I published my first novel, Big Island, Small in 2018 with Fernwood publishing and from that novel came book launches which opened up spaces to converse, share poetry, dance, sing, dialogue crucial topics like racial injustice/justice, cultural appropriation, intersectionality of oppression, power and privilege, writing as a tool of personal and collective transformation.
The launches were spaces of revolutionary love and sharing and learning/unlearning!
Big Island, Small was reviewed and praised by writers and scholars I admire, respect and love! Deep bow of gratitude.
In 2019 I joined a collective of writers, educators, artist, activists; former staff, associates and participants of the Coady International Institute and contributed to an anthology of personal essays called, Seeds of Radical Education at the Coady Institute.
The second anthology will be out soon and another chapter contributed focusing on The Grenada Listening Project.
Reviews of "Big Island, Small"
“I am delighted to see an author telling a story of two young women, coming of age, in such a visual way. The story draws you into a culture and existence that truly exists, but few dare tackle in Grenadian literature.”
Damarlie Antoine
“Maureen St. Clair is a fearless new kid on the Can-Lit block. Her writing is both lyrical and passionate as she pens this unique story of two young women longing for love, and a sense of belonging in a world riddled with judgements.
Her voice is true, her writing lyrical, her story intriguing and unique. If it’s one thing I know, here lies the voice of a powerful writer.”
Donna Morrissey
“Big Island, Small turns on its head familiar dualities: white/black, gay/straight, big/small. In the capable hands of the author the familiarity of these dualisms are used not to lock main characters in but rather to shed light on the complexity of identities. Big Island, Small could only come from the heart and mind of someone like its author, Maureen St. Clair. If you don’t know who she is, don’t worry; it’s only a matter of time.”
Sobaz Benjamin
“St. Clair’s debut novel makes a brave entrance galloping on the scene like her morning sun. The language is real and engaging, addressing social ills like the heat curling our necks. She enters the consciousness of her characters with such skill, channeling their voices with a delicious sweet rawness — it’s like biting into a ripe cashew nut fruit. Fresh. Honest. Rootsy!”
