Exploring societal struggles in the 70s through West Indian literature

By Kaelanne Jordan

mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

Ryan Bachoo’s novel, An Unending Search, delves into the complexities of systemic racism, classism, and social divide. It traces the journey of a young man grappling with these themes as he navigates life in 1970s Trinidad and Tobago, a time Bachoo feels has deep relevance to the issues we still face. For Bachoo, the novel’s roots lie in both personal experience and the rich tradition of West Indian literature, which allows for a deep exploration of societal struggles.

In discussing his inspiration with The Catholic News, Bachoo reflects on the persistent nature of the challenges he writes about: “I think a lot of the issues that were present back then are still present now, but just it looks a lot different….” he said.

He notes that his passion for writing stemmed not just from these societal issues but also from his fascination with that era of Trinidad and Tobago’s history. Drawing from his experiences in the community, Bachoo found the characters around him—people with diverse personalities and backgrounds— “would make an interesting novel.”

Bachoo focuses on the complex role of mentorship, seen most clearly in the figure of Uncle Sundar. This character carries a prejudiced worldview, steeped in the frustrations and ideologies of the past.

Bachoo explains, “Uncle Sundar…is supposed to represent this genre of people in the country, that old Indian man who, without basis, without facts, decided to be a particular way.” His interactions with the protagonist, Tar, reveal the conflict between old beliefs and new ways of thinking. As Tar confronts these views, he finds himself torn between the lessons imparted by his mentor and the realities he encounters in the world around him.

Writers like VS Naipaul, Michael Anthony, Derek Walcott and Samuel Selvon have influenced Bachoo’s narrative style. “These guys literally carved the way we live today in our societies…and most of their writings are still applicable….” Bachoo said.

West Indian literature, he emphasised, is “critical” “no matter who writes it….It’s how we communicate to our people in our language….”

Bachoo shared that when he was about to publish his novel, he was told West Indian fiction is not the “champagne taste of today,” as it was in the 60s and 70s.

He however explained, “I didn’t write a West Indian literature to win a Nobel Prize in Literature. I wrote West Indian literature because I’m West Indian. I love West Indian fiction.…

“And that’s what my hope is, that in a similar way to how Naipaul and Anthony and [George] Lamming excited Caribbean readers and writers and inspired an entire generation like myself….I’m hoping that my book will excite West Indian readers…hopefully young people to pick up a pen and begin writing …a West Indian literature of their own, because what happens in our small corner of the world is important,” Bachoo said.

The book’s creation was not without its challenges. Starting in 2009 and completing a draft by 2014, Bachoo initially struggled with doubts about its quality and the financial hurdles of editing.

At that time, the draft was 500 pages. “We had to cut it in half. Then when I was really interested in the book and I started re-engineering a lot of the piece, I felt like I was writing a totally different book, like a second book, because…I had matured as a writer, I had matured as a person,” Bachoo said.

Writing, he said, is a process of patience. His other piece of advice is “keep at it”.

“Trust me, writing a novel, when you’re done with the last chapter, you’ve only just begun,” he said. An Unending Search was published January 18, 2025.

As a journalist, Bachoo observed that “Journalism actually complemented storytelling.” He explained  his work as a journalist, where he interacts with people from all walks of life, helped him deepen his understanding of the human experience.

The novel’s themes are also informed by Bachoo’s personal faith journey. Raised in a multi-religious environment, Bachoo highlighted faith is a significant part of the book.

“And that’s because of my own experiences with religion and not just Catholicism,” he said.

Bachoo, a practising Catholic, observed many persons are in search of religion, and change religions, just like Tar.

When asked about the book’s reception, Bachoo shared one reader said, “I read your book in three days and there has to be a sequel.” Though Bachoo has no intention of writing a follow-up, he stated, “Whether there is another novel in me, I’m not sure as yet.”

An Unending Search is available at Nigel R Khan, Paper Based Bookshop, Scribbles and Quills Limited, and soon Metropolitan Bookstore and Amazon.