The early 20th-century French Caribbean island of Martinique serves as the setting for Joseph Zobel’s book Black Shack Alley. The story revolves around José, a young child of mixed ethnic background, and his struggle to define himself in a world defined by racism, colonialism, and social injustice. The book tracks José’s early life and development during his upbringing. At first, reading about his early years was endearing since it described how he played with the other kids and the conversation was genuinely upbeat. Reading about the interactions between the kids and how they shared meals was energizing. I understood the value of education, particularly at the time when it came to the Black community. 

The majority of Martinique’s black population lives in the segregated Black Shack Alley slum, where José was raised in poverty at the beginning of the book. José, who was raised by his grandmother M’man, struggles with understanding his dual racial identities. Because of his heritage of mixed race, he faces prejudice from both the white and mulatto populations, which further alienates him. When I reflect on Joseph Zobel’s “Black Shack Alley,” the concept of the individual seeking freedom from societal constraints strikes me. 

Young José’s path captures the enigma that many people especially the marginalized face while attempting to find their own voice and affirmation in a society where the rules are designed to keep them out. Despite the adversity he faces, José harbors aspirations for a better life, longing to escape the cycle of poverty and oppression. Similar to Silvio from Mad Toy, they both try to break the ‘norm’ that was originally set for them. José becomes more conscious of the structural inequalities that support inequality in Martinique as he gets older. The striking contrast between the magnificent colonial mansions and the dilapidated huts of Black Shack Alley symbolizes the separation he sees between the wealthy white elite and the impoverished black masses. Zobel uses poetic words and vivid imagery to capture the vibrant culture and lush surroundings of Martinique throughout the entire story. He depicts a vibrantly nuanced picture of a nation in transition, attempting to move past the scars of its colonial history and toward a more just future. José’s quest ultimately amounts to self-realization and resiliency. He refuses to let society’s constraints define him despite the challenges he encounters. Rather than following the crowd, he forges his route, determined to make a better life for himself and his loved ones, and in the end, he finds a sense of purpose and belonging among the chaos of Black Shack Alley.

Question for the class:  Would his upbringing have been easier and less adversity if he were entirely of black descent? Additionally, why does society instinctively impose restrictions on individuals based on their race?