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| Prime Minister Freundel Stuart is pictures as he examines a copy of the novel Listen to the Hills, after it was presented to him by local??cultural icon and author, Dr. Cynthia Wilson,??at Ilaro Court today. (U. Gaskin/BGIS)?? |
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has encouraged more Barbadians to contribute to this island’s literary landscape by writing novels.
He made the plea while accepting a copy of the book Listen to the Hills by noted local cultural icon, artiste and author, Dr. Cynthia Wilson, during a short presentation ceremony at Ilaro Court today.
Mr. Stuart told Dr. Wilson that he was happy to accept the publication and that he was looking forward to reading it. Recalling a Latin verse which when translated meant "If thou wilt become wiser, read many books," the Prime Minister added that he was pleased to see an increasing number of persons engaged in such a pursuit as it augured well for the cultural development of the island.
In response, Dr. Wilson explained that Listen to the Hills was her fifth publication and was a sequel to her previous novel Whispering of the Trees.?? She said the other works she had penned were a collection of stories and poems.
Listen to the Hills is a fictionalised memoir that chronicles two years in the life of a Barbadian woman, Cyrilene Sargeant. The novel gives an account of what happens to her after she leaves secondary school and enrolls at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus on a scholarship.
The book is available locally.