Shades of a Colonial Coloured

Book excerpt: Shades of a Colonial Coloured An Autobiography chronicles the young Antiguan author's memory milestones, such as asking her mother to pick her up, at age one-and-a-half; Queen Elizabeth's Coronation celebration, at three years old; and the Colony's conversion from British pounds, shillings and pence to the new Eastern Caribbean Currency of dollars and cents, at age ten, among others. The author documents taboo subject questions such as "Where do babies come from?" She touches on the very subtle racism that lurks amongst a few people; the days of migration to England; her first encounter with Rock & Roll and the juke box; and her first peek into American racism. The book gives insight into the author's makeup and foundation, literally. It shows her enthusiasm for learning, and her curiosity about humanity. It also reveals how much corporal punishment was used in home and school. This autobiography is testament to a determination to persevere and rise above all odds, in spite of obstacles. Youth's honest naïveté, innocence, and beauty shine through this thoughtfully written, informative, and valuable work.