From WiredJamaica News Service http://wiredjamaica.com
Toronto, Canada, May 1, 2024 –Horane Smith, the distinguished Jamaican-born Canadian novelist, is about to unveil his milestone fifteenth work, The Queen that Wears the Crown, promising a compelling narrative destined to enchant and stimulate profound reflections among readers worldwide.
Jamaican author resident in Canada, Mr. Horane smith, about to publish his 15th novel.Reflecting his deep roots in Jamaica and his vibrant life in Canada, this novel spans the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York, the serene landscapes of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, and the multicultural vibrancy of Toronto, Canada.
Horane Smith’s journey with The Queen that Wears the Crown began back in 1977 in Montego Bay, a manuscript initially shelved among his early writings. After decades, Smith revisited this powerful story, updating it to mirror contemporary societal issues, and swiftly secured a publisher.
“I am thrilled to be working with BayMar Publishing,” Smith shares from his home in Toronto, reflecting on the smooth and swift process of bringing this long-held story to readers.
The Heart of the Story
The Queen that Wears the Crown tackles pressing social issues through the compelling narrative of a social activist’s relentless search for three missing young girls. The plot thickens with the involvement of a recent deportee from the U.S., weaving a complex tapestry of themes including stereotyping, corruption, and the power of activism.
The novel is set in a fictional town in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Brooklyn New York, and Toronto Canada. It tells the story of a social activist’s efforts to find the whereabouts of three young missing girls and the possibility that a recent deportee from the U.S. might be involved in their disappearance.
It addresses the question of stereotyping, corruption in high places, and examines the role of activism in bringing about social change.
“This novel addresses issues we never thought would reach Jamaican shores,” Smith explains, driven by recent conversations with law enforcement about the rise in human trafficking in Jamaica.
An Author’s Evolution
Since his 1999 debut with his first novel Lover’s Leap: Based on the Jamaican slavery legend that two slaves who are secretly in love are found out by their slave masters and must make a choice either to live without each other or to jump from a beautiful 1,700 foot cliff that overlooks the sea.
The novel was the subject of a major study that focused on the enslaved Africans in Caribbean literature as it affected master-slave relationships.
The study, ‘Fight, Love, and Flee, Cognitive Dissonance in Horane Smith’s Lover’s Leap,’ was published in Orbis Litterarum, an international journal (Wiley and Sons, publisher) devoted to the study of European and American literature.
The study’s author said “Horane Smith “is one of the writers who breathe life into the past in their texts. Smith attempts to raise the Caribbean black men’s awareness and understanding of the institutions of slavery and the colonial forces that have conspired to disturb their psyches and de-Africanize them, making them lose touch with their harmonious selves and their roots,” Professor Abdelmotagally noted.
In his latest novel, The Queen that Wears the Crown, Smith has continually explored diverse themes ranging from historical romance to social activism.
His work has not only entertained but has sparked important discussions in academic circles and among readers worldwide. The sequel Dawn at Lover’s Leap and Morant Bay: Based on the Jamaican Rebellion further showcase his range and commitment to highlighting Caribbean history and its implications today.
Inspiration and Aspirations
As The Queen that Wears the Crown prepares for release, Smith is focused on the impact of his words, aiming to foster awareness and vigilance among his readers.
“It’s about enlightening and empowering through narrative,” he states, hopeful that his newest novel will encourage a deeper understanding and proactive engagement with social issues.
This novel marks not just another milestone in Horane Smith’s illustrious career but also a testament to the power of revisiting and revitalizing past works to speak into the present’s needs.
Historical Backdrop Enriching Fiction
Horane Smith masterfully uses the rich and dramatic history of Jamaica as a backdrop for his engrossing narratives. His novels, steeped in the vivid tales of his homeland, not only entertain but also educate, shedding light on the cultural and historical intricacies of the Caribbean.
This technique enhances the realism and depth of his stories, making the past resonant with contemporary audiences.
A Tapestry of Time and Place
In The Queen that Wears the Crown, this historical richness serves as a foundation upon which the modern-day issues are explored.
By intertwining the past with the present, Smith creates a dynamic narrative that highlights the continuous impact of history on current social realities. His characters navigate through the complexities of life, influenced by the legacies of colonialism, rebellion, and transformation.
Connecting Threads of History and Modernity
Through his work, Smith invites readers to traverse time, offering insights into how historical events shape societal behaviors and stereotypes today.
The historical context provided in his novels enriches the reader’s understanding and adds a profound layer of significance to the unfolding drama, making Horane Smith’s literary world not just a mirror to view the past but also a lens to scrutinize the present.
Delving into the Music Industry with “Reggae Silver”
In another striking narrative, Reggae Silver, Horane Smith ventures into the underbelly of Jamaica’s music industry.
This novel serves as a poignant reminder of the moral choices individuals face within the glittering yet often murky world of music production and fame.
Smith paints a vivid picture of the challenges newcomers face—corruption, exploitation, and the constant temptation to forsake one’s values for success.
Journey Through Adversity
The protagonist of Reggae Silver embarks on a compelling journey, emblematic of resilience and integrity.
As he navigates through the industry’s trials, themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring power of love and family emerge.
Smith uses these themes to underscore the protagonist’s ascent from injustice, highlighting how talent and resilience can triumph over adversity, and reclaiming a rightful place in society.
A Symphony of Themes
Reggae Silver thus complements Smith’s portfolio, showcasing his adeptness at exploring complex social issues through relatable characters and engaging plots.
The novel not only entertains but also enlightens, encouraging readers to reflect on their own moral choices and the intrinsic values that guide them through life’s various challenges.
A Legacy of Literary Excellence
His published books range from slavery legends to piracy in the Caribbean, lynchings in America, the Underground Railroad movement in Canada, Jamaican Maroons in Canada, adventure tourism, marriage issues, and Jamaica’s most invisible export – reggae music.
As Horane Smith prepares to release The Queen that Wears the Crown, his fifteenth novel, his career continues to be a beacon of inspiration and a source of profound narratives that resonate deeply with readers around the world.
From the scenic cliffs of Lover’s Leap to the challenging corridors of the music industry in Reggae Silver, Smith’s works persistently invite reflection on the human condition, emphasizing the power of resilience and the importance of integrity.
His novels are not only a tribute to Jamaican culture and history but also a call to action, urging us to confront and address the social injustices and moral dilemmas that pervade our lives. As readers eagerly await his latest work, it is clear that Horane Smith remains a pivotal figure in literature, whose stories are destined to be cherished and deliberated for generations to come.
Horane Smith’s Milestone Achievement
With The Queen that Wears the Crown, Smith marks not only another milestone in his prolific career but also reinforces his role as a storyteller who profoundly impacts his readers’ perspectives on society, history, and personal growth. His novels continue to inspire, challenge, and offer hope, proving that literature can indeed change the world, one story at a time.
You can Check out Horane’s work at www.horanesmith.com.
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