The Fourth Century

West Indian writer douard Glissant addresses the turbulent, often tragic history of Martinique in The Fourth Century (trans. from the French by Betsy Wing). Seer and storyteller Papa Longou relays to young Mathieu B luse the story of their families, whose rival ancestors were brought to the island as slaves. From the first pages, describing the atrocities endured aboard the slave ships, this is a fascinating, harrowing historical epic told in rich, unflinching prose. ( Apr. 23)