An interview series featuring T&T and Caribbean writers of newly published works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, with a focus on self-published and independent books.
Angela Laquis-Sobrian, author of Breaking Free: A Journey from Trauma to Empowerment
Empowerment
Q. What was your first inspiration to become a writer?
A. I’ve always been a ‘journaller’, working though my periods of adversity, pain and anger on paper. When I shared snippets of my story, it deeply resonated with many people who began opening up about theirs. One note, in particular, inspired me to put my story in writing, “… I never thought that you, a woman of your standing, could relate to my life on a daily basis like that”. I wanted to show that we all share one common humanity and a call to healing.
Q. Describe the plot of your book to us.
A. The book recounts the author’s struggles through a harrowing childhood, blighted by alcoholism and domestic abuse, where emotional gestures of love were frequently repressed. Born into a rigid, patriarchal household which left her voiceless and powerless as a girl, Angela explores what it’s like to grieve, and how to rebuild from traumatic events that shaped unhealthy beliefs about herself. By making peace with her past, she discovers that the only way out is in, and reveals how she changed her
narrative to reclaim her self-worth and identity as a woman.
Q. What is your favourite Caribbean work of fiction/non-fiction/poetry?
A. The Lonely Londoners by Samuel Selvon. He explores powerful themes such as identity, alienation and the desire to belong, to be accepted for who you are, regardless of race and colour. These are themes I identify with. Selvon exposes the underlying loneliness and hardship of West Indian immigrants trying to “make it” in London within the polite but firm hostility of “old Brit’n’. I enjoy how he treats these serious themes with an underlying levity in true Caribbean style, that makes the
characters come to life.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your writing life?
A.Write “you.” Reading about your genre and the writings of others helps us to get a feel for good writing. But their voice is not your voice. Find your voice.
Q. What makes Caribbean writers and novels unique among all others?
A. Our colonial legacy, cultural diversity, language, dialect, and folklore. Caribbean writers often address pressing social issues, such as migration, identity, race, and class struggles. These themes reflect the realities of life in the region and resonate globally. Our unique historical context helps to shape characters, plots, and the exploration of our cultural heritage. Local dialect and language add authenticity and a unique rhythm to their narratives.
Angela Laquis-Sobrian is an inspirational speaker, facilitator, and professional coach for
individuals and organisations, whose tell-it-like-it is attitude allows her to connect
authentically with others.
Breaking Free: A Journey from Trauma to Empowerment is availableavailable at Paper Based Bookshop, The Writers Centre, 14 Alcazar Street, St. Clair, 628-3917 (landline); 359-7042 (WhatsApp), @paperbasedbookshop (Instagram).
