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Austin Clarke’s 2002 novel, The Polished Hoe, tells the story of Mary-Mathilda Bell within the post-colonial Caribbean. Set on the fictional island of Bimshire, the narrative unfolds over a single evening as Mary-Mathilda confesses to the homicide of the plantation proprietor, Mr. Bell. This confession, nonetheless, isn’t a easy act of contrition, however quite a posh unraveling of a lifetime of secrets and techniques, exploitation, and the lingering legacy of slavery. The narrative construction makes use of stream-of-consciousness to delve into Mary-Mathilda’s reminiscences, exploring her relationship with Mr. Bell, who’s revealed to be her father and long-time abuser.

This award-winning work is taken into account a major contribution to Caribbean literature. It gives a profound exploration of themes corresponding to colonialism, its enduring affect on identification and energy dynamics, and the complexities of familial relationships inside a historic context of trauma. Clarke’s masterful use of language and narrative approach brings to mild the silenced voices and untold tales of a group grappling with its previous. The novel’s affect stems from its unflinching portrayal of inauspicious topics and its exploration of the lasting penalties of historic injustice.

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