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Palmyra

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Pub Date 11 Mar 2025 | Archive Date 22 Aug 2025

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Description

I used to think the past was dead and gone, that time erased memories ...

An unexpected visitor to a cocoa estate on the island of Trinidad triggers buried memories of the mysterious deaths that plagued a prosperous French Creole family who once lived there. Now a near ruin, the once "Great House" was where Joe, the housekeeper's precocious eleven-year-old son, bore witness to half-understood incidents and undercurrents in the lives of its residents. Decades later, his reawakened memories begin with the arrival of a handsome young stranger to the property-a catalyst which sets off a train of tragic events with consequences that reach into the present day.

Rich in historical and geographical detail, Palmyra chronicles a time when an educated elite rose from the ashes of slavery and indentureship to challenge the ruling white plantocracy and create an independent nation.

A part coming-of-age story, part Gothic mystery, Palmyra conjures a world teeming with divided loyalties, family secrets, and ambition.

I used to think the past was dead and gone, that time erased memories ...

An unexpected visitor to a cocoa estate on the island of Trinidad triggers buried memories of the mysterious deaths that...


Advance Praise

Immersive Page Turner: I don’t normally read a lot of fiction but the setting and premise of the story lured me in. The book kept me engaged with its well-written descriptive passages and intriguing characters. Settle down with a cup of cocoa and some steel pan music to immerse yourself in this time-travel-to-the-tropics reading experience! You won’t regret it 

This book had me hooked from page 1! An awesome read!: I absolutely loved this book! Right from the beginning, I was dying to know what would happen next. The descriptive language was incredibly beautiful - I felt like I could truly feel every sensation with all 5 senses. It’s a riveting story with a very loveable main character. Karen Barrow is an incredible author and I will be lining up to read anything she releases in the future. I highly, highly recommend Palmyra to readers from all walks of life!

My book of the year: Karen is a true storyteller and I read the book in almost one shot as i lived with Joe through the story. I learned a lot about Trinidad history and the complicated inter-racial relationships. Palmyra is definitely my book of the year.

A thoroughly good mystery read: The author took time to develop characters’ hopes and aspirations and skilfully weave them into a believable tale, made all the more realistic by her personal experience of the colourful Caribbean.

If you are a Reader who likes to look for clues as to the ‘guilty’ party, then there are enough twists and turns in the intriguing plot to keep you guessing until the story finally unfolds.

The tale could easily be made into a period costume drama for British TV! An inspiring novel, to be recommended to all.

Immersive Page Turner: I don’t normally read a lot of fiction but the setting and premise of the story lured me in. The book kept me engaged with its well-written descriptive passages and intriguing...


Available Editions

ISBN 9781039195806
PRICE CA$6.78 (CAD)
PAGES 330

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