Patricia Powell Book order

Pat Powell is Marlee’s paternal grandmother, a retiree from Los Angeles County Courts and a 60 plus year resident of the Venice, CA community. She is an active member in her church, a Sunday school teacher and Teen Ministry.

Exploring the intricate dynamics of homosexuality and AIDS in the Caribbean, this award-winning novel delves into the challenges faced by its characters within a culturally rich yet often oppressive environment. Through poignant storytelling, it highlights themes of identity, love, and resilience, offering a deep and nuanced perspective on the struggles and triumphs of those affected by these issues. The narrative invites readers to engage with the realities of marginalized communities, fostering empathy and understanding.

Set against the backdrop of 1890s Jamaica, the narrative follows a Chinese immigrant shopkeeper, Mr. Lowe, whose seemingly simple life is steeped in complex history. As he navigates his past, including exile from China and a marriage of convenience to the enigmatic Miss Sylvie, secrets unravel. Central to the story is Lowe's true identity as a woman who cross-dresses to emigrate, highlighting themes of identity, cultural displacement, and resilience. The tale culminates in the destruction of his past and the aspiration to build a cultural sanctuary.