There have been many great and enduring works of literature by Caribbean authors over the last century. The Caribbean Contemporary Classics collection celebrates these deep and vibrant stories, overflowing with life and acute observations about society. 'Falling in the spaces between knowing and not knowing, between silence and not speaking' Told from the perspective of Marlene, Songs of Silence is a vivid collection of reflections and recollections that meander through life in rural Jamaica, observing the lives and bonds of its colourful, boisterous inhabitants. Rich, poetical and profoundly contemplative, the recollections transcend the gossip and intrigue, the unsaid thoughts and silences, to ossify in a maturation of selfhood. It is not the 'Bam! Baddam!' of Papacita but rather the murmur of the river, this inexplicable river, and its cool morning misty silence that settles across this collection, singing to it and to the reader in a thoughtful lull and soft hum.

Penning down thoughts with an ink of emotions demands knowledge of self at the very instant, and I have made an honest attempt to stay loyal to this very notion. Every single word has come from the deepest layers of my heart yet its dept remains a mystery to me. This book is a gist of moments of Happiness, Despair, Liberation, Anger, Love, Hope, Confusion and so on. Hope it qualifies as a source of inspiration and unambiguously states the similarity of a human emotion in this diverse world divided by Nationalism, Religion, Cast, Color...... I won’t call it a work of highest literacy but a sincere attempt of an average person to let his story be known through a picture painted by very light poetry. Now, I let the words do rest of the talking!

This is the voice of an indomitable human spirit in battle with the external forces of this life and the internal enemies of its soul. It is a tedious journey, through deep waters, dark valleys and on to the victorious mountain peaks of the human experience. This collection of writings and images speak to the soul of the mundane and the divine. Its universal cry penetrates the boundaries of race, culture, sex and religion. It is a voice that speaks to humankind in their crisis and challenges. It is a voice that speaks to the souls of men, in search of Self and their Creator.