Book description
After the hurricane of 1974, Jamaica is devastated. Imelda Richardson
is sent to England, without a place to stay or a plan of what to do.
Luckily sheis taken in by Purletta Johnson, a member of the ex-pat
bourgeoisie who has decided to become more Jamaican than any Jamaican:
sucking her teeth, sporting a gold tooth, and growing ganja on her
balcony. But when her mother dies Imelda returns to Jamaica. When Tessa
Walcott's panties are stolen, she and Imelda set up a Neighbourhood
Watch. But they haven't counted on Pastor Braithwaite who denounces them
in Church. The church-goers turn on Imelda, and when the river suddenly
floods her home it is seen as a punishment from God. A Pentecostal
fervour sweeps through the village of Watersgate, fuelled by Evangelist
Millie. In her last great crusade, Miss Millie organises 'fire to burn
their sins away', equipping the villagers with kerosene as they set
about burning everything. Now they are marching on the gay man's house
and only Imelda can save him.
