In this episode, I sit down with A.K. Herman, Caribbean poet and fiction writer, to discuss her latest work, The Believers. This compelling collection of eight short stories, mostly set in Trinidad and Tobago, explores themes of religion, politics, love, sex, and spirituality. A.K.’s storytelling pays homage to the storytelling traditions of the Caribbean.

A Goodreads Editors’ December Book Pick, The Believers captivates with its seasoned storytelling. A.K. shares the inspirations behind her writing, the cultural and spiritual influences shaping her narratives, and how she grew as a student of literature.

If you’d like to know what I think of A.K.’s book, skip to 6:00 of the show! 😊

Also, if you’d like to get your own copy of the book, and I highly recommend that you do if you’re a fan of Toni Morrison, you can do so here (link below).

Got any thoughts about this episode or want to suggest authors you’d like to see on the show? Send me your thoughts!

Show highlights

0:00 – Introduction

2:03 – AK’s journey into writing

6:00 – Lola’s high-level review of the book

7:30 – Sex as communication

10:35 – Theme of spirituality

16:19 – Writing about violence

22:57 – On the theme of spiritual vengeance

27:23 – On identity and rejection on the basis of language

33:11 – Allegory in The Iridescent Blue-Black Boy with Wings (After Márquez)

40:36 – Advice for writers who don't have an MFA

45:29 – The writing/publishing process of The Believers

48:03 – Appreciation and end

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Guest’s links

Buy The Believers: https://www.akherman.com/books

Follow A.K. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.k.herman/

Follow A.K. Herman on X: https://x.com/akherman_author

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/