Not a Usual Man

Abstract

Abstract:This essay takes the form of a brief tribute to the life and work of Kamau Brathwaite and his first wife, Doris Brathwaite. It is written from the point of view of a writer who knew Kamau personally and who considers herself to be the beneficiary of his immense wisdom and iconoclasm. The essay provides anecdotal accounts of an awards ceremony in London, when Kamau delivered a powerful exhortation to Caribbean writers, and of a New Year's Day party held at his house in Jamaica, at which Kamau and Doris demonstrated immense thoughtfulness to the assembled guests. It focuses briefly on X/Self, makes mention of the Zea Mexican Diary, and references Rex Nettleford and Philip Sherlock.