Internationally renowned Antiguan author Joanne Hillhouse’s The Boy From Willow Bend is a must read for all Antiguans. This seminal coming of age story of Vere, a young boy in Antigua, was re-issued much to the delight of the acclaimed writer.

The book was initially published by Macmillan Caribbean and when the contract ended, the book was essentially out of print. The author, however, didn’t want to leave it there. “I felt it still had a lot of life in it and was not prepared to give up on it.” Hillhouse said. As fate would have it, a ‘higher’ power intervened, and the decision was made to add the book to school reading lists. It became even more imperative to take her message to the masses. So, the author did what any person who believes passionately in the importance of their craft would do, she hit the pavement. “I shopped around and eventually came to terms with Hansib – a UK-based publisher with strong Caribbean roots and limbs…” Hillhouse is now hoping and praying the readership stays strong enough so the book will remain in print. As it is now available locally, regionally and internationally (online), the future certainly looks bright for the longevity of The Boy From Willow Bend.

Win a copy of The Boy From Willow Bend!

To celebrate the reissue, the author has very kindly made available a signed copy of the book to the winner of our 365antigua.com literary quiz. Simply answer the following question and email the answer to editor@365antigua.com. The deadline to receive all entries is 4:00PM, Thursday, April 29th. The winning entry (a draw from all correct answers) will be posted on our site on Friday, April 30th.  (This should give you plenty of time to get ready for the Island B-Hive's Book-of-the-month-Club on May 6th, featuring the novel):

Joanne C. Hillhouse is the author of two books of fiction; one is The Boy from Willow Bend, what’s the other?

Some local and regional reviews:

"The coming of age story is well crafted, lively and absolutely believable...a great and insightful look at Caribbean life.” – Daily Observer, Antigua  

 “... an example of self-redemption, self-motivation, and self-preservation ...” – She Caribbean, St. Lucia  

“The plot is exciting and moves swiftly. … The characters in Hillhouse’s book feel real and, best of all, they feel Caribbean, but the story could have held up in any culture.” – Trinidad Guardian  

“Beautifully written, The Boy from Willow Bend is a poignant and insightful coming of age story in which every child will be able to see him/herself.” – Books and Nook Corner, www.myspace.com/caribbeanchyck

To buy the book online, visit amazon.com.

Ms. Hillhouse may be contacted via: facebook, My Space, or visit her web page www.jhohadli.com