Four women tell of the rise and fall of a notorious real-life mobster in this evocative second novel from the Costa prize winner
In the late 1940s and early 50s, notorious gangster turned pirate Boysie Singh terrorised Port of Spain and the Gulf of Paria. Boysie and his gang transported human cargo from Trinidad and Tobago to Venezuela, robbing their victims and dumping their bodies in the sea. He was hanged for murder in 1957.
Four female characters narrate Ingrid Persaud’s evocative novel about the rise and fall of the Indian mobster. Mana Lala, Boysie’s childhood sweetheart, bears him a son, and waits, hopelessly, for him to marry her. Popo, a prostitute, helps him launch his gambling house career and dares to cross him. Doris is the Catholic beauty (and social climber) Boysie marries, while Rosie, his first friend, owns a local rum shop and bar.
The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh by Ingrid Persaud is published by Faber (£18.99). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply
