The Caribbean shares a culture of ethnic, racial, and linguistic diversity. African, Indian, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern cultures have all contributed to making the area like no where else in the world. Any study of modern Caribbean literature can only be complete if it reflects this diversity.

Because so much of the Caribbean was at one time colonial territory, literature there has traditionally been the province of the upper classes. Until recently, life in the Caribbean has been viewed through the eyes of European colonialists and their descendants, who represent a small portion of the population. However, the world is now beginning to get glimpses of the Caribbean through the eyes of the native masses. Descended from slavery, indentured servitude, and oppression, many Caribbean authors seek to express the tradition of revolt and the struggle to assert freedom that has been such an important part of Caribbean history--but so long ignored by a tradition of European dominance.

As the world begins to see this triumphant Caribbean portrayed by new generations of Caribbean writers, the contributions of many female authors are still being ignored. Only by making a conscious effort to validate the literary works of these Caribbean women writers in our academic curriculum and literary criticism can we do justice to their work and reflect the true diversity of the Caribbean.

This site attempts to represent the diverisity of the Caribbean by exploring Islands of the Caribbean, Biographies of Caribbean Women Writers, and Literary Movements in the Caribbean. You can also find out more about Caribbean women's literature by reading Student Papers from students in Caribbean Women Writers, a course offered at UCF that explores these topics, and by visiting our Links to Related Sites.




If you are a UCF student and would like more information about enrolling in LIT 3930, Caribbean Women Writers, you can contact Marie Leticee or Kevin Meehan for more information about the course.