Miguel Street

De: V. S. Naipaul

Narrado por: Ron Butler

"A stranger could drive through Miguel Street and just say 'Slum!' because he could see no more." But to its residents, this derelict corner of Trinidad's capital is a complete world, where everybody is quite different from everybody else. There's Popo the carpenter, who neglects his livelihood to build "the thing without a name". There's Man-man, who goes from running for public office to staging his own crucifixion, and the dreaded Big Foot, the bully with glass tear ducts. There's the lovely Mrs. Hereira, in thrall to her monstrous husband. In this tender, funny early novel, V. S. Naipaul renders their lives (and the legends their neighbors construct around them) with Dickensian verve and Chekhovian compassion.

Set during World War II and narrated by an unnamed - but precociously observant - neighborhood boy, Miguel Street is a work of mercurial mood shifts, by turns sweetly melancholy and anarchically funny. It overflows with life on every page.

©2010 V. S. Naipaul (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

A series of vignettes that I get something new from, every time I listen.

I’ve loved this book since childhood. I read it every few years and every time, I learn new lessons from the stories. It makes me nostalgic for an era of Trinidad I was not alive to experience. And it keeps me connected to my culture.

My only criticism is that the narrator did not have a Trinidadian accent. Similar, but recognized as Bahamian to my ear.

Entertaining

Well written, I loved the use of local language. The characters are clearly sketched and unforgettable. Naipaul manages to arouse feelings of affection for the characters. Thanks to this book I have a clear picture of life in a certain part of Trinidad .

Beautiful performance

These stories about growing up in a poor neighborhood in Port of Spain are evocative. In this street, at least in Naipaul’s memory, there is very little sense of difference between Black and Asian; at times the poverty and violence are romanticized, especially in the voice of the narrator’s mentor Hat. The narrator does a great job, especially on the dialogue.

Brilliantly crafted and engaging coming of age perspective

VS Naipaul effortlessly uses the narrator’s perspective to draw the reader in. One almost sees herself grow up with the narrator as he paints the exquisitely detailed picture of the people in his world. Brilliant exposition of the youth coming of age. Though subtle, the humor is part of the fabric that holds this narrative together. The narrator delivers some of the most humorous observations with the innocence of childhood, quite as if he is unaware of their import. Delicious!

trini accent needed to do justice to this narratio

publishers: please use authentic accents for books. whilst the narrator had a "caribbean " accent it was clear it was not a trinidadian accent and so a little something was lost due to that. i have clear memories as a student reading this book aloud in literature class in our local trini parlance and I was expecting the same. otherwise it was nice to return to a childhood story.

Wow!

I truly enjoyed this book. It gives a lot of insight into life in that part of the world. This is the first I have read anything by this author and will undoubtedly look to see what other books by him calls to me. While the narrator did not have a Trini accent, I looked past that and focused on the story itself. That being said I thought the narration was fine. I would recommend this book for sure!

Reminded me about my childhood

I didn't like the narrator's accent, it wasn't trini, but I liked the story

Hats off!👏🏽👏🏽

I was completely vested in Miguel street. I could picture it, smell the various scents of food, fruit and fields. I loved the characters and the strange friendships. My most favorite character after Hat was the mother. The writer’s style is amazing. Creative use of descriptive words. Very comical too. I was in stitches. Some themes are very difficult to contend with today esp on gender-based violence, but given the era, it was their reality. Perfect performance- accent, sentiment and emotion! Well done all around!

Fantastic reader!

A charming set of stories comprising the coming of age of a young boy in Trinidad.

DO NOT MISS

An other book by a MASTER AUTHOR.
The stories are beautiful and often humorous. Such a reflection of life in Trinidad during that era.
The narration is expertly done.
I was sorry when I came to the end of the book.
Thank you, JK