Pao

Set against the backdrop of post-colonial Jamaica, this novel follows Pao, a young boy of Chinese descent who rises to become the Godfather of Kingston's Chinatown, navigating small-time rackets and complex social changes. Throughout the story, Pao often seeks wisdom from Sun Tzu’s Art of War to handle his varied predicaments, illustrating his sensitive nature in a tough environment. The narrative explores themes of race, class, and cultural identity amidst a turbulent period of Jamaican history marked by social unrest and transformative movements. Kerry Young’s debut offers a unique and compelling perspective on a country in flux.