Guyana’s Seawall Girl
This
biographical novel Guyana’s Seawall Girl by Erwin K Thomas is available at
Amazon.com. It paints a picture of love that triumphant. In the 1950s to 80s, this story occurs
against the backdrop of the Republic of Guyana, West Indian Islands, and
America. It tells about Kevin, and his
romantic relationships. One was with
Gwen, who was also on a roller-coaster ride with emotional affairs.
Buffeted
by local political, and cultural intrigues, these affairs were unsettling. He
was drawn by educational opportunities to study in the United States, and she
was left behind in Georgetown. In
America, Kevin had a romantic episode with a British blonde Susan, but found
their relationship going nowhere. In the
1960s to 70s, while studying in Oregon, New York, and Missouri, he was swept up
in the social, and cultural revolution sweeping through America. He however didn’t forget Gwen with whom he
had a sexual encounter on May 26th, 1966 - Guyana’s Independence
Day.
This
seawall which is a symbol of life in the novel prevents the Atlantic Ocean from
flooding the low-lying coastland of the East Coast. Kevin wished to do right
with Gwen, while pursuing studies in America, but decided to marry Lynn, an
Irish American. Unknown to her, he
continued writing Gwen whom he saw during trips to Guyana, for he never stopped
loving her. Eventually, Kevin taught at
American universities, had a family, but still couldn’t forget about her.
Meanwhile, Gwen was involved in a relationship back home with UG’s Professor
Harry, who refused to leave his wife.
With these heart-aches she was conflicted, struggled over Kevin’s love,
and upset by Harry’s advances. But with these problems, she continued teaching
at St. Cyril’s Anglican, while completing an undergraduate degree at UG.
With
Billy and Nora as friends, Gwen, lived under the watchful eyes of her parents.
Her determination paid off, and she left Guyana to further her studies in
America. She visited Kevin’s family in Virginia Beach, went on to Boston
University, and later earned a doctorate from the University of Washington,
Seattle. It was while living in Seattle,
she fell in love with an American naval officer, married, and lived happily
with her family.
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