How to Escape from a Leper Colony by Tiphane Yanique

Author: Alastair Oates

Tiphanie Yanique originates from the Virgin Islands on the border where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic ocean. She moved to New York to become a lecturer, and is an assistant professor at Drew University. Her debut work, ‘How to escape from a leper colony’, is a collection of short stories which departs from the traditional clichéd view of the Caribbean culture. Transnationalism is a central theme throughout the stories. The title suggests that the islanders cannot free themselves from the racial politics of their nation. The painful religious judgement and failed cultural interconnectivity embodies the native people. Tiphane Yanique, however, manages to write without the burden of cultural oppression. She captures the voices of different characters from a multitude of nations, ranging from her native land to Nigeria and even America.

Religious symbols are rife amongst the stories in Yanique’s collection. Religion is presented through figures within the church rather than the strong faith of certain characters. The author shows religion to be a divisive force; it segregates populations rather than bringing them together. Characters who represent the church are set up to be ridiculed and mocked. The nuns in How to escape from a leper colony, are reluctant helpers. They are portrayed as self-serving individuals who don’t take their duties very seriously. Yanique critcizes the nuns; she lacks sympathy for church workers on the island. She looks to challenge the authority and power religion has over minority groups.

Tiphanie Yanique depicts the struggles of island life. Her characters seem to be in constant discomfort in their island surroundings. They are all clearly defined by their race and gender, and yet they all appear to be striving towards a new identity; they are all out of place and want to escape from interior isolation. Tiphanie Yanique herself came from the Virgin Islands but she has left the relative isolation of that community. She is now finding an independent literary voice amongst the other pan-Caribbean authors who write about their homeland’s oral history and modern life. She is writing for a world audience, with a purpose to remove the stigma surrounding island identity.

Fantastical folk stories are common in Caribbean literature and Yanique doesn’t abandon mythical elements in her collection of stories. She imagines a bridge which stretches over the Caribbean. Different characters encounter the bridge and muse about its connection to the land. Three stories come together and each concludes when the bridge crumbles into the water. The bridge is a metaphor - it represents the schisms between individuals on the island. They are close in proximity but are divided by certain aspects of their appearance and belief system.

Tiphanie Yanique’s collection of short stories is a brilliant debut. Her reflections on the complexity of island relationships are perfect for critical analysis. She even recognizes the potential for the stories to be used in academic study. Two of her characters, Jasmine and Thomas, both discuss their studies about race and ethnicity. The blend of styles shows Yanique’s ability to write. She is able to draw in the reader with her descriptions, creating an emotional connection within a short period of time.

Personal Thoughts:

Yanique's novella is great example of Caribbean literature. It offers sufficient scope for critical analysis but also doesn't dwell on the political issues. The characters are the central focus of the stories; Yanique cleverly introduces the social and economic ideas without creating a preaching tone. The stand out story in the novella is  ' The Bridge Stories' the metaphor of the bridge is a powerful image which illustrates a lot of the divisions on the island. Yanique’s debut work shows her literary potential; ‘How to escape a leper colony’  heralds a new unique voice.

Rating:  3/5