K
Karen Lord
Bajan speculative fiction author.
Redemption in indigo
Synopsis
Redemption in Indigo is Karen Lord's retelling of a Senegalese folktale. When Paama finally leaves her glutton of a husband for good after he disgraces himself in her home village of Makendha, she draws the attention of the undying djombi, who give her the Chaos Stick, a source of power to subtly reshape the world. But an indigo-skinned djombi believes the stick's power belongs to him alone, and sets out to reclaim it. Narrated as though spoken aloud by an unnamed storyteller who addresses the reader directly, the novel is a witty, fantastical fairy tale that introduces a distinct voice in Caribbean speculative fiction.
Genres
Characters
PaamaProtagonist
A woman who leaves her disgraced husband and is given the power to subtly reshape the world by the undying djombi.
The Indigo LordAntagonist
A wrathful djombi with indigo skin who believes the Chaos Stick's power should belong to him alone.
Frequently asked questions
Is Redemption in Indigo a standalone novel?
This novel is a standalone work, drawing inspiration from a Senegalese folk tale. While it features a complete narrative, it shares thematic connections with other works by Karen Lord that explore folklore and cultural identity.
Did Redemption in Indigo win any awards?
Redemption in Indigo was awarded the 2011 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature. This recognition highlights its unique blend of traditional storytelling with contemporary fantasy elements.
How does Redemption in Indigo relate to other works by Karen Lord?
While a standalone story, Redemption in Indigo showcases Karen Lord's distinctive narrative voice and her recurring interest in reinterpreting folklore and mythology. Readers familiar with her other novels will recognize her thoughtful exploration of community, power, and the human condition through a fantastical lens.