Chronicles of the Hostile Sun

Mary Jane Starr was with the National Library of Canada in Ottawa.

Dionne Brand’s fifth book of poetry, including a work for children, was written in 1983 during a ten-month sojourn in Grenada and, subsequently, in Canada. The work is divided into three sections: Languages (a poetic travelogue describing the natural and emotional landscapes of the island); Sieges (four poems from the female experience); and Military Occupations (poems of the American invasion in October 1983 and its aftermath).

Brand employs a language that is clear, evocative, and impassioned. “On American numeracy and literacy in the war against Grenada” attests to her understanding of the role of language in military operations. The tone of these poems ranges from contemplative and curious to angry and resigned. The various rhythms correspond to the cadence of Grenadian life during this period.

Brand’s political posture is clearly left-wing, but she is an accomplished poet whose observation and compassion make this a powerful and moving work. The later poems, written from a critical, albeit safer, position in Canada, offer reflection on the crisis, but no resolution. The earlier poems record a period of instability, insurgence, and invasion in Grenada. Given the United States’ ban on press coverage of the American military action, these chronicles assume even greater importance, for they become contemporary reportage.