When Banana Stains Fade

A beautifully written family saga. Set in Post-colonial Jamaica it follows four women through a family. Will the same mistakes be made from generation to generation. Can lessons be learned if they can’t talk about what happened to them?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review.

“When Banana Stains Fade” by Frances-Marie Coke is a heart rendering tale that takes us through multiple timelines from the 1930s to the early 2000s to show the struggles of three Jamaican woman as they deal with societal issues related to color/racism, gender, and poverty and familial ones such as maternal bonds and the desire for independence. I was particularly struck by how vulnerable the women in this story were, particularly in the 1930s. Education and family support was the key to survive and advance, but even then, unscrupulous men with power grabbed the advantage. The lives of four generations of women are described—from Esther’s mother, to Esther, to Naomi, and finally to Zarah. Each woman only wants the best for her daughter. If only they knew how to communicate with them about life, much of the heartbreak might have been avoided. But when these women’s stories merge, there is a feeling of optimism for the future generation.

I don’t believe I’ve read a book set in Jamaica before, and it was a little difficult at first to become accustomed to the Jamaican dialect in some conversations. But that, plus the vivid descriptions, not only of Jamaica but of a Jamaican New York City, made this book a fascinating read. I found myself feeling so empathetic for these women and rooting for them at every turn. Thank you, Net Galley. and to the publisher for an ARC of this book. My opinion is my own.

"When Banana Stains Fade" intricately explores a Jamaican family's journey across four generations, focusing on four resilient women facing societal and familial struggles.

The story chronicles the heartbreaking adversities of Pearlie, Esther, Naomi and Zarah as they struggle with issues related to colourism, prejudice and poverty.

At the core of the novel are the challenges that arise out of mother-daughter relationships which primarily stem from communication difficulties and missed opportunities to express with clarity their vulnerabilities and errors.

Despite communication barriers and adversities, the story ultimately resonates with themes of resilience and hope for a better future, making it a compelling read for those interested in a family saga and the

spirit of perseverance.

An authentic Jamaican story that will keep hoping for the best possible outcome for the characters.