Erna Brodber is a Jamaican writer, sociologist, and social activist whose work delves into the depths of Jamaican culture and history. Through her novels, she explores the intricate connections between the past and the present, often exposing the profound impacts of colonialism and slavery on Jamaican society. Her unique narrative style, frequently incorporating elements of orature and folk traditions, crafts rich and evocative storytelling. Brodber centers her fiction on female characters and their resilience in the face of adversity, giving voice to the often marginalized and forgotten.
Set in the 1950s, the narrative follows a nameless black British teenager who embarks on a unique academic journey. Tasked with writing a paper on the "West Indian family" for her sixth form exams, she sees this as a fortunate opportunity to interview her parents. Throughout the story, her experiences reflect the complexities of identity and culture, culminating in her affectionate nickname, "Princess," given by her husband in the final chapters.