Customer Reviews
Every part of this book is deeply original, from the way each character/set of characters has their own distinct voice to the interconnectedness of everyone's individual stories. Reading the story's events out of order was a very chaotic and disorienting experience, much like the characters' own lives. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book, as I worked to piece together parts of a whole.This novel is very timely, but the themes within the pages are timeless: our pasts will forever shape us, we will always seek better lives, and we want to be with the ones we love. I know this is a book I can read over and over again and see something new each time.I am looking forward to more works by Haynes in the future. For now, I will continue to enjoy this one. I'm already planning to read it again soon.
One of the joys of reading is the experience of learning about life in other parts of the world. In reading Ibis, I was transported to the fictional town of New Felicity, somewhere in Trinidad and fully immersed in the lives of the locals.Told in multi-character perspectives and across multiple timelines, Justin Haynes spins a mashup of genres-Magic Realism, Caribbean Folklore, Historical Fiction and Mystery that features a colorful cast of characters from island fishermen, enslaved peoples, gangsters, refugees, reporters, witches and ghosts of the past. All of these people are tied to a specialgirl named Milagro who has been separated from her mother and whom the villagers are tasked with protecting.The central theme of the novel is the bond between mothers and daughters and the search for family and belonging in the midst of political upheaval. Light and humor offset some of the darker themes of the novel. The author does a wonderful job giving voice to a complicated group of characters and I hope that this imaginative debut finds its way to many more readers. @bookandasong
Never underestimate debut authors. Justin Haynes has raised the bar with Ibis. It comes at a time when immigration, migrants, diasporas , displacement looms around us. One may think Europe, United States and United Kingdom when immigrants are mentioned, but here we learn that the Caribbean island of Trinidad has its share of migrants from its neighboring Venezuela. There is human trafficking, history , culture, eclectic characters, familiar vernacular (if you are an islander) all makes for an amazing evocative and heartbreaking read. I unequivocally recommend this novel and dare anyone not to love it.
The world described by Dr. Justin Haynes in “Ibis”leaves the reader wanting more. It is one where I would love to visit and learn more about the people he creates and how the physical landscape has molded and affected them. Written with a poet’s eye, “Ibis” transcends genre. It moves seamlessly between mystery, thriller, magical realism, tragedy, history. A story much deeper than a tale of colonization and gentrification, it allows us to glimpse into the complicated world of the Caribbean through the eyes and experiences of regular people just trying to get by.
Extremely enjoyable and wholly original. It gives a truly unique perspective into the culture and people involved in a struggle that continues around the world today. Love how real the character became as I read. Definitely would recommend!
