When Rocks Dance
by Elizabeth Nunez

Nunez’s first novel.

Set in early 20th-century Trinidad, the story centers on Marina Heathrow, the daughter of a native Trinidadian woman, Emilia, and an English planter. Emilia, after losing multiple sets of twins at birth—believed to be due to a curse—sacrifices her fourth set to appease the spirits. Marina, her ninth child, survives and is imbued with the strengths of her deceased siblings.

The novel delves into themes of colonialism, land ownership, cultural identity, and the interplay between African spiritual practices and Western religions. It explores the complexities of race, gender, and class in a colonial society, highlighting the struggles of women seeking autonomy and power within oppressive structures.