Jamaica

Much of Small Island centers on the relationship between Jamaica and its colonizer, England. In the novel, Jamaica is the home of Hortense Roberts and Gilbert Joseph. Their attitude towards Jamaica is complex; on one hand, the culture and essence of the island is critical to their characters, yet they also struggle with the relative poverty and lack of opportunity on the island. Many of the Jamaicans condescend to small islanders (residents of smaller islands in the Caribbean); as characters see more of the world, however, they come to fully appreciate that Jamaica itself is a small island. In Europe, many of the Jamaican characters long for the warmth, familiarity, and vivacity of their home.

England

Much of the novel takes place in England. Jamaican characters, including Hortense Roberts and Gilbert Joseph, journey to England in search of opportunity. They are surprised by the racism and impoverishment of...