Redemption in Indigo by Barbadian writer Karen Lord is a rare and wonderful find! The story is based in part on a Senegalese folktale, but it comes wholly alive through the brilliant writing and imagination of Karen Lord.

We meet Paama, an ordinary woman who is led on an extraordinary journey that attracts the attention of spirits called djombi, especially one in particular, the Indigo Lord. There are many other tricksters and lesser spirits throughout the book, and the line between the human world and the spirit world is often blurred.

This novel is witty, tender-hearted and thought provoking. The writing is sensational, and I only hope to be able to read more from Karen Lord in the future. Actually, what I’d really love to do is sit down with her for a cup of tea, because she seems like someone I would like to get to know!

A highly recommended read.