The Coming of Lights

The Coming of Lights represents another important addition to the diverse range of novels intended for the age group eight to thirteen years. This novel is an excellent effort in this genre and deserves close scrutiny.

The Coming of Lights embraces a number of themes: love, friendship, adventure, sacrifice, ambition and human frailties. Among other concerns explored or hinted at in the novel are the lifestyle of the Indo-Trinidadians of some decades ago, the birth of trade unionism, the conflict between the white/non-white classes and the changing features of the landscape - in terms of promised development and infrastructural work - electricity. This novel derives its name from the last concern, especially with all its symbolic connotations.

The joys of childhood adventure and the personal tragedies suffered by the major character, Balwant, are, however, the two predominant themes which are likely to grasp the attention of the reader. The opening of the novel, is reminiscent of Selvon’s ‘Cane is Bitter,’ and is an appropriate overture for what happens later. The setting, Esperanza, captures the lifestyle of the people who existed some time ago:

Esperanza was a small quiet village whose houses hugged the main road... [I]n the morning the women rushed down to the rivers to wash clothes or collect water...' 

The characteristics of rum shop drinking and puja for rain are also identifiable aspects of village life. As the adults engage in their own activities, so too, do the children. The idyllic activities of the boys seem Twain-like as they pitch marbles, suck stolen sugar cane, and ride on the raft, ‘The River Hawk’ in the Esperanza River. This small, secure world of Balwant is cruelly shattered when he is dealt a dual blow. His parents die when a derrick collapses on them and he himself is injured; one of his legs is amputated. The tragedy proves to be the pivot in the novel as Balwant will be forced to ponder his altered future. This is emphasized in the contrast with Anthony, the young white boy, who goes to school in Barbados and who has a bicycle on which he can ‘ride out on evenings and visit friends.’

Part Two of the novel deals with the departure of Balwant from Esperanza to Ferozbad, where he lives with an abusive aunt and alcoholic uncle and tries to save money for an artificial leg. His sole source of comfort is his cousin Savitri. The ‘light’ begins to shine for Balwant when his aunt becomes gravely ill. The goodness of his nature is seen when he generously surrenders all his money for the treatment of his aunt.

Part Three completes the cycle for Balwant as things finally go right for him and it appears he will ultimately fulfill his parents’ ambitions for his education. The issues in the novel are clearly defined and the answers seem inevitable; sometimes characters seem to be more symbols than real - though this technique is not uncommon in novels for this age group. Nevertheless, this is an admirable novel and readers will find great joy in following the difficulties and triumphs in Balwant’s life. Mr. Gosine is a determined and dedicated writer who has filled the pages of numerous publications for the past two decades. He is an important voice in our literary culture and one hopes that, like other distinguished writers, more novels will be forthcoming.