"On Double Tracks" By Leslie Hall Pinder



“On Double Tracks” is a novel by Leslie Hall Pinder, published in 1988. The novel tells the story of two generations of a British family living in the West Indies, and the challenges they face in adapting to the changing social and political landscape of the region.At its core, “On Double Tracks” is a story about identity and belonging. The main characters in the novel struggle to reconcile their sense of self with the various cultural and historical forces that have shaped them, and to find a place in the world where they feel at home. This theme is explored through the experiences of the two main characters, Julia and David, who represent different generations of the family.Julia is the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, and her experiences are shaped by the cultural and economic power that her family holds. Despite this, she finds herself struggling to fit in with the other members of her social class, who see her as an outsider due to her mixed-race heritage. Her search for a sense of belonging leads her to embrace her African roots and to reject the strictures of colonial society.David, on the other hand, is the son of a poor worker on the plantation. His experiences are shaped by the poverty and hardship that he faces growing up, and by the political upheaval that is taking place in the region. He joins a political movement that seeks to overthrow the colonial government and to establish a new, independent nation. Through his political activism, David finds a sense of purpose and belonging that he had previously been lacking.Throughout the novel, Pinder uses various literary techniques to explore the themes of identity and belonging. For example, she employs a non-linear narrative structure, jumping back and forth in time to show the parallel experiences of Julia and David and the ways in which their lives intersect. She also employs vivid and powerful imagery, particularly in her descriptions of the natural world and the landscapes of the West Indies. This imagery serves to create a sense of place and to evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.In addition to exploring the themes of identity and belonging, “On Double Tracks” also addresses larger questions about the nature of power and oppression, and the ways in which these forces shape the lives of individuals and communities. Through the character of Julia, Pinder critiques the colonial system and the ways in which it dehumanizes and oppresses those who are subjected to it. Through the character of David, she examines the power of political activism and the potential for social change.Ultimately, “On Double Tracks” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex relationships between the individual and society, and the ways in which these relationships shape our sense of identity and belonging. Through its vivid characters, intricate plot, and masterful use of language, Pinder creates a rich and deeply affecting work that speaks to the human experience and the struggles we face in trying to find our place in the world.

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