Books, books, and more books. At the bustling Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C., teeming with book lovers from across the nation, a vibrant booth representing the U.S. Virgin Islands showcased cultural pride and literary achievements to a broad audience at the annual book festival, the National Book Convention.
For Cadwell Turnbull, a native of St. Thomas and author of the novel “The Lesson,” the festival was not just an opportunity to promote his work but a platform to represent the unique narratives emerging from the Virgin Islands. His novel, a first contact story set against the backdrop of the islands, explores themes of power, colonialism, and the complex relationship between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United States. Inspired by a vivid dream and shaped by years of reflection on the islands’ history and culture, “The Lesson” delves into how a community grapples with the arrival of mysterious extraterrestrial beings and the resulting conflicts.
“I think the alien stuff in the book is a metaphor for that feeling of being a small territory trying to navigate relationships with world powers,” Turnbull shared. “It’s about the tensions that arise and the cycles of violence and power that we see in our history.”
His passion for storytelling is evident in his work and in his conversations with festival-goers, where he frequently emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Virgin Islands’ rich cultural and literary heritage.
Turnbull’s experience at the festival has been deeply rewarding, particularly in his interactions with fellow islanders and those unfamiliar with the territory. “There’s something special about being able to talk about home and share our stories in this space,” he reflected.
For many attendees, discovering that the Virgin Islands is not just a tropical destination but a place with a thriving literary community was an eye-opener. Turnbull noted the impact of these conversations, especially with visitors who were previously unaware of the territory’s existence or its place on the map.
The booth also featured other Virgin Islands authors, highlighting the diversity and talent within this small community. The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands serves as the Library of Congress’ Center for the Book, U.S. Virgin Islands. For the past three years, the foundation has showcased local authors at the festival, providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with a global audience.
One such author, Chanell Rohan, who preferred to focus on children’s literature, spoke passionately about the need for representation in books. Inspired by her young nephew’s charisma and desire to create relatable stories for children growing up in the Virgin Islands, she penned a series of books celebrating its culture and identity. “I wanted to create something that they could look at and relate to where they’re from,” she explained, noting the scarcity of such books when she first began her search. Her goal now is to bring these stories to a wider audience, ensuring that the voices of the Virgin Islands are heard and cherished beyond the islands’ shores.
The festival’s theme, “Books Build Us Up,” resonated deeply with these authors, who see literature as a powerful tool for education and cultural preservation. For Turnbull and Rohan, the convention’s theme resonated as this festival was more than just a chance to promote their work. It was an opportunity to ensure that the stories of their U.S. Virgin Islands continue to be told.
“We’re a growing community, and we’re very supportive of each other,” Turnbull emphasized. “I think any opportunity to talk about home is really important and valuable.”
