A Million Aunties by Alecia McKenzie: book review

A Million Aunties by Alecia McKenzie (2020) is set in Jamaica, America, and France in contemporary times.

Christopher is an American artist whose mother died six years ago, his relationship with his father is dysfunctional, and he has recently lost a person he loves. His agent Stephen suggests that Chris takes a working holiday to rural Jamaica to paint, heal, and stay with Miss Della Robinson, who is Stephen’s elderly aunt. Jamaica is also the homeland of Christopher’s mother.

The last time Christopher was in Jamaica was when he was eleven or twelve years old, travelling with his mother. This vacation will give Chris a chance to re-connect with his roots.

Although hoping to find ‘peace and tranquility’ this doesn’t go as planned. Since Chris’s arrival at Miss Della’s place, she has never had so many visitors. Through his art, they all help each other and he comes to know many people who form his extended family – mostly women. In fact, lots of women.

It includes a group visit to Paris, which Chris calls a ‘multi-national family affair.’ What he has lost in New York, he gains multiple-fold in the Caribbean and France – a cross-world community.

The novel is told both in the third party, as well as from the point of view of different characters. Sometimes the cast of characters is confusing, but overall, this is a fun read.

MARTINA NICOLLS

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MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: The Paris Residences of James Joyce (2020), Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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