"Abeng" is a novel written by Michelle Cliff and was published in 1984. The novel tells the story of Clare Savage, a mixed-race Jamaican girl growing up in colonial Jamaica during the 1950s. The title of the novel comes from a conch shell that was used as a horn to gather slaves in Jamaica during the era of slavery. The novel is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, race, class, gender, and the legacy of colonialism.
"Abeng" is set in Jamaica during the 1950s, a time of profound social and political transformation as the nation prepares to secede from British colonial control. Against this setting, the novel investigates the interplay of individual and national history.
The novel is divided into three sections, each of which represents a different phase of Clare's life. The first section, "Childhood," introduces Clare as a young girl growing up in a wealthy, white Jamaican family. Her mother is a white Jamaican woman, and her father is a light-skinned Black Jamaican man. Clare is constantly struggling to find a sense of belonging and identity within her family and the society around her. She is constantly aware of her mixed-race background and feels like an outsider both in her own family and in the wider Jamaican society.
The second section, "Adolescence," follows Clare as a teenager who is sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. Clare is exposed to the political and social realities of Jamaica, which include poverty, racism, and political unrest. Clare becomes involved in the burgeoning anti-colonial movement and starts to explore her own identity as a Black Jamaican woman. She also begins to discover her sexuality and enters into a relationship with a young woman named Zoe.
The final section, "Adulthood," takes place in the United States, where Clare has moved to escape the political turmoil in Jamaica. Clare is still struggling to come to terms with her identity and her place in the world. She has a difficult relationship with her mother, who is still unable to fully accept Clare's racial identity. Clare also grapples with the legacy of colonialism, both in Jamaica and in the United States.
Throughout the novel, Michelle Cliff uses various narrative techniques to explore the themes of identity, race, and colonialism. One of the most significant techniques is the use of a fragmented narrative structure. The novel is not told in a linear fashion, but rather jumps back and forth between different time periods and perspectives. This structure reflects the fragmented nature of Clare's identity and her struggle to find a sense of wholeness and coherence.
Another important technique that Cliff uses is the use of language. The novel is written in a mix of standard English and Jamaican Creole, which reflects the diverse linguistic landscape of Jamaica. The use of Creole also highlights the cultural and linguistic diversity of Jamaica, which is often overlooked in discussions of the country.
Overall, "Abeng" is a powerful novel that explores important themes related to identity, race, and colonialism. Through the story of Clare Savage, Michelle Cliff offers a nuanced and complex portrait of Jamaica and its history. The novel also offers a critique of the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggles for justice and equality in Jamaica and beyond.
