Picture a Trinidadian storyteller who weaves magic and folklore into unforgettable tales—meet Ayanna Lloyd Banwo! Her debut novel, When We Were Birds, has captivated readers with its lush blend of magical realism and Caribbean heritage, earning her a spot as a rising star in contemporary fiction. From the vibrant streets of Port of Spain to the mystical realms of the afterlife, Banwo’s stories invite you to explore love, loss, and the supernatural through a uniquely Trinidadian lens.
Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Banwo’s journey from a book-loving child to an acclaimed author is a testament to the power of storytelling. Her work, deeply rooted in Caribbean culture, offers a fresh perspective that’s both haunting and hopeful, making her a voice to watch in the literary world.
The Making of Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
Growing up in Belmont, a cultural hub in Port of Spain, Ayanna Lloyd Banwo was surrounded by stories. Her grandmother’s tales, shared like breaths of air, sparked her love for narrative, while her grandfather gifted books for Christmas, fueling her passion for reading. After earning a degree in Literatures in English from the University of the West Indies in 2005, Banwo juggled roles as a teacher, corporate communicator, and freelance writer before pursuing her calling. The loss of both parents became a pivotal moment, pushing her to chase her dreams with urgency. She moved to London, earning an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia, where she now pursues a PhD in Creative-Critical Writing.
Ayanna Lloyd Banwo’s Unforgettable Stories
Banwo’s debut novel, When We Were Birds (2022), is a spellbinding love story set in a fictional Trinidadian city, Port Angeles. The tale follows Yejide, a woman tasked with guiding souls to the afterlife, and Darwin, a Rastafarian gravedigger wrestling with his faith. Written in lyrical Trinidadian English, the novel blends magical realism with themes of grief, love, and ancestry, earning the 2023 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature. Critics, including Marlon James, praise its “searing symphony of magic and loss,” noting its vivid portrayal of Caribbean folklore, particularly the corbeaux—birds that carry souls.
Banwo’s short fiction and essays, published in outlets like Moko Magazine, Small Axe, and Callaloo, showcase her versatility. Her story “Public Notice” won second prize in the 2016 Small Axe Literary Competition, highlighting her knack for capturing the Caribbean’s cadence and spirit. Currently, she’s crafting a second novel, promising more explorations of black speculative fiction. Her prose, rich with patois and poetic imagery, creates a world where the living and dead coexist, grounded by the rhythms of Trinidadian life.
Unlike traditional magical realism, Banwo’s work avoids over-explanation, letting the supernatural unfold naturally. Her focus on black womanhood and love as a force beyond suffering sets her apart, contributing to a growing canon of Caribbean women’s writing alongside authors like Monique Roffey.
Why Ayanna Lloyd Banwo Matters
Ayanna Lloyd Banwo’s impact lies in her ability to root fantastical tales in the real, breathing life into Trinidad’s traditions and folklore. Her work challenges colonial narratives by centering Caribbean voices and histories, offering a fresh lens on black love and resilience. Recognized by The Guardian as one of 2022’s best debut novelists, Banwo is paving the way for new directions in black speculative fiction. Her stories resonate globally, inviting readers to embrace the magic in everyday life and the power of ancestral ties.
- Born: Trinidad and Tobago
- Key Work: When We Were Birds (2022)
- Awards: 2023 OCM Bocas Prize, Eccles Centre & Hay Festival Writer’s Award
- Education: MA in Creative Writing, University of East Anglia
Ready to dive into a world of Caribbean magic? Snag When We Were Birds and let Ayanna Lloyd Banwo’s lyrical storytelling sweep you away!