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The 22 Greatest Works of Caribbean Literature

This selection of literature from the Caribbean is based on the continuing research carried out for The Greatest Literature of All Time list and is additionally informed by the views of local readers, writers, critics and scholars.

It encompasses the greatest works of Caribbean authors in all forms, genres, cultures and periods.

Countries represented in this grouping include Antigua, Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Puert Rico, Saint Lucia and Trinidad, as well as their historical predecessors.

This list focuses on major creative works—such as novels, novellas, plays and collections—although some short or nonfiction writing of literary significance may also be included.

Latest update: May 29, 2024

1841
Sab
by Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, Cuba
Novel
1882
Ismaelillo
by José Martí, Cuba
Poetry collection
1889
The Golden Age
by José Martí, Cuba
Novel
1931
Sóngoro cosongo
by Nicolás Guillén, Cuba
Poetry collection
1949
The Kingdom of This World
by Alejo Carpentier, Cuba
Novel
1953
In the Castle of My Skin
by George Lamming, Barbados
Novel
 
The Lost Steps
by Alejo Carpentier, Cuba
Novel
1956
The Lonely Londoners
by Sam Selvon, Trinidad
Novel
1959
Miguel Street
by V.S. Naipaul, Trinidad
Novel
1961
House for Mr Biswas
by V.S. Naipaul, Trinidad
Novel
1967
Three Trapped Tigers
by Guillermo Cabrera Infante, Cuba
Novel
 
Mimic Men
by V.S. Naipaul, Trinidad
Novel
1971
In a Free State
by V.S. Naipaul, Trinidad
Novel
1979
A Bend in the River
by V.S. Naipaul, Trinidad
Novel
1985
Annie John
by Jamaica Kincaid, Antigua
Novel
1987
The Enigma of Arrival
by V.S. Naipaul, Trinidad
Novel
1990
Lucy
by Jamaica Kincaid, Antigua
Novel
1992
Marisol
by José Rivera, Puerto rico
Play
1993
Before Night Falls
by Reinaldo Arenas, Cuba
Memoir
1994
Breath, Eyes, Memory
by Edwidge Danticat, Haiti
Novel
2014
A Brief History of Seven Killings
by Marlon James, Jamaica
Poetry collection
 
The Poetry of Derek Walcott
by Derek Walcott, St. Lucia
Poetry collection

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