Beyond the Pages: A Jamaican Poet Speaks Volume 1

In this collection of poems, Karen Knott Banhan brings together the best of Jamaican speech and performative culture. Volume 1 of Beyond the Pages features poems written in Jamaican Creole (Patois, Patwa) and Standard English, tactically showing the way in which Jamaican speech culture flows between the native dialect and the official language.Mrs. Banhan has mastered both aspects of Jamaica’s oral culture. For over two decades she has written poems that have been used in award-winning performances in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Speech and Drama Festival of the Performing Arts. Finally, after much anticipation, she delivers a rich compilation of poems that brings inspiration and laughter while transporting aspects of our creative culture right into the palm of our hands. We can learn about the Jamaican culture through these pages.

If you are in any way interested in learning about or re-living aspects of Jamaica life, this volume is both a must-read and a must-have for your personal collection.-Randy Goldson Ph.D. Candidate, Temple University

Early Reviews

So many memories… nostalgia. It is hard to read any of these pieces without creating some kind of visual imagery. Brilliant!!! - Anika Through [the poet’s] words we are taught that no matter who we are, color or creed, we can all Chant a Psalms with pride for our nation and country. Tatiana