Reviews

Tim Bartholomew delivers a multitude of visual and sensory experiences in Angel in Tobago, and every single one is absolute perfection. It's remarkable to witness Gabriel's transformation, particularly as he flounders with his own faith and the notion of spiritual experiences. There is a delicious scene where he is present for an exorcism in, of all places, a ruined slave quarters, and he questions, “Was there any real difference… between the belief system in which I had been educated and that of these Tobagonians?” The greatest mastery is in the dialogue and character interactions, which give deep insight into multiple personalities by their distinct voices, their individuality, and the dynamics between them. Bartholomew writes literary fiction that is packaged in a suspenseful plot with paranormal vibes; but make no mistake, this is human to its core, and a thrill to read. Very highly recommended.

 Angel in Tobago delivers the perfect escape into the sun-kissed shores of post-colonial Tobago. It examines human relationships, morality, and one man’s search for meaning in a dangerous setting. 

Bartholomew expertly weaves faith, morality, and redemption themes into this engaging narrative. Gabriel's struggle to come to terms with his identity and purpose is mirrored in his interactions with those around him. His relationships with Sarah and Neville are well-drawn, revealing the thrills of family dynamics and the power of forgiveness. Bartholomew's writing is descriptive and evocative, conjuring vivid images of suburban London and the cultural settings of post-colonial Tobago. The plot is engaging and unpredictable, with surprises around every corner.  Angel in Tobago is a gorgeous novel spiced with humor, a page-turner with lovable characters, and a setting that absorbs readers. It is an intelligently accomplished literary fiction with an unforgettable hero and writing that feels like music to the ears. 

A witty, thought-provoking thriller that brings the sights and sounds of Tobago stunningly to life – from the island’s dazzling bird life and beautiful coastline to its ecological and political dilemmas.

The book grabbed me from the get-go and had me riveted until the last page… partly because of the style of writing and plot/characters and partly because, as I live in Tobago, it was interesting to read a book set here... and to recognize certain personalities and places.

The book so drew me into its world that even after reading it, I felt that I was still in it, or that its essence was lingering around me... Something akin to what I feel after watching certain movies. Novels by Monique Roffey (the only two or three novels I have read – other than this – over the last few years) give me a similar feeling.

Tim's style is casual and infused with a dry wit that I really appreciated and enjoyed… I was laughing aloud quite often throughout. The main character, Gabriel, is likeable and carries the story well. Everyday objects and events are presented with refreshing descriptive twists, which gave me insight to the author's remarkable mind. I enjoy creative works that 'show' me the psyche of the person behind them. 

Usually when someone writes a novel I do not actively think about or have an awareness of them as I read it. They remain a distant name on the cover. However, in this case the author struck me as being as much a part of the book as anyone else within it ... like a 'fly on the wall', witnessing and commenting drily on unfolding events, to whoever (outside of the characters' direct experience) cared or dared to listen. 

The book would make a great movie... and maybe the movie version could be seen through the eyes of a housefly. (In which case... does it end abruptly when the fly gets swatted or sprayed with Bop?)

Although humorous, the book is definitely a thriller. And, although fictional, it is, unfortunately, not too far from what could, increasingly, be the truth. Apart from the insidious criminal aspect, one of its potent ‘fictional’ situations involves what is glaringly reflective of the plans to destroy Rocky Point and build a massive hotel... something that (as we learn in the foreword by Faraaz Abdool) was unknown to the author at the time of writing.

Pacy thriller where good people win through and bad ones get eaten

This is a really good airport thriller, where our hero travels on a journey of discovery and empowerment, takes on the forces of corruption and environmental abuse - and wins. The action never pauses, whether Gabriel (the ‘Angel’ of the title) is being battered and confused by unfamiliar elemental power of wind, water jungle and witchcraft, or being kidnapped by drug-dealers, blackmailed by corrupt officials or beaten up in police custody. The outcome is not only an unravelling of the narrative, but also the result of the growth of the protagonist from passive and ‘inauthentic’ urbanite to red blooded protector crawling through undergrowth to rescue kidnap victims with a cutlass.

It is an adroit balancing act by the author who is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the natural world, not to parade his knowledge other than as background colouring in support of the story (though an exceptional number of tropical birds are identified by names that Angel might not be expected to know!). The commitment to the landscape and coast of ‘T&T’ is matched by respect for the culture of the islanders themselves. Angel’s dawning allegiance to these powerful and subversive influences enables him in a real way to grow in strength and stature to meet the challenges he encounters: challenges that initially appear overwhelming to his London self. Angel’s journey is also one of liberation of his libido in the fullest sense, with ‘Trini’ women presented to us in the brightest emotional and sensual colours.

These are distinctive characters and settings drawn with acute observation stemming from the author’s deep and respectful knowledge of his subjects and themes. There will be ongoing challenges for Angel and his newly discovered family, it would be enthralling to follow future developments.

Vivid storytelling

Tobago is very vividly conjured up for someone who has never been. It has a page-turning plot, colourful characters, plenty of action. The amount of work and care that had gone into all the background details, (the trini dialogue, the bird-life, the ecological threats) is also very impressive.

Best book I've read in ages!

I love everything about this book, even it's title and front cover give you all the promises of exotic mysterious escapism, and the content doesn't let you down. There's serious cultural points to be made, alongside brilliant python-esque humour and gripping mystery as the story unfolds. I loved this novel and it's main characters, I really hope there will be a second book with new adventures for the team!

As soon as the sublime Janice and her henchmen set the plot truly in motion, I loved the twists and turns of the story. All the characters are well drawn and I was duly attracted to and repelled by them as required. The real masterstroke was making the narrator of T&T ethnic origin and not having an author’s photo on the cover. Thus we were able to hear a true authorial voice, with its genuine opinions, without thinking it patronising. 

Though there are no comic episodes to equal the hilarious ones in Lessons in Humiliation, this was what I call a novel.li

 A gripping page-turner

A fast paced, gripping tale set in Tobago, peppered with humour, intrigue and folklore. Tim Bartholomew deftly applies a British perspective to his astute observations of Tobago’s culture and nature.

The book is remarkably well timed with regard for new developments currently threatening Tobago’s fragile ecology and history.

This is a page-turner that you won’t want to miss!

li