The Dragon Can’t Dance by Earl Lovelace

There are writers who capture their society’s customs, nuances, flaws and beauty with skill so superb they transport you to those places. Earl Lovelace is one of those writers. His storytelling depicts Trinbagonian culture and history in vivid detail. His use of language is a key element in his depiction of T&T. Lovelace has largely written about T&T set in the days just prior to or after Independence. To me, it’s a powerful statement that he rejected a stuffy English in favour of one seasoned generously with our local dialect. I suspect that it might have been controversial for a writer of his generation to do so. Whether or not it was deliberate, I’m glad that Lovelace chose to tell his stories in a distinctly Trinbagonian voice and cadence. Others writers have tried to do so but not as convincingly. Lovelace’s words however, remind me of a calypso’s poetry, irreverence and satire. When I see my islands unfold on his pages as colourfully as they are in real life my pores rise. His novels’ authenticity and unpretentiousness have made him my favourite Trinbagonian writer.

For the longest while I have been wanting to highlight his books. This year, with my Carnival series I’m finally doing so and The Dragon Can’t Dance is the perfect jump-off point. Published in 1979, it is set in a fictional slum on the outskirts of Port of Spain (possibly inspired by the historic community of Laventille). Although economically disenfranchised, the shanty town is brimming with talent, pride and ambition. The story illuminates the relationship that the residents have with Carnival and its impact on the residents, individually and collectively. Through the pov of a few of the characters, we are given an intimate view of how Trinbagonians have traditionally used Carnival as a tool to not only express creativity but also agency and identity. I also appreciate that Lovelace shows this important part of the nation’s culture through the lives of ordinary Trinis at a juncture when certain elements of Carnival were becoming commercialised. It’s a vantage point that many foreigners, even those who visit T&T for the festival, don’t typically have.

That’s all I will say for now. I want to give you a chance to read The Dragon Can’t Dance before I update this post with a complete review. I have read the book several times over the years so it’s going to feel slightly strange writing a review about it now.

As Trinidad & Tobago celebrates Carnival differently this year, I think studying this literary portrayal will be a great way to bring the beloved festival into our homes. I am excited to announce that I will be interviewing the author himself, Earl Lovelace, for our first virtual gathering of 2021. What a treat, right? Get the book and be ready for this rare discussion on the 14th of February. You can find The Dragon Can’t Dance online here, here & here. Of the three options, Amazon will likely be the fastest. Oh! Also be sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive an invitation to the virtual meetup and a complete list of this year’s Papyr.us Bookclub selections.