Author: Kerry Young
publisher name: Bloomsbury Paperbacks
ISBN: 9781408821893
"Pao" by Kerry Young is a compelling novel set in Kingston, Jamaica, during the turbulent years of political and social change in the 1930s and 1960s. Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, this richly imagined story delves into themes of race, class, love, and ambition.
The narrative follows Yang Pao, a fourteen-year-old Chinese boy who arrives in Jamaica with his family. Living in Chinatown under the influence of Zhang, the local 'godfather,' Pao becomes entangled in the complex dynamics of socialist ideals and criminal enterprises. As he rises to power, Pao's life becomes intricately woven with the political transformations and social upheavals of Jamaica.
The story takes an unexpected turn when Pao, despite marrying Fay Wong, the daughter of a wealthy Chinese merchant, is drawn to Gloria Campbell, a black prostitute. Against the backdrop of escalating political violence, Pao finds himself navigating a world where personal desires clash with societal expectations.
With a backdrop of historical significance, "Pao" is a captivating exploration of a country at a crossroads, offering readers a vivid portrayal of Jamaica's evolution.
