Readings by Fred D'Aguiar (1996)

Dr. Sandra Paquet of the University of Miami English Dept. introduces Guyanese writer Fred D'Aguiar, who reads an excerpt from his novel, The Longest Memory, which is set in 1810 Virginia and tells the story of a rebellious, intelligent young slave and his father, who inadvertently betrays him. The father narrates, describing his family and his feelings of guilt over the death of his son. D'Aguiar then reads an excerpt from his novel, Dear Future. Dear Future tells the story of a Caribbean family, centering on the youngest child, Redhead. Accidentally hit on the head with an axe by his uncle, he thereafter sees the world from a strange, visionary, twisted perspective. As his family experiences its own vicissitudes, an election is brewing in the capital. It leads to an unexpected act of violence that destroys the family's home. D'Aguiar next reads his poem "The Barber," and discusses his work with the audience.