Brother by David Chariandy (180 pages)
“Brother” Is An Immigrant Story of Hope, Longing, And Fulfilment
Canada. A nation built by immigrants who arrived in search of a better life. This story of hope, longing, and fulfillment, is the story of so many. And while many of these stories end successfully, for brothers Michael and Francis – the main characters in David Chariandy’s Brother – this is sadly not the case.
Set in the summer of 1991, this novel takes us inside the lives of these two brothers, sons of Trinidadian immigrants. While their father disappeared years before, their mother works double, sometimes triple, shifts so the boys can have every opportunity to live lives filled with possibility. She’s as dedicated and hardworking as she is determined to keep them on the straight and narrow, aimed toward a bright future.
The reality is that living in The Park, a cluster of townhouses and leaning concrete towers in the disparaged outskirts of a sprawling city, Michael and Francis battle against the careless prejudices and low expectations that confront them at every turn. But they each hold their own dreams close to their hearts. While Francis dreams of a life in music, Michael dreams of Aisha (the smartest girl in their high school)
A Brotherly Bond
Moving from present to past and back again, this heartbreaking and timely story about the profound bond that exists between brothers will stay with you long after you read it.
The Bottom Line: 4/5 Brookie Stars
Even though I’m a fast reader, even I was surprised I was able to read Brother in one sitting…and that was because I couldn’t put it down! Not only was I intrigued by Michael and Francis’ story, I was invested. I imagined what it would feel like to walk the block in their shoes, and my heart ached for their mother. Each award for this stunning story is well-deserved and I immediately found myself searching for more information on the author’s next book: I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You: A Letter To My Daughter.
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Andrea Querido is a 40-ish book-loving, introverted word nerd who’s passionate about connection, self-care, personal growth, creating community and, of course, books!
Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Favourite brunch spot: Anywhere I don’t have to cook.
