Award-winning author Lisa Allen-Agostini celebrates her new novella, Death in the Dry River, as part of the 8 February Mas and Makers Carnival Market at The Writers Centre.
The novella, published by 1000Volt Press, is set in then-colonial 1932 Trinidad. Its plot delves into the grisly murder of a calypsonian, as investigated by a suspended, stalwart police constable, Johnson “Sonny” Stone. Elements of the infamous real-life local career criminal, Boysie Singh, were instrumental in crafting the villain of the novella.
Allen-Agostini is the author of works of fiction for adults and young adults. Her 2021 novel, The Bread the Devil Knead, published by Myriad Editions, was shortlisted for the 2022 Women’s Prize for Fiction. Her young adult novel, Home Home, published by Papillote Press and Penguin Random House, won third place in the 2017 CODE Burt Award for Caribbean Young Adult Literature. In 2024 Allen-Agostini was a participant at the prestigious Iowa International Writing Program (IWP). She was nominated for the programme by the US Embassy, Port of Spain.
Expressing anticipation for the 8 February event at The Writers Centre, Allen-Agostini said, “I’m very happy and excited for the Carnival Market, as so many people come or return for Carnival and don’t get to experience the rich literary life of T&T; this market is a welcome addition to the cultural calendar. I’m honoured to be asked to be part of it with Death in the Dry River, which is a Trini historical work that reflects contemporary issues.”
From 11.30 am to 1 pm on 8 February, Allen-Agostini will read from the novella and discuss it with Gillian Moor, followed by an audience Q&A, culminating in a book signing. Paper Based Bookshop, located at The Writers Centre, will have copies of the novella and other books by the author for sale. Attendees are encouraged to bring previously owned copies of Allen-Agostini’s works to be autographed.
All are invited; the event is free and open to the public.
The Writers Centre, 14 Alcazar Street, St. Clair, is the home of the Bocas Lit Fest, Paper Based Bookshop, and the Sleepy Cat Café.
