Dominican writer shortlisted for award in Caribbean Literature

The book is Skerret's fourth novel
The book is Skerret’s fourth novel

Papillote Press has announced that Abraham’s Treasure by Joanne Skerrett is one of six novels for young people shortlisted for the inaugural Burt Award for Caribbean
Literature. The finalists, drawn from all over the Caribbean, were selected by a jury
administered by the annual Bocas Lit Fest of Trinidad & Tobago.

Published by Papillote Press in 2011, Abraham’s Treasure is a terrific adventure story set in Dominica. Author Joanne Skerrett was born and brought up in Dominica. She moved to the United States as a teenager, and is now a lawyer in Washington DC. This is her fourth novel, but her first book for young people and the first to be published by Papillote Press (www.papillotepress.co.uk).

Skerrett is delighted to be among the winners. “I am so humbled to be even recognised by the Bocas Lit Fest. Abraham’s Treasure was so much fun to write — it was like taking a trip back to my childhood growing up in Dominica. I’m so grateful to God that I get to share that experience with readers.”

The cover of the book
The cover of the book

Polly Pattullo of Papillote Press, which is based in Dominica and London, says: “I am so pleased that Abraham’s Treasure has been shortlisted for this new award that aims to develop a love of reading among Caribbean youth. From my first reading of the manuscript, I was struck by its ‘page-turning’ quality. I hope that young people, in particular boy readers in the Caribbean, will enjoy this book and identify with the characters.”

The winner of the Burt Award for Caribbean Literature will be announced at the Bocas Lit Fest in Port of Spain, Trinidad& Tobago, at a gala ceremony on 25 April. The other finalists are from Jamaica (3), Trinidad & Tobago (1) and Antigua (1).

Abraham’s Treasure is available at Jay’s, CocoRico, Choices in Roseau; at Papillote Wilderness Retreat; Romance Cafe, Mero and the Calibishie Tourism Centre for EC$35. It is also an ebook

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8 Comments

  1. March 31, 2014

    Congrats to my little sister. To all the haters she was born in Dominica why can’t you just be proud of her ??? She is a proud Dominican and a good representative. Zoom WOULD BE PROUD. ( Theresa Skerrett) R.I.P

  2. March 23, 2014

    wayto go cuz

  3. i must speak
    March 17, 2014

    lovely congratulations!!! keep up the good work

  4. Patriot
    March 17, 2014

    Congratulations Ms Skerret. Does it matter whether she has a Dominica passport? Calypso please learn to appreciate good things and move on,, the fact remains the young lady is Dominca.

  5. Calypso
    March 17, 2014

    Does she have a Dominican passport or was she just born in Dominica

  6. St. Joe Massive
    March 17, 2014

    CONGRATULATIONS

  7. sammy
    March 17, 2014

    I have one of her books “She who Shops”…good writer…looking forward to reading this one :)

    • Lisa
      March 17, 2014

      Abraham’s Treasure is just as captivating. Good read!

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