Writer and poet Makeda Braithwaite last Saturday launched her debut poetry collection, “Go Fish: Go in de Pack” at Moray House, Camp Street.
Braithwaite’s collection, said to be a vibrant exploration of love, family, identity, and societal issues, has been praised by literary critic Al Creighton for its profound depth and contemporary edge. Paula Obe, publisher at Bamboo Talk Press, described the collection as “a work that makes us all proud,” reflecting the collective celebration that marked the event.
Braithwaite first captured attention with her poetry in the 2022 Summer issue of the Hugo Award-winning Fiyah Literary Magazine with “Pastry Shop Round the Bend,” and continued to impress with her piece “The Die Has Been Cast” in the gothic romance anthology Crimson Bones by Brigids Gate Press. Her creative trajectory took a significant leap in 2023 when she won the Best Book of Fiction at the Guyana Prize for Literature for her manuscript “An Anthology of Shivers”.
Published by Bamboo Talk Press in Trinidad and Tobago, “Go Fish: Go in de Pack” has been met with acclaim and was recently shortlisted for Best First Book of Poetry at the Guyana Prize for Literature.
Looking ahead, Braithwaite has an upcoming feature in Spacefunk from MVmedia, set for release in 2025, and her poem “Water Weight” is available for pre-order. Her achievements are further supported by her mentorship with writers such as Prof Funso Aiyejina and Eugenia Triantafyllou, and her active involvement with the international writing group CODEX.
In her professional life, Braithwaite serves as a submissions’ editor for the Hugo, Parsec, and British Fantasy Award-winning magazine Uncanny and as an editorial production officer at the University of Guyana Press. Her diverse roles highlight her deep commitment to the literary world.
At the launch, Creighton reflected on the various factors contributing to literary success, including education, personal inspiration, and family legacy. He explored the rich history of literary traditions, touching on how these elements intersect with individual talent to produce remarkable works. A particularly touching moment came when Braithwaite shared how the biblical story of Lazarus inspired her creative journey, revealing the deeply fulfilling process of developing her writing skills.
Overall, the event celebrated the diverse paths to literary success, emphasizing that great writing emerges not only from technical skill but from the ability to transform personal and societal experiences into something meaningful. As Braithwaite’s debut collection takes its place in the literary world, it stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art and the boundless potential of new voices. The celebration of Braithwaite’s debut collection was not only a testament to her personal success but also emphasized the importance of nurturing and supporting emerging literary voices. (Khadidja Ba)
