(Review by Shivanee Ramlochan for Paper Based Bookshop)
A collection of Duncan’s columns on living in Tobago, originally published in the Trinidad Guardian, these
pieces have at their core a steadily reflective heart. The author, who
wears many creative hats — also working as a Kundalini yoga teacher and
boutique restaurateur of Table for Two, Made For You
— distinguishes herself from a herd of lukewarm, generic presenters,
who offer vapid portraits on Tobago as an “idyllic paradise”. There is
much that is sublime and magnificent about the island, her people and
their particularities: the strength of these assembled columns is that
they view the space and its inhabitants from an embracing and inclusive
perspective.
Whether ruminating on the inquisitive
jaunts of her rehabilitated canine companion, Venus, or sharing the
first-hand thoughts of Tobagonians on life, love and the Mystery
Tombstone, the centre of each column basks in a generous, good-spirited
light. In her “Peace and Love” discourse, Duncan shares the spirit of a
timeless message in patience, showing how it resonates not just with
her, but with her Kundalini yoga class at Castara Retreats:
“Now
with this pebble returning to me full circle, I am reminded of the
message that if you let love go and it comes back, it’s yours. I look
around the class, sensing that each person has established a meaningful
connection with his or her trinket. I don’t ask what their symbolic
associations are, but I make my own for each: hope, blessings, insight,
luck, more luck, guidance, fulfillment, release.”
From rescued roadside birds reposing
peacefully in Heineken boxes, to empowering and rib-tickling anthems
printed across the windscreens of idling gas station cars, the vision in
Tobago Peeps is of a steady, connected gaze — one that sees
smiling dogs, sage rastamen and seven-ingredient health juices in all
their limitless, love-strewn potential.
We
recommend it for: fans of Elspeth’s short story collection, Daisy Chain,
who’re eager to sample her nonfiction style; those seeking a uniquely
charming read for their next Store Bay stroll; anyone interested in
Tobago’s richness and depth, beyond the brochure signposts.
TOBAGO PEEPS, the book, is AVAILABLE AT:
1. Things Natural (Crown Point, Tobago)
2. Time to Wine (Shirvan Plaza, Tobago)
3. Shore Things Cafe & Craft (Lambeau, Tobago)
4. Healing with Horses (Buccoo, Tobago)
5. Paper Based Bookstore (Hotel Normandie, Trinidad)
6. International Orders please request details by messaging via Tobago Peeps Facebook page.
