In celebration of Caribbean Heritage Month this June, Happi Hour Reside host Adrianna Clark of Jamaicans.com sat down with Jamaican creator Lynda Edwards, whose newest novel I Am Cuba is incomes widespread reward for its daring storytelling and imaginative mix of historical past, fantasy, and Caribbean pleasure. The guide has captivated readers with its wealthy different fiction and highly effective themes of unity and identification. On this participating dialog, Lynda shares insights into her writing journey, the inspiration behind her literary trilogy, and her unwavering dedication to amplifying genuine Caribbean voices.
This interview has been edited for readability and brevity.
Adrianna Clark:
Welcome to Happi Hour Reside on Jamaicans.com! I’m thrilled to be joined by the creator of the guide I’ve been raving about—I Am Cuba—Miss Lynda Edwards. Welcome to the present!
Lynda Edwards:
Thanks very, very a lot. I’m honored to be right here. I simply acquired again from Calabash 2025, and it was a joyful expertise—extremely really useful. It’s one of the best literary competition on the earth, for my part.
Adrianna:
Love that! Earlier than we dive into I Am Cuba, inform us just a little about your journey as an creator and storyteller.
Lynda:
I used to be born and raised in Jamaica—eighth technology in my household—and we’re all storytellers by nature. However I discovered my voice later in life. In 2015, I began my first guide, Redemption Songs, which was printed in 2018. Then got here Friendship Property in 2020. Apparently, I really began I Am Cuba in 2004, however I wasn’t prepared. I wanted to write down these first two books earlier than I may end this one.
Adrianna:
That’s such a strong testomony to timing. Did you all the time know you wished to be an creator?
Lynda:
No, in no way. It wasn’t on my radar. Life occurred—marriage, change, reflection. My husband inspired me to write down, and as soon as I began, I couldn’t cease. When a narrative is able to come out, it simply pours out of you.
Adrianna:
Inform us about I Am Cuba. What’s it about?
Lynda:
The story was impressed by a documentary that claimed Cuba sits on the misplaced metropolis of Atlantis. I assumed—what if that had been true? The novel explores what would occur if that information was hidden and exploited. It’s fiction, but it surely attracts from historical past and presents an alternate perspective. At its core, it’s about unity, hidden energy, and the potential of the Caribbean.
Adrianna:
That’s fascinating. The guide blends historical past and fantasy so superbly. You’re educating whereas entertaining.
Lynda:
Completely. That’s the Anancy method—charming tales that train. I additionally love Caribbean historical past. Rising up, I used to be fortunate to review it through the early CXC days. My English and historical past lecturers had been wonderful influences. These topics formed how I write and suppose.
Adrianna:
Let’s discuss concerning the trilogy. Are you able to share just a little about Redemption Songs and Friendship Property?
Lynda:
Redemption Songs got here from a nightmare that turned out to be oddly prophetic. It’s a few Jamaican girl who returns residence after her husband dies and rediscovers herself.
Friendship Property is extra private. It was impressed by an actual will from one among my ancestors, the place a Jamaican girl couldn’t inherit property due to English colonial regulation. That story wanted to be instructed.
Adrianna:
The place can individuals purchase the books?
Lynda:
The trilogy is offered as a signed field set on Caribshopper. Every set comes with a private seal and bookmark. I Am Cuba was launched on Amazon on June 21, which was my birthday!
Adrianna:
You’ve taken a special strategy to publishing. Inform us why you selected Caribshopper.
Lynda:
Caribshopper is just like the Caribbean Amazon. It helps Caribbean merchandise and voices. I consider in supporting Caribbean commerce, and this platform aligns with that. I’m not doing conventional advertisements—simply counting on phrase of mouth. If you happen to love the guide, discuss it. That’s the Caribbean method.
Adrianna:
Let’s discuss Cuba and Jamaica. How have the international locations influenced one another?
Lynda:
There’s an extended, intertwined historical past—colonial roots, Chilly Battle tensions, cultural exchanges. My grandmother used to go to Cuba within the Nineteen Thirties and referred to as it “the Paris of the Caribbean.” There’s all the time been a mystique and romance round it, and I attempted to seize that within the novel.
Adrianna:
I like how I Am Cuba explores loyalty and identification. What do these themes imply to you?
Lynda:
The characters—Isabella, Gabriel, Jose—they’re loyal to Cuba in their very own methods. That displays Caribbean individuals. We’re loyal to our islands, and to the upliftment of the area. We’ve tried for unity earlier than. I consider we are able to get there—leaders like Mia Mottley give me hope.
Adrianna:
Do you go to Jamaica typically?
Lynda:
Sure, and each time I’m going, it fuels my creativity. I used to be simply there twice in Might—as soon as to reconnect with household, and once more for Calabash. I can’t say sufficient about Calabash. It’s a magical, seamless, world-class competition. My dream is to talk on the primary stage someday.
Adrianna:
We heard you ran a Goodreads giveaway lately. Any updates?
Lynda:
Sure! The winner was Kevin Thomas, a fellow Jamaican. I acquired to name him reside through the present—he was so excited. He mentioned after listening to me learn at Calabash, he couldn’t wait to learn I Am Cuba.
Adrianna:
That’s lovely. Any recommendation for aspiring Caribbean writers watching this?
Lynda:
If you happen to’ve ever silenced your voice or thought you’re not ok—cease. The world wants your story. Inform it in your voice. That’s the ability of Caribbean storytelling. It’s renewable. It’s sustainable. It’s ours.
Adrianna:
And the way can readers keep in contact with you?
Lynda:
Go to www.lyndaredwards.com to join my publication. You’ll discover giveaways, writing updates, and all my social hyperlinks there. My wonderful social media supervisor, Nicola Lafayette, retains me on my toes!
Adrianna
Thanks a lot, Lynda. It’s been an absolute pleasure having you on Happi Hour Reside. You’re a true voice for the Caribbean.
Lynda:
Thanks, Adrianna. And thanks to Jamaicans.com for being such a strong voice within the diaspora. Let’s hold telling our tales.
Photograph – Aurora Erhmann
