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Butterfly in the Wind
From early in her life, Kamla is surprised by a contrary inner voice which frequently gainsays the wisdom of her elders and betters. But Kamla is growing up in a traditional Hindu community and attending schools in colonial Trinidad where rote learning is still the order of the day. She learns that this voice creates nothing but trouble and silences it. In this book, the voice is freed.
120 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2001
7 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Lakshmi Persaud
5Ìýbooks15ÌýfollowersLakshmi Persaud was born in Tunapuna, in the village of Pasea, Trinidad. Her grandparents, Hindus from Uttar Pradesh, moved from India to the Caribbean in the 1890s.
She left Trinidad to do her BA (Hons) and her Ph.D. at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland and her Post-graduate Diploma in Education at Reading University, UK.
Dr Persaud taught at well-regarded grammar schools in the West Indies (Queen’s College in Guyana, Harrison college in Barbados and St. Augustine Girl’s High School in Trinidad).
She moved to the UK in 1974 with her husband, Professor Bishnodat Persaud, prominent economist, and her three children, Rajendra, Avinash and Sharda. Lakshmi wrote articles on socio-economic concerns for newspapers and magazines for many years, she also read and simultaneously recorded books in Philosophy, Economics and Literature for the Royal National Institute for the Blind in London.
She began a new career in the late 1980s - writing fiction. Her short story 'See Saw Margery Daw', was broadcast by the BBC World service on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November 1995 .
Her first novel 'Butterfly in the Wind' was published by Peepal Tree Press in 1990. It was reprinted in 1996. It is still selling well and now in its third impression. 'Sastra' was published in 1993.
In October 1994, the Trinidad Guardian published the best seller list for Caribbean books published abroad. At the time Lakshmi Persaud had published two novels in the U.K. 'Sastra' was placed first on the list and 'Butterfly in the Wind', fifth.
'For the Love of my Name', her third novel, was launched in December 1999 and public demand has meant it has also had to be reprinted.
In March 2004, 'Raise the Lanterns High' was published by Black Amber and received excellent reviews in the UK, the Caribbean and internationally.
In addition, Lakshmi's books are now rated 'best-selling' by Amazon.co.uk.
There has been increasing recognition of Lakshmi Persaud’s work by academic institutions. Her novels are being used as texts in Caribbean and post-colonial literature courses in a number of Universities including: Warwick, Birmingham, Goldsmiths College (London), London Metropolitan, Washington, Toronto, Puerto Rico, California (Los Angeles), Miami and Mills College (California), and The University of the West Indies. Extracts from her novels have been used in English examinations in the Caribbean from '11+' to GCSE level.
In recognition of her work, Warwick University has recently established a 'Lakshmi Persaud Research Fellowship' at its Centre for Translation and Comparative Cultural studies.
She left Trinidad to do her BA (Hons) and her Ph.D. at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland and her Post-graduate Diploma in Education at Reading University, UK.
Dr Persaud taught at well-regarded grammar schools in the West Indies (Queen’s College in Guyana, Harrison college in Barbados and St. Augustine Girl’s High School in Trinidad).
She moved to the UK in 1974 with her husband, Professor Bishnodat Persaud, prominent economist, and her three children, Rajendra, Avinash and Sharda. Lakshmi wrote articles on socio-economic concerns for newspapers and magazines for many years, she also read and simultaneously recorded books in Philosophy, Economics and Literature for the Royal National Institute for the Blind in London.
She began a new career in the late 1980s - writing fiction. Her short story 'See Saw Margery Daw', was broadcast by the BBC World service on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November 1995 .
Her first novel 'Butterfly in the Wind' was published by Peepal Tree Press in 1990. It was reprinted in 1996. It is still selling well and now in its third impression. 'Sastra' was published in 1993.
In October 1994, the Trinidad Guardian published the best seller list for Caribbean books published abroad. At the time Lakshmi Persaud had published two novels in the U.K. 'Sastra' was placed first on the list and 'Butterfly in the Wind', fifth.
'For the Love of my Name', her third novel, was launched in December 1999 and public demand has meant it has also had to be reprinted.
In March 2004, 'Raise the Lanterns High' was published by Black Amber and received excellent reviews in the UK, the Caribbean and internationally.
In addition, Lakshmi's books are now rated 'best-selling' by Amazon.co.uk.
There has been increasing recognition of Lakshmi Persaud’s work by academic institutions. Her novels are being used as texts in Caribbean and post-colonial literature courses in a number of Universities including: Warwick, Birmingham, Goldsmiths College (London), London Metropolitan, Washington, Toronto, Puerto Rico, California (Los Angeles), Miami and Mills College (California), and The University of the West Indies. Extracts from her novels have been used in English examinations in the Caribbean from '11+' to GCSE level.
In recognition of her work, Warwick University has recently established a 'Lakshmi Persaud Research Fellowship' at its Centre for Translation and Comparative Cultural studies.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 16, 2021
This was such a wonderful and impactful story. I loved the episodic nature of the book, rather than a complete story arc we just got glimpses into the main character's life and I really enjoyed that. The writing was spectacular and the stories were very memorable. West Indian authors are truly the best.
May 14, 2021
I have often heard great things about this book and Lakshmi Persaud completely lived up to my expectations!
Butterfly in the Wind is a fictional autobiography that follows Kamla Maharaj, a Indo-Trinidadian girl growing up in Pasea Village in the 1940s and 50s. We follow Kamla from her early childhood to early adulthood and get a inside look at the cultural, colonial and religious influences on her life and upbringing. The book is told in short stories/flashbacks from Kamla's life and I personally really enjoyed this format. Kamla is a relatable character and well-developed—her thoughts could've been mine at times.
Some of Kamla's memories provide insight on the treatment of women, the expectations as per the communities religious views, poverty, Indo-Caribbean history and colonial influences on Trinidad (schools ran by Christian and Catholic nuns).
Lakshmi Persaud has a beautiful, detailed writing style and brings to life both the environment and her characters. Butterfly in the Wind sheds light on Indo-Caribbean character in way that shows both the positives and downsides. It's a classic must-have for any Caribbean collection.
Butterfly in the Wind is a fictional autobiography that follows Kamla Maharaj, a Indo-Trinidadian girl growing up in Pasea Village in the 1940s and 50s. We follow Kamla from her early childhood to early adulthood and get a inside look at the cultural, colonial and religious influences on her life and upbringing. The book is told in short stories/flashbacks from Kamla's life and I personally really enjoyed this format. Kamla is a relatable character and well-developed—her thoughts could've been mine at times.
Some of Kamla's memories provide insight on the treatment of women, the expectations as per the communities religious views, poverty, Indo-Caribbean history and colonial influences on Trinidad (schools ran by Christian and Catholic nuns).
Lakshmi Persaud has a beautiful, detailed writing style and brings to life both the environment and her characters. Butterfly in the Wind sheds light on Indo-Caribbean character in way that shows both the positives and downsides. It's a classic must-have for any Caribbean collection.
May 2, 2023
Wow! I just finished reading this book and I really enjoyed it. As a Trinidadian, I love its historical value, as a Trinidadian of mixed heritage, I appreciated the juxtaposition between Hinduism and Catholicism, as a Trinidadian with Roman Catholic primary and secondary schooling, Kamla's schooling was relatable and as a Trinidadian teacher, I understood the dynamics of our educational system. Really, I can go on and on. I marvel at how times have changed and I found so many similarities in the stories my mother has told and Kamla's own experiences.
Even more is Persaud's descriptive and skilful use of language. The reader is not only transported into Kamla's bildungsroman journey from childhood to adulthood but also gets transported into Kamla's mind. It doesn't take long to recognise that she is a deep thinker who questions life and her strong inner voice stands out in an era of conformity and tradition.
I dont own a copy of this book but it really is a gem!
Even more is Persaud's descriptive and skilful use of language. The reader is not only transported into Kamla's bildungsroman journey from childhood to adulthood but also gets transported into Kamla's mind. It doesn't take long to recognise that she is a deep thinker who questions life and her strong inner voice stands out in an era of conformity and tradition.
I dont own a copy of this book but it really is a gem!
February 14, 2021
I adore this book, for more than sentimental reasons. It's a quiet coming of age tale of Caribbean girl, finding herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
May 16, 2021West Indian author - looks good. Noting all of these books to see which ones I can get my hands on on Canada 🇨🇦
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January 5, 2019MANY WRITERS FOLLOW THE ADVICE, “WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW.�
Lakshmi Persaud did just that in her first book, Butterfly in the Wind.
Described as a “fictionalised autobiography,� it chronologically traces Kamla’s early life in Trinidad to her departure to university abroad.
In this novel, Persaud presents a full characterisation of the Hindu Indo-Caribbean female in colonial society.
One weakness of Persaud’s writing, however, is her tendency to over-sentimentalise the past.
Although the author is a bit heavy-handed with nostalgia just for the sake of it, this novel is worth a read because it presents Kamla’s transformation and awakening through education and creolisation.
EDUCATION SAVES THE DAY...AGAIN!
As in The Stolen Cascadura, education is again regarded as the saviour, this time for young Indian females.
Persaud writes:
“My mother believed in education in the same way some people believe in God- the earlier the introduction takes place, the better.�
Education therefore plays a crucial role in the formation of young Kamla’s identity.
Persaud proceeds to paint a vivid picture of colonial education that still prevails today in Trinidad.
Primary school is characterised as “an open prison.�
It’s a place of trauma where students are flogged for stuttering, asking questions and making simple mistakes.
Learning by rote is the order of the day, safeguarding the prevailing hegemony that colonial subjects should remain subjects.
They are taught to obey and to not interrogate the natural order.
Although Kamla initially interrogates her colonial education experience, she chooses to smother her inner voice in order to fit in.
She however continuously struggles to reconcile her Hindu Indian heritage with her creolised Western education over the course of her school career.
She is caught between several worlds: Trinidad versus the motherland England, Catholicism against Presbyterianism against Hinduism and urban Trinidad versus rural Trinidad.
Her identity in colonial Trinidad is constantly in flux, bombarded by her mother’s fiery opinions, patriarchal attitudes against educating young Hindu girls and her Catholic teacher’s uncompromising attitude against non-Catholics.
She is often ostracised because of her “otherness,� especially when she is not allowed to transfer to another Catholic high school because she is not Catholic.
Persaud’s novel also compares Kamla's experiences at well-known high schools in present-day Trinidad.
St Joseph's Convent is portrayed as hermetically sealed against the dirty, noisy city of Port of Spain.
Behind its cloistered high walls, girls are encouraged to embrace gender stereotypes as sciences are not taught in the higher forms.
On the other hand, at St. Augustine Girls� High School, in spite of its newness and the teachers� over-ambitiousness and high expectations, Kamla is allowed to be herself.
In the end, however, Persaud gives credit where credit is due.
She recognises that the Catholic and Presbyterian schools play a crucial role in the transformation of the young Hindu female.
They encourage a silent revolution - the education of young Hindu girls who would have otherwise been married off.
EDUCATION, HOWEVER, COMES WITH A PRICE.
These newly “educated� girls are not taught how to handle their newfound freedom, particularly in their interactions with the opposite sex.
This comes to the forefront when Kamla struggles with her feelings for a young teacher, Surinder.
In the end however, despite her cousin’s exhortation that “you can’t serve both sides,� Kamla achieves a hybridised identity.
She is not the typical Hindu Indo-Caribbean female of her time.
She is the trailblazer, the first female to leave her family to study abroad.
I would definitely recommend this book because it reveals the story behind education in Trinidad and Tobago and allows the reader to understand why current attitudes about education prevail or have changed.
Lakshmi Persaud did just that in her first book, Butterfly in the Wind.
Described as a “fictionalised autobiography,� it chronologically traces Kamla’s early life in Trinidad to her departure to university abroad.
In this novel, Persaud presents a full characterisation of the Hindu Indo-Caribbean female in colonial society.
One weakness of Persaud’s writing, however, is her tendency to over-sentimentalise the past.
Although the author is a bit heavy-handed with nostalgia just for the sake of it, this novel is worth a read because it presents Kamla’s transformation and awakening through education and creolisation.
EDUCATION SAVES THE DAY...AGAIN!
As in The Stolen Cascadura, education is again regarded as the saviour, this time for young Indian females.
Persaud writes:
“My mother believed in education in the same way some people believe in God- the earlier the introduction takes place, the better.�
Education therefore plays a crucial role in the formation of young Kamla’s identity.
Persaud proceeds to paint a vivid picture of colonial education that still prevails today in Trinidad.
Primary school is characterised as “an open prison.�
It’s a place of trauma where students are flogged for stuttering, asking questions and making simple mistakes.
Learning by rote is the order of the day, safeguarding the prevailing hegemony that colonial subjects should remain subjects.
They are taught to obey and to not interrogate the natural order.
Although Kamla initially interrogates her colonial education experience, she chooses to smother her inner voice in order to fit in.
She however continuously struggles to reconcile her Hindu Indian heritage with her creolised Western education over the course of her school career.
She is caught between several worlds: Trinidad versus the motherland England, Catholicism against Presbyterianism against Hinduism and urban Trinidad versus rural Trinidad.
Her identity in colonial Trinidad is constantly in flux, bombarded by her mother’s fiery opinions, patriarchal attitudes against educating young Hindu girls and her Catholic teacher’s uncompromising attitude against non-Catholics.
She is often ostracised because of her “otherness,� especially when she is not allowed to transfer to another Catholic high school because she is not Catholic.
Persaud’s novel also compares Kamla's experiences at well-known high schools in present-day Trinidad.
St Joseph's Convent is portrayed as hermetically sealed against the dirty, noisy city of Port of Spain.
Behind its cloistered high walls, girls are encouraged to embrace gender stereotypes as sciences are not taught in the higher forms.
On the other hand, at St. Augustine Girls� High School, in spite of its newness and the teachers� over-ambitiousness and high expectations, Kamla is allowed to be herself.
In the end, however, Persaud gives credit where credit is due.
She recognises that the Catholic and Presbyterian schools play a crucial role in the transformation of the young Hindu female.
They encourage a silent revolution - the education of young Hindu girls who would have otherwise been married off.
EDUCATION, HOWEVER, COMES WITH A PRICE.
These newly “educated� girls are not taught how to handle their newfound freedom, particularly in their interactions with the opposite sex.
This comes to the forefront when Kamla struggles with her feelings for a young teacher, Surinder.
In the end however, despite her cousin’s exhortation that “you can’t serve both sides,� Kamla achieves a hybridised identity.
She is not the typical Hindu Indo-Caribbean female of her time.
She is the trailblazer, the first female to leave her family to study abroad.
I would definitely recommend this book because it reveals the story behind education in Trinidad and Tobago and allows the reader to understand why current attitudes about education prevail or have changed.
April 2, 2014
Persaud is a native Trinidadian of East Indian descent. Butterfly in the Wind is, apparently, a fictionalized autobiography. Whether the life described by her main character is Persaud's life or an amalgam of many lives, the book is charming and instructive. Telling the life of a young girl growing in in 1950s Trinidad, filtered through an Indian cultural background, Persaud explores a life that is engaging. The reader also learns so much about Indian culture along the way. The writing is lyrical, and her characterization is spot-on. This book is wonderfully refreshing and shines a light on a culture that most of us know little about.
May 25, 2016
This is quite a nice little memoir of growing up in Trinidad during the 1940s. The protagonist is a girl from an Indian family who eventually gains enough qualifications to attend a British university, but her experiences demonstrate the disadvantages of being a girl and a Hindu in a colonial society. I didn't dislike the book, but as a piece of literature I found it a little bland and lacking in plot.
Currently reading
February 2, 2010The book is a true representation of a hindu girls life a and traditions and customs practiced during that era.Brilliant is the way that Lakshmi presents first person narrative in representing an inner voice that is brilliant yet has to be stiflied during colonalism.
April 24, 2014
I enjoyed this book
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