The book I submit for your perusal is Marlon James A Brief History of Seven Killings.
Told from the perspective of multiple characters, in different narrative styles, though mostly some kind of stream of consciousness, the book explores events intertwined with the election and subsequent CIA backed coup of Michael Manley, the Democratic Socialist who was Jamaica's Prime Minister from 1972- 1980 and 1989-1992 . The book focuses on the period around his first term in office.
Specifically, the book explores events surrounding the "smile jamaica" concert, organised by Michael Manley with Bob Marley, amidst heightened politicised gang activity.
I won't give away too many spoilers here, but if you know the story of Bob Marley and of Jamaica at the time, then you know the events.
Although fictionalised, the book sticks very closely to what I consider to be the truth and pulls no punches. Through the perspectives of Gang Members, CIA agents (often intertwined), journalists, spurned lovers, etc, the historical events are brought to life.
The multiple perspectives are at odds, frenetic, sometimes difficult to understand, with elements that verge on magical realism but stopping just short.
The style is a very good literary mechanism for displaying the confused web of backstabbing, espionage and political intrigue that plagued the Island at the time.
Other than that, the book is often hilarious, often emotional, and often disturbing, as well as telling a variety of "sub" narratives which explore the position of women at the time, the influence of religion, the music scene.
Through all this, the book is extremely educational. Reading along with wikipedia at your side can be extremely enlightening.
10/10, would recommend
