Annie John
In 'Annie John', Jamaica Kincaid captures the tumultuous journey of a young girl's coming-of-age on the Caribbean island of Antigua. Annie's deep bond with her mother begins to unravel as she grapples with her identity and desires for independence. The vivid storytelling draws readers into the rich cultural landscape and the complexities of familial love and adolescent rebellion. As Annie transitions from childhood to adulthood, her quest for self-discovery becomes both poignant and universal. Will she find a way to reconcile her past with her aspirations, or will she be lost to the tides of change?
By Jamaica Kincaid
Published: 1997
""The most interesting thing about my mother is that she was once a girl like me, and now I am not like her at all.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
A fictional account of a young girl's coming of age in Antigua, from a doted upon childhood to an adolescence fraught with events and alliances leading her away from mutual complacent acceptance.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Annie John
About the Author
Jamaica Kincaid
Jamaica Kincaid is a celebrated Antiguan-American author, known for her distinctive voice and evocative prose. Born on May 25, 1949, in St. John's, Antigua, she moved to the United States at the age of 17, where she began her writing career. Kincaid's notable works include "Annie John," "Lucy," and "The Autobiography of My Mother." Her writing often explores themes of identity, colonialism, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, characterized by a lyrical and poignant style that blends autobiography with fiction. Kincaid's work has earned critical acclaim and she has been recognized as a powerful voice in contemporary literature.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Jamaica Kincaid
- Published
- June 1997
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- ISBN
- 0374525102
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 164
- Genres
- Cultural StudiesFictionLiterature
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Americanah
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou
White
Bret Easton Ellis
Behind the Beautiful Forevers
Katherine Boo
Before the Fall
Noah Hawley
Lincoln in the Bardo
George Saunders
Chronicle of a Death Foretold
Beyträge Zur Vaterländischen Historie, Geographie, Staatistik, Und Landwirthschaft, Samt Einer Uebersicht Der Schönen Litteratur.
Lorenz Von Westenrieder
Eyes on the Street
Robert Kanigel
Matilda
Roald Dahl
Time Travel
James Gleick
The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers
Paul Kennedy
The Supermen
Charles J. Murray
Hidden Champions of the Twenty-First Century
Hermann Simon
Simply Brilliant
William C. Taylor
The Myth of the Spoiled Child
Alfie Kohn
Gates of Fire
Steven Pressfield
Too Dumb to Fail
Matt K. Lewis
The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)
Colson Whitehead
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
Junot Díaz
Three Book Sebald Set
W. G. Sebald
The Most Powerful Idea in the World
William Rosen
The Dutch House
Ann Patchett
The Sacred and the Profane
Mircea Eliade
The Proud Highway
Hunter S. Thompson
Your Marketing Sucks
Mark Stevens
The Professor in the Cage
Jonathan Gottschall
The Institute
Stephen King
The Book of Virtues
William J. Bennett
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
John Green's Book Recommendations
John Green is an American author, YouTuber, and educator, best known for his best-selling novels The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska. Green's writing often explores themes of love, loss, and the complexity of adolescence, resonating with both young adults and adults alike. He is also the co-creator of the YouTube channels Vlogbrothers and CrashCourse, where he educates viewers on history, literature, and science in an engaging, accessible way. Green is known for his deep empathy and ability to connect with readers through emotionally powerful storytelling. His work in literature and online education has made him a beloved figure in both media and education circles.
View Collection
Bill Burr's Book Recommendations
Bill Burr is an American comedian, actor, and podcaster, known for his biting, no-nonsense style of humor that often tackles controversial topics with sharp wit. Burr has released several successful stand-up specials, including Paper Tiger and Walk Your Way Out, and is the co-creator of the animated sitcom F Is for Family. He also hosts the Monday Morning Podcast, where he shares his unfiltered thoughts on everything from current events to personal stories. Burr’s honest, raw comedic style has earned him a dedicated fanbase and has made him one of the most respected comedians in the industry.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Anna Cheng's Book Recommendations
Anna Cheng is a celebrated contemporary novelist known for her evocative prose and richly drawn characters. Her debut novel, "Whispers of the Ancients," garnered critical acclaim, securing a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list and earning her the Man Booker Prize. Cheng's subsequent works consistently explore themes of heritage, identity, and the immigrant experience, resonating with a global audience. She is also a recipient of the PEN/Faulkner Award, recognizing her contributions to American fiction. Beyond her literary pursuits, Cheng actively mentors emerging writers and participates in numerous literary festivals worldwide.
View Collection
Richard Branson's Book Recommendations
Richard Branson is a British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which operates in sectors ranging from airlines to space travel. Branson’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1970s with Virgin Records, and he has since built one of the most recognized brands in the world. Known for his adventurous spirit and willingness to take risks, Branson has pursued innovative ventures like Virgin Galactic, aiming to pioneer commercial space tourism. He is also a philanthropist, focusing on environmental sustainability and global health issues. Branson's bold and unconventional approach to business has made him a global icon of entrepreneurship.
View Collection
Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations
Caterina Fake is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Flickr, one of the first photo-sharing platforms that helped define social media and web 2.0. After the success of Flickr, Fake went on to co-found Hunch, a recommendation engine that was later acquired by eBay. She is a partner at Yes VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, with a focus on companies that foster human connection and creativity. Fake is also an advocate for ethical technology and often speaks about the importance of designing products that prioritize user well-being. Her contributions to tech and her insights on the intersection of technology and culture have made her a respected leader in the industry.
View Collection
Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations
Audrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.
View Collection
Daniel Ek's Book Recommendations
Daniel Ek is a Swedish entrepreneur and co-founder of Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform. Ek revolutionized the music industry by offering a legal, user-friendly alternative to piracy, and Spotify has since become the dominant player in the streaming market. Under his leadership, Spotify has expanded globally, offering access to millions of songs and podcasts while reshaping how artists distribute their work. Ek is known for his forward-thinking approach to technology and his commitment to evolving Spotify’s platform for both users and creators. He continues to lead Spotify as it explores new innovations in audio entertainment.
View Collection
Daniel Burka's Book Recommendations
Daniel Burka is a prominent figure in the tech and design world, best known for his significant contributions to digital product design. As a design partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures), he has played a crucial role in shaping the user experience of numerous successful startups. Burka co-founded the design agency MetaLab, which has worked with top-tier clients like Slack and Coinbase. Additionally, his work at Digg as the Director of Design helped pioneer social media design trends in the early 2000s. While not primarily an author, Burka's influence extends into literature through his insightful writings and talks on design and innovation.
View Collection
Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations
Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.
View Collection
Benedict Evans's Book Recommendations
Benedict Evans is a renowned technology analyst and commentator, acclaimed for his insightful analyses on technology trends and their societal impacts. With a background in venture capital and strategic consulting, Evans has become a prominent voice in the tech community through his thought-provoking essays and presentations. His work often explores the intersection of mobile technology, media, and internet platforms, offering a nuanced understanding of complex tech ecosystems. Evans is widely respected for his ability to distill intricate technological developments into accessible and compelling narratives. His contributions have significantly influenced industry leaders and informed public discourse on the future of technology.
View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations
Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.
View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations
Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.
View Collection
Ann Handley's Book Recommendations
Ann Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.
View Collection“"The most interesting thing about my mother is that she was once a girl like me, and now I am not like her at all."”
Annie John
By Jamaica Kincaid
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.