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The 22 Greatest Works of Caribbean Literature

This selection of literature encompasses the greatest works of Caribbean authors in all literary forms, genres and periods. It includes works acclaimed by readers, writers, critics and scholars in the Caribbean and the world.

Caribbean here is taken to comprise the countries of Antigua, Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Puert Rico, Saint Lucia and Trinidad, as well as their historical predecessors.

The Greatest Caribbean Literature list focuses on major creative works—such as novels, novellas, plays, epic poetry and collections—although some short or nonfiction writing of literary significance may also be considered.

The list is continually updated as new works are discovered and appreciation of older works evolves. Please note the current revision date when citing the list.

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, originally El Reino de Este Mundo
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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