Bernardine Evaristo has carved a unique path through the literary world, from exploring the clandestine gay life of a British-Caribbean man to her celebrated, albeit controversial, joint Booker Prize win. Here’s a ranked selection of seven of her most outstanding titles.
Even by Evaristo’s experimental standards, “Soul Tourists” stands out as a highly ambitious fusion of diverse forms and narratives. The novel follows an unlikely pair, the proper Stanley and the vivacious Jessie, on a European road trip. During their journey, they encounter spectral apparitions of significant black historical figures, including Alexander Pushkin and Mary Seacole. While much knowledge is imparted throughout their travels, the driving force of the narrative is the contentious dynamic between Stanley and Jessie. Presented through a blend of prose, poetry, scripts, memos, legal documents, budget spreadsheets, and even road signs, “Soul Tourists” ultimately struggles under the burden of its earnest aspirations and its somewhat erratic variety. Nevertheless, it possesses undeniable charm and abundant energy.