Small Island Summary & Key Insights

Andrea Levy's "Small Island" intricately weaves together the post-World War II experiences of four individuals, highlighting the lasting impact of colonialism and racism in Britain. The narrative primarily revolves around the intertwined lives of Gilbert Joseph, a Jamaican veteran returning to Britain, his wife Hortense, and the white English couple, Queenie and Bernard Bligh.

Gilbert, a proud Jamaican who fought valiantly for Britain during the war, arrives in England harboring dreams of a better life, only to face blatant racism and disillusionment. He experiences discrimination in housing, employment, and social interactions, constantly battling prejudice that belies Britain's supposed gratitude for his wartime service. His experiences underscore the hypocrisy of a nation celebrating its victory while simultaneously ostracizing those who contributed to it. His yearning for a dignified life and his struggle to reconcile his wartime experiences with his post-war reality form the emotional core of his story.

Hortense, equally resilient and strong, navigates her own struggles in England. Leaving behind her comfortable life in Jamaica, she embraces a new chapter, but confronts the limitations placed upon women, particularly women of color, in post-war Britain. Her sharp wit and determined spirit allow her to overcome many obstacles, but the loneliness and prejudice she encounters profoundly impact her. Her journey mirrors the broader experience of many Caribbean women who emigrated, seeking a better life yet finding themselves facing unexpected challenges.

Queenie Bligh, a naive and somewhat privileged young English woman, initially embodies the obliviousness of many white Britons towards racial prejudice. Her perspective offers a contrasting lens through which to view the experiences of Gilbert and Hortense. Her marriage to Bernard, a struggling writer, further complicates the narrative, reflecting the changing social dynamics of post-war Britain. Queenie’s journey is one of self-discovery as she slowly confronts her own biases and begins to understand the injustices faced by her tenants.

Bernard Bligh, Queenie's husband, is a man wrestling with his own aspirations and insecurities. His character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, showing the subtle ways in which even seemingly well-intentioned individuals can contribute to systemic racism through ignorance or indifference. His interactions with Gilbert reflect a deeper societal divide.

The novel masterfully intertwines these individual narratives, highlighting the shared struggles and hidden connections between them. The overarching themes of colonialism's lingering effects, racial prejudice, identity, belonging, and the search for home are explored with nuance and sensitivity. The "small island" of the title refers both to Jamaica and Britain, emphasizing the limitations and complexities of both societies and the profound impact of migration and displacement on the lives of those involved. The novel ultimately offers a powerful and moving exploration of identity, prejudice, and the search for home in a post-war world grappling with its past and its future.