, most notably through the lens of Obeah—a spiritual practice rooted in West African-Caribbean traditions and shaped by the brutal legacy of slavery. The supernatural elements never feel out of place; rather, they lend the novel a powerful oral storytelling quality that feels ancient and immediate all at once. It's a kind of ancestral whisper woven through the prose, offering both insight and mystery.
De la Chevotière’s writing is fluid, evocative, and steeped in atmosphere. His narrative voice moves with ease between stark realism and lyrical beauty, drawing readers deep into the world he’s crafted. This is not a book to be rushed—it demands presence, reflection, and emotional openness. I do encourage readers to check for content warnings before diving in, as the novel contains moments of violence that may be difficult for some.

I loved the concept of the story. Up until the story moves to Canada, it was very well written and I was left wanting more. Fidel's pain and his experiences as a 6 year old are so evocative - you feel like you're right there with him experiencing it with him.
The second half of the book was disappointing in terms of writing style. Seemed a bit childish to me. I was also a bit lost with all the detailed prose.
Overall, a good one time read.

Robert de la Chevotière’s “Tall is Her Body” is an epic novel that spans multiple decades and illuminates the complexities of life and families in the West Indies. The story follows our protagonist, Fidel, through his childhood and adulthood while exploring themes such as racism, hierarchies, colorism, colonialism, and misogyny.

The characters grapple with issues of fate, free will, and oppression. Their stories often parallel one another, focusing on identity and belonging. The author weaves this multicultural narrative together, incorporating elements of magical realism. This aspect reflects Obeah, which is rooted in West African-Caribbean spiritualism and the history of enslavement, giving the book an oral storytelling vibe.

De la Chevotière's writing is skillful and engaging. I would advise readers to review content warnings before starting, as there is an instance of violence. Fans of books like “The Great Divide” by Cristina Henríquez, “Here Comes the Sun” and “Patsy” by Nicole Dennis-Benn, “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride, “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese, “Libertad” by Bessie Flores Zaldivar, “The Border Between Us” by Rudy Ruiz, and “The South” by Tash Aw may enjoy this book.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing, Erewhon Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.