"Victor was puzzled why owners of large houses had fewer children while those in cramped conditions had many children as evidenced in Baxter's Yard."
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The Provident Family of Baxter's Yard by Cornell Charles Afterwords Press
book review by RJM Terrado
Saint Lucia's historical development is well illustrated in The Provident Family. Charles' grasp of the island nation's history, culture, economics, and politics allows the reader to relate the fictional island of Au Tabor to one of the Windward Islands in the West Indies. He touches on the issues of colonialism, class warfare, and religious fanaticism without being supportive or hostile to any of the said three central themes of the novel. Charles accomplishes a good balance between the opposing sides of the three issues by constantly demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses as he brings all the loose ends of the story together that culminates in the death of the Provident family except for Victor, the birth of Sophie's daughter, Sophie Marie, and the Keswick family's decision to adopt her. From the use of Pidgin English for the conversations between Baxter's Yard's residents to the panoramic views in the areas where the upper class of Au Tabor lives, Charles explores the cultural and linguistic differences of people from different social classes with convincing strokes of humor.
The Provident Family gives its readers a glimpse of Saint Lucia by utilizing relatable circumstances and characterizations of ordinary people like Herman, Hakim, and Miss Iris. These people put a face on the discussion of colonialism, the therapeutic effect of religion, and the importance of discipline and hard work among citizens of once-colonized societies. The book truly showcases the use of history in narrative construction and a world-view that is optimistic enough to rise above tragedies and loss.