The Devils Horsewhip
Damion Spencer
The Devils Horsewhip
Damion Spencer
A Barbican First debut
The Devil's Horsewhip is a startlingly fine novel-in-stories about Caribbean folklore, superstitions and legends surrounding death in all its permutations by a writer whose prose judges at Wasafiri have described as vivid and with a spectacular voice.
At the pinnacle of the pandemic-a year already punctuated with daily funeral processions-a Jamaican expat gets an envelope covered in red writing from his doctor. It sends him into a mad tumble between bad omen days and fever dream nights until all that he thinks about is that bitter day in the Jamaican White River Valley, where he and other teenagers escaped a double-cutlass-wielding madman out for blood. But death is not one to give up easily. The years are not long enough, neither is fleeing across continents too far for death's spite and all the worse duppies not to come knocking.
Who will cheat death a second time?
A Christian woman who decides to sleep with an obeah man's monkey. The man with the answer to whether Haitian voodoo is stronger than obeah. A woman who knows how to mourn a dead baby. Or the ones who know how to trap a rolling calf, outrun a three-foot horse, and battle a Chinese duppy and win.
If you're superstitious or wary of those who are, come read these sticky tales spun in barbwire.
Order online and we’ll ship when available (15 May 2025)
Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.