Critically acclaimed

Buy on Amazon

Already read? Rate it!

Frying Plantain

byZalika Reid-Benta

Genres: Fiction Young Adult Life-Rediscovery Journeys Unconventional Family Sagas Intergenerational Friendships

Who is this book for? Readers interested in diasporic experiences and coming-of-age stories.

Topics IdentityFamilyFriendship

MoodReflective, Bittersweet

Female protagonist

RomanceMinor Subplot

'This is the book I've been waiting to read my entire life on the diasporic Caribbean experience. The writing is sharp, intelligent and everything you'd expect from a talented Jamaican writer. I honestly love this book' Symeon Brown'Frying Plantain is every bit as delicious as the title suggests' Candice Carty-Williams, author of QueenieIn her brilliantly incisive debut, Zalika Reid-Benta artfully depicts the tensions between mothers and daughters, second-generation immigrants and first-generation cultural expectations, and Black identity and predominately white society.Kara Davis is a girl caught in the middle - of her Canadian nationality and her desire to be a 'true' Jamaican, of her mother and grandmother's rages and life lessons, of having to avoid being thought of as too 'faas' or too 'quiet' or too 'bold' or too 'soft'. Set in Toronto's 'Little Jamaica', Kara moves from girlhood to the threshold of adulthood, from elementary school to high school graduation, in these twelve interconnected stories. A rich and unforgettable portrait of growing up between worlds, Frying Plantain shows how, in one charged moment, friendship and love can turn to enmity and hate, well-meaning protection can become control, and teasing play can turn to something much darker. A must-read for fans of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jamaica Kincaid and Zadie Smith.

Language

Published on

09/02/2021

Format

Paperback

ISBN

9780349701509

Price Comparison

9.99 £

18.49 €

Books similar to “Frying Plantain”

If you enjoyed reading “Frying Plantain” by Zalika Reid-Benta, you may also like some of the following books.

Laila IbrahimMustard Seed

Mustard Seed

Laila Ibrahim

Seanan McGuireAcross the Green Grass Fields

Across the Green Grass Fields

Seanan McGuire

David MitchellBlack Swan Green

Black Swan Green

David Mitchell

Lauren JamesGreen Rising

Green Rising

Lauren James

Ian McEwanThe Cement Garden

The Cement Garden

Ian McEwan

Jocelyn Nicole JohnsonMy Monticello

My Monticello

Jocelyn Nicole Johnson

Saidiya V. HartmanWayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments

Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments

Saidiya V. Hartman

The Freedom Writers, Erin Gruwell, Freedom Writers., Freedom Writers, Zlata FilipovićThe Freedom Writers Diary. 10th Anniversary Edition

The Freedom Writers Diary. 10th Anniversary Edition

The Freedom Writers, Erin Gruwell, Freedom Writers.

Life-Rediscovery Journeys

Life-Rediscovery Journeys invite readers on transformative adventures, where protagonists find new paths and purposes. Ideal for those seeking inspiration and tales of personal growth.

Robyn CarrHarvest Moon

Harvest Moon

by Robyn Carr

Saskia SarginsonHow It Ends

How It Ends

by Saskia Sarginson

Libby PageThe 24-Hour Café

The 24-Hour Café

by Libby Page

Raven KennedyGold

Gold

by Raven Kennedy

Ela LeeJaded

Jaded

by Ela Lee

Katie HollandHunting Briar

Hunting Briar

by Katie Holland

Ann FisherGeschäftsfrau, Hobbyhure, Sexsklavin

Geschäftsfrau, Hobbyhure, Sexsklavin

by Ann Fisher

Tom RachmanThe Imposters

The Imposters

by Tom Rachman

Jill BearupJust Stab Me Now

Just Stab Me Now

by Jill Bearup

Stephen BuoroThe Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa

The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa

by Stephen Buoro

Luna JoyaTides of Time (The Legacy, #0)

Tides of Time (The Legacy, #0)

by Luna Joya

Erin DoomThe Tearsmith

The Tearsmith

by Erin Doom

Toshikazu KawaguchiBefore We Forget Kindness

Before We Forget Kindness

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Rebecca YarrosIron Flame

Iron Flame

by Rebecca Yarros

Angie CruzHow Not to Drown in a Glass of Water

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water

by Angie Cruz

Holly SmaleModel Misfit

Model Misfit

by Holly Smale

Ruth ReichlThe Paris Novel

The Paris Novel

by Ruth Reichl

Abi DaréAnd So I Roar

And So I Roar

by Abi Daré

Sanaka HiiragiThe Lantern of Lost Memories

The Lantern of Lost Memories

by Sanaka Hiiragi

Geneva LeeFilthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

by Geneva Lee

Lucinda RileyThe Storm Sister

The Storm Sister

by Lucinda Riley

John StreleckyReconnection- A Third Visit to The Café on the Edge of the World

Reconnection- A Third Visit to The Café on the Edge of the World

by John Strelecky

Laetitia ColombaniThe Braid

The Braid

by Laetitia Colombani

Robert Louis StevensonThe Black Arrow

The Black Arrow

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Kristin HannahNight Road

Night Road

by Kristin Hannah

David MitchellCloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas

by David Mitchell

Ella BermanThe Comeback

The Comeback

by Ella Berman

Hanya YanagiharaThe People in the Trees

The People in the Trees

by Hanya Yanagihara

Carol Ann DuffyThe World's Wife

The World's Wife

by Carol Ann Duffy

Clare Richards, Yeon SominThe Healing Season of Pottery

The Healing Season of Pottery

by Clare Richards, Yeon Somin

Show all

Unconventional Family Sagas

Unconventional Family Sagas delve into the complexities and dynamics of modern families. These narratives explore the bonds that tie us together, offering rich, character-driven stories.

Rachel HarrisonBlack Sheep

Black Sheep

by Rachel Harrison

Anne EnrightThe Wren, The Wren

The Wren, The Wren

by Anne Enright

C. K. McDonnellRelight My Fire

Relight My Fire

by C. K. McDonnell

Juliet Winters Carpenter, Kiyoko MurataA Woman of Pleasure

A Woman of Pleasure

by Juliet Winters Carpenter, Kiyoko Murata

Brynne WeaverScythe & Sparrow

Scythe & Sparrow

by Brynne Weaver

Ia Genberg, Kira JosefssonThe Details

The Details

by Ia Genberg, Kira Josefsson

Ann PatchettTom Lake

Tom Lake

by Ann Patchett

Jenny ErpenbeckKairos

Kairos

by Jenny Erpenbeck

Lucinda RileyThe Seven Sisters

The Seven Sisters

by Lucinda Riley

Ann NapolitanoHello Beautiful

Hello Beautiful

by Ann Napolitano

Jessica GeorgeMy Name is Maame

My Name is Maame

by Jessica George

Asako YuzukiButter

Butter

by Asako Yuzuki

Ingrid SewardMy Mother and I

My Mother and I

by Ingrid Seward

Claire LombardoSame As It Ever Was

Same As It Ever Was

by Claire Lombardo

Ann NapolitanoWithin Arm's Reach

Within Arm's Reach

by Ann Napolitano

Abraham VergheseThe Covenant of Water

The Covenant of Water

by Abraham Verghese

Hisham MatarMy Friends

My Friends

by Hisham Matar

Thrity N. UmrigarThe Museum of Failures

The Museum of Failures

by Thrity N. Umrigar

Sarah WinmanStill Life

Still Life

by Sarah Winman

Vigdis HjorthIs Mother Dead

Is Mother Dead

by Vigdis Hjorth

Maeve BinchyTara Road

Tara Road

by Maeve Binchy

Alice Elliott DarkFellowship Point

Fellowship Point

by Alice Elliott Dark

Elif ShafakThere are Rivers in the Sky

There are Rivers in the Sky

by Elif Shafak

Richard RussoSomebody's Fool

Somebody's Fool

by Richard Russo

Ernest Riera i Arbussà, Gabrielle Zevin, Núria MolinesZevin, G: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Zevin, G: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

by Ernest Riera i Arbussà, Gabrielle Zevin et al.

Jonathan CoeThe Rain Before it Falls

The Rain Before it Falls

by Jonathan Coe

Tara M. StringfellowMemphis

Memphis

by Tara M. Stringfellow

Show all

Intergenerational Friendships

Intergenerational Friendships explore the bonds formed across generations. These heartwarming tales highlight the wisdom and joy found in unexpected connections.

Rachel KhongReal Americans

Real Americans

by Rachel Khong

Alex MichaelidesThe Fury

The Fury

by Alex Michaelides

Lucinda RileyAtlas: The Story of Pa Salt

Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

by Lucinda Riley

Charles MungoshiWaiting for the Rain

Waiting for the Rain

by Charles Mungoshi

Kali Fajardo-AnstineWoman of Light

Woman of Light

by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

Charmaine WilkersonBlack Cake

Black Cake

by Charmaine Wilkerson

Daphne Palasi AndreadesBrown Girls

Brown Girls

by Daphne Palasi Andreades

Inés Belaustegui Trias, Kristin Hannah, Susan EricksenWinter Garden

Winter Garden

by Inés Belaustegui Trias, Kristin Hannah et al.

Jonathan FranzenCrossroads

Crossroads

by Jonathan Franzen

Dantiel W. MonizMilk Blood Heat

Milk Blood Heat

by Dantiel W. Moniz

Andrea LevySmall Island

Small Island

by Andrea Levy

Naima CosterWhat's Mine and Yours

What's Mine and Yours

by Naima Coster

Kristin ChangBestiary

Bestiary

by Kristin Chang

Sarah PennerPenner, S: Lost Apothecary

Penner, S: Lost Apothecary

by Sarah Penner

Hafsa ZayyanWe Are All Birds of Uganda

We Are All Birds of Uganda

by Hafsa Zayyan

Elif ShafakThe Island of Missing Trees

The Island of Missing Trees

by Elif Shafak

Huma QureshiThings We Do Not Tell the People We Love

Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love

by Huma Qureshi

Choi Eunyoung, Sung RyuShoko's Smile

Shoko's Smile

by Choi Eunyoung, Sung Ryu

Sara Nisha AdamsThe Reading List

The Reading List

by Sara Nisha Adams

Sigrid NunezWhat Are You Going Through

What Are You Going Through

by Sigrid Nunez

Bolu BabalolaLove in Colour

Love in Colour

by Bolu Babalola

Beatriz Williams, Karen White, Lauren WilligAll the Ways We Said Goodbye

All the Ways We Said Goodbye

by Beatriz Williams, Karen White et al.

Diane WilsonThe Seed Keeper

The Seed Keeper

by Diane Wilson

Zalika Reid-BentaFrying Plantain

Frying Plantain

by Zalika Reid-Benta

Edwidge DanticatEverything Inside

Everything Inside

by Edwidge Danticat

Jaye Robin BrownThe Meaning of Birds

The Meaning of Birds

by Jaye Robin Brown

Elena FerranteThe Story of the Lost Child

The Story of the Lost Child

by Elena Ferrante

Sarah CrossanToffee

Toffee

by Sarah Crossan

Laila LalamiThe Other Americans

The Other Americans

by Laila Lalami

Douglas AdamsMostly Harmless

Mostly Harmless

by Douglas Adams

Show all

Award Winning Literature

Step into the world of **Award Winning Literature books**, where every page resonates with excellence and acclaim. These books have not only captured the hearts of readers but have also been recognized by prestigious literary awards.

J. K. RowlingHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: MinaLima Edition

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: MinaLima Edition

by J. K. Rowling

Veronica RothDivergent

Divergent

by Veronica Roth

Delia OwensWhere the Crawdads Sing - Collector's Edition

Where the Crawdads Sing - Collector's Edition

by Delia Owens

Anthony DoerrAll the Light We Cannot See

All the Light We Cannot See

by Anthony Doerr

Frank HerbertDune

Dune

by Frank Herbert

William GoldingLord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies

by William Golding

Charlotte BrontëJane Eyre

Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Brontë

V. E. Schwab, V.E. Schwab, Victoria SchwabThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

by V. E. Schwab, V.E. Schwab et al.

E. B. White, Guillermo Solana AlonsoCharlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web

by E. B. White, Guillermo Solana Alonso

Madeline MillerCirce

Circe

by Madeline Miller

John SteinbeckOf Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

by John Steinbeck

Bram StokerDracula

Dracula

by Bram Stoker

Christopher PaoliniEragon

Eragon

by Christopher Paolini

Frances Hodgson BurnettThe Secret Garden

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Christina Lamb, Malala YousafzaiI Am Malala

I Am Malala

by Christina Lamb, Malala Yousafzai

Taylor Jenkins ReidDaisy Jones and The Six

Daisy Jones and The Six

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Jennifer L. ArmentroutFrom Blood and Ash

From Blood and Ash

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Erin MorgensternThe Night Circus

The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

Kurt VonnegutSlaughterhouse 5

Slaughterhouse 5

by Kurt Vonnegut

Holly JacksonA Good Girl's Guide to Murder. Collectors Edition

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. Collectors Edition

by Holly Jackson

Madeleine L'EngleA Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time

by Madeleine L'Engle

André AcimanCall Me By Your Name

Call Me By Your Name

by André Aciman

Charles Dixon, J.R.R. TolkienThe Hobbit

The Hobbit

by Charles Dixon, J.R.R. Tolkien

Lucy Maud Montgomery, Lucy M. . MontgomeryAnne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables

by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Lucy M. . Montgomery

Karen M. McManusOne of Us Is Lying

One of Us Is Lying

by Karen M. McManus

Patrick RothfussThe Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind

by Patrick Rothfuss

Alice OsemanHeartstopper Volume 1

Heartstopper Volume 1

by Alice Oseman

Sarah J. MaasCrown of Midnight

Crown of Midnight

by Sarah J. Maas

William ShakespeareHamlet

Hamlet

by William Shakespeare

Roald DahlCharlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl

Show all

Fiction

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of fiction books, where every page invites you into a new universe. From heartwarming tales of quirky small towns to gripping narratives of modern love dilemmas, our collection offers something for every reader.

Charles DickensGreat Expectations

Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens

Alice WalkerThe Color Purple

The Color Purple

by Alice Walker

Jane AustenPersuasion

Persuasion

by Jane Austen

Casey McQuistonOne Last Stop

One Last Stop

by Casey McQuiston

Mitch AlbomThe Five People You Meet In Heaven

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

by Mitch Albom

Stieg LarssonThe Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest

by Stieg Larsson

Blake CrouchDark Matter

Dark Matter

by Blake Crouch

Milan KunderaThe Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

by Milan Kundera

Михаил Афанасьевич БулгаковThe Master And Margarita

The Master And Margarita

by Михаил Афанасьевич Булгаков

Mark Z. DanielewskiHouse Of Leaves

House Of Leaves

by Mark Z. Danielewski

Beth O'LearyThe Flatshare

The Flatshare

by Beth O'Leary

Dan SimmonsHyperion

Hyperion

by Dan Simmons

M. L. RioIf We Were Villains

If We Were Villains

by M. L. Rio

Jeffrey Eugenides, Nick LandrumThe Virgin Suicides

The Virgin Suicides

by Jeffrey Eugenides, Nick Landrum

Robert JordanThe Great Hunt

The Great Hunt

by Robert Jordan

David NichollsOne Day

One Day

by David Nicholls

C.S. LewisThe Last Battle

The Last Battle

by C.S. Lewis

Michael EndeThe Neverending Story. 45th Anniversary Edition

The Neverending Story. 45th Anniversary Edition

by Michael Ende

Joseph ConradHeart of Darkness

Heart of Darkness

by Joseph Conrad

Show all

Young Adult

Explore the vibrant world of Young Adult books that captivate hearts and minds. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures, heartfelt romances, or gripping mysteries, this genre offers a gateway to stories that resonate with young readers and the young at heart.