At first I didn’t think I had much in common with Richard Cheong, the main character in Under the Tamarind Tree. His story is set in the country of Guiana during the 1950s and 60s during a time of political and personal danger which I have never experienced. Richard’s father was Chinese and his mother was from India. His dream is to have a big chicken farm. The father of three girls, he is obsessed with longing for a son.
Stepping into a different culture, even through reading a novel, is often uncomfortable at first. Reading this book helped me grow in humility and understanding. As I read, I grew to like Richard and to care very much about him and his family.
I realized that there are important things that transcend culture. Richard and I do have things in common. His little brother was killed at the age of 8. My little sister was killed at age 16. Richard loves his daughters who are important in the story. The misunderstandings and dynamics between Richard and his wife were familiar and realistic.
Richard makes mistakes, but he is a good man. He works hard for his family and his dream. Bad things happen that are beyond his control. We are reminded that hurt people hurt people, and at times, revenge runs rampant. Revenge is like a character that rears it’s ugly head more as the story progresses. Hard truths come to light. Through it all, Richard perseveres.
There’s a lesson in this story that rings true. If we persevere and keep doing the right things, however imperfectly, life has a way of working out – maybe very differently than we planned, but sometimes better than we imagined.
Under the Tamarind Tree is well-written and rich with detail. I’m grateful to Rosaliene Bacchus for teaching me so much about Guyanese culture and history, for helping me open my heart to our common humanity, and for reinforcing that hope lives in the midst of seemingly unbearable challenges.
You can learn more about Rosaliene at her writer’s website
Or by reading her blog: Three Worlds One Vision
Anything is Possible! 
February 27, 2020 at 1:49 pm
JoAnna, you have warmed my heart today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Under the Tamarind Tree. I’m so glad that Richard’s story opened your heart to our common humanity. What more can an author want?
Blessings, sister ❤
February 27, 2020 at 6:52 pm
I’m happy to warm your heart and to have mine opened by your work. I was going to write this as a review on Amazon also, but I guess my spending there was not sufficient. Wondering if you’re happy with Lulu.
February 27, 2020 at 8:10 pm
Another buyer complained about the same problem with Amazon. When you control the book market, you can make the rules. I plan to share your review tomorrow, February 28, on my blog.
Yes, I’m happy with Lulu. There were minor difficulties along the way, but I received excellent support during the production process. I didn’t know how to activate the comments section and decided to let it be.
February 27, 2020 at 9:23 pm
Reblogged this on Three Worlds One Vision and commented:
More Praise for Under the Tamarind Tree: A Novel from retired therapist and author of Trust the Timing: A Memoir of Finding Love Again.
February 28, 2020 at 3:00 pm
Thank you!
February 28, 2020 at 6:18 pm
I’ve also added a link to your review on my writer’s website. Check out the right bar on the page rosalienebacchus.com/writer/UndertheTamarindTree_ANovelbyRosalieneBacchus.html
February 28, 2020 at 8:29 pm
Thank you! Looking forward!
February 28, 2020 at 1:19 am
IMO, “Under the Tamarind Tree” deserves every positive review it gets and no one who reads it will ever regret the little it costs and the enjoyment as well as the history it provides. So well written, it makes one wish she was personally familiar with the country of Guyana.
February 28, 2020 at 8:12 pm
I agree! I’ve learned a great deal from this book.
February 29, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Thanks, Sha’Tara 🙂