Picture a Caribbean storyteller who spun a Jane Austen classic into a vibrant Tobago tale—meet Sarah Dass! This young adult fiction author from Trinidad and Tobago burst onto the scene with her debut novel, Where the Rhythm Takes You, a romantic retelling of Persuasion that pulses with island vibes. With a knack for weaving love, loss, and self-discovery into lush settings, Dass is redefining YA literature with her authentic Caribbean voice.
Born in Trinidad but raised in Tobago since age two, Dass grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of a seaside resort, which later inspired her storytelling. Her books don’t just entertain—they shine a spotlight on Tobago’s culture, making readers fall in love with its music, food, and spirit.
The Making of Sarah Dass
Sarah Dass’s journey to authorship began in Tobago, where her childhood in a seaside resort sparked her imagination. A graduate of University College London and the University of the West Indies, she balances a day job as an office administrator with her passion for writing. As a child, she devoured Nancy Drew novels, even penning her own fan fiction at eight when she ran out of mysteries to read. This early love for storytelling, combined with her Caribbean roots, set the stage for her unique voice. Her admiration for Jane Austen’s wit and second-chance romances also shaped her approach, leading to her bold debut.
Sarah Dass’s Unforgettable Stories
Dass’s debut, Where the Rhythm Takes You (2021), is a YA romance that reimagines Persuasion in Tobago’s Plumeria resort. Seventeen-year-old Reyna navigates grief, young love, and her future as her first love, Aiden, returns as a music superstar. Readers praise its vivid setting, soca playlist, and heartfelt exploration of loss, earning it starred reviews and a 4.5-star Goodreads rating. Her sophomore novel, When the Vibe Is Right (2023), is an enemies-to-lovers romance inspired by Much Ado About Nothing, set during Trinidad’s Carnival. It follows Tess, a costume designer, and her rival Brandon, blending witty banter with cultural richness.
In 2024, Dass ventured into supernatural thriller territory with It Waits in the Forest, inspired by Caribbean folklore. The story of a fake psychic and her ex-boyfriend solving murders captivated readers with its eerie atmosphere and cultural depth. Dass’s style shines through her immersive settings, authentic dialogue, and themes of identity, making her books resonate with teens and adults alike.
Why Sarah Dass Matters
Sarah Dass is more than a YA author—she’s a trailblazer for Caribbean representation in literature. Growing up, she rarely saw Tobago in the books she loved, so she wrote the stories she wished she’d had as a teen. Her novels celebrate Tobagonian culture, from soca rhythms to local slang, without over-explaining for non-Caribbean readers, inviting everyone to dive into her world. Her focus on universal themes like grief and second chances connects with readers globally, while her authentic voice inspires aspiring authors, especially in the Caribbean, to share their stories. Dass’s work proves that small islands can have a big literary impact.
- Born: Trinidad, raised in Tobago
- Key Works: Where the Rhythm Takes You (2021), When the Vibe Is Right (2023), It Waits in the Forest (2024)
- Education: University College London, University of the West Indies
- Fun Fact: She walks her dachshund, Stella, when not writing!
Ready to soak up some Caribbean magic? Grab Where the Rhythm Takes You and dive into Sarah Dass’s vibrant YA world!