The Polished Hoe
The Polished Hoe by Austin Clarke, published by HarperCollins on June 17, 2003, is a first edition novel comprising 480 pages. This work explores the life of Mary-Mathilda, a respected woman on the colonized island of Bimshire, who confesses to a crime against Mr. Belfeels, the influential manager of a sugar plantation. The narrative unfolds over a single night, delving into Mary-Mathilda’s complex relationship with Mr. Belfeels, her roles as a laborer and mistress, and the impact of her choices on her family and community.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the societal dynamics of a post-World War II Caribbean setting, intertwined with themes of memory and resilience. The Polished Hoe addresses significant topics such as social science and ethnic studies, providing insight into the collective history shaped by slavery. This literary work invites contemplation on the intersections of personal and communal narratives, offering a profound exploration of identity and strength within a challenging historical context.
Official synopsis Publisher
When Mary-Mathilda, one of the most respected women on the colonized island of Bimshire (also known as Barbados), calls the police to confess to a crime, the result is a shattering all-night vigil. She claims the crime is against Mr. Belfeels, the powerful manager of the sugar plantation that dominates the villagers’ lives and for whom she has worked for more than thirty years as a field laborer, kitchen help, and maid. She was also Mr. Belfeels’s mistress, kept in good financial status in the Great House of the plantation, and the mother of his only son, Wilberforce, a successful doctor, who after living abroad returns to the island.
Set in the period following World War II, The Polished Hoe unravels over the course of twenty-four hours but spans the lifetime of one woman and the collective experience of a society characterized by slavery. Infused with Joycean overtones, this remarkable novel — winner of the 2002 Giller Prize, the Commonwealth Writers Prize Best Book Award, Canada and Caribbean region; and a bestseller in Canada — evokes the power of memory and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Polished Hoe” about?
Who is the author of “The Polished Hoe”?
When was “The Polished Hoe” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Polished Hoe”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
