As I was reading through Joseph Zobel’s “Black Shack Alley”, I found myself immersed in a world that was both familiar and foreign. The novel, set in early 20th century Martinique, follows the life of José, a young boy grappling with the realities of post-colonial life which is greatly different from my life. However, his journey of exploring his identity and sense of belonging(vividly expressed by Zobel’s narrative) was definitely relatable. One thing that struck me was the contrast between childhood innocence and the harsh realities of society José lives in. One aspect of the novel that struck me was the portrayal of childhood innocence against the backdrop of harsh societal realities. José’s early years in the Black Shack Alley are marked by a sense of freedom and playfulness, yet as the story progresses, the sense of innocence gradually fades away, revealing the ugly inequalities and struggles of colonial life. From this perspective, I personally think the character of José represents something similar to Silvio in “Mad Toy”(Roberto Arlt’s). The character of Silvio also represents a young person who grows in and out of innocence partially due to the systemic challenges he faces. I think this transition from innocence to awareness is a powerful reminder of how societal structures impact the most vulnerable.

I also believe the character of M’man Tine, José’s grandmother, was a significant piece of the story. Her unconditional support for Jose’s education, despite the adversities, is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. I think the figure of M’man Tine embodies the main theme of the story which is resilience and hope. Zobel highlights that this resilience is achieved by the transformative power of education and a sense of community. José, as a character, matures and learns the idea of resilience to emancipate himself as his grandma’s health gets compromised from the years of working in the harsh environment. José’s journey through the education system, filled with challenges and racial barriers, is also a reflection of the broader struggle for equality and recognition. His experiences in the French school system, particularly the incident of being accused of plagiarism, highlight the systemic biases that black people face. This part of the story reminded me of the concept of the social glass ceiling I learned in my sociology class. Despite these social barriers, the story shows how Jose continues to fight for his and his community’s dignity. Zobel’s narrative style, rich in imagery, made “Black Shack Alley” an immersive read. The vivid descriptions of Martinique’s landscape added another layer of depth to the story. 

Discussion Question: Do you think Jose’s experience of maturing through many adversities is something unique to the social context behind his life? Which part of Jose’s character development was relatable to you?