‘LAKSHMI and the Djembe’ is the title of author Chevon Lim’s latest novel, and she’s all set to release it before the end of this year.
The story is about a compelling journey of self-discovery, where a young girl, Lakshmi, gifted with the extraordinary ability to feel the drumbeats of the djembe in her soul, embarks on a quest to uncover her true identity.
Lim, a seasoned Communications and Marketing Specialist, author, and CEO of L’Evate Management Studio, told Pepperpot Magazine that ‘Lakshmi and the Djembe’ is a story she has been thinking about for a while as she reflects on the richness of Guyana’s cultural make-up and diversity.

As the head of L’Evate Management Studio, Chevon leads a dynamic team dedicated to elevating businesses through events management, strategic brand development, and cutting-edge communication strategies. Her expertise lies in the corporate world and the literary realm, where she authored works that she said resonates with readers.

Speaking about her new novel, she shared: “Defying the expectations and traditions that have shaped her life, she is drawn to the primal rhythms that resonate deeply within her, guiding her to explore the rich cultural heritage and spiritual mysteries that connect her to her roots. As she ventures into the unknown, she learns that the path to understanding who she is involves embracing her unique gifts and the power of the music that calls to her, ultimately leading her to redefine her place in the world.”

In her quest to uncover the meaning of her unique gift, Lakshmi must navigate the complexities of both racial and religious divides that have long separated her from understanding her true heritage. Born into a community where the djembe’s rhythms are seen as foreign, even forbidden, she faces opposition from those who fear and misunderstand the drum’s power.
As she delves deeper into the origins of the djembe, she encounters a different culture—one rich with traditions and spiritual practices that challenge everything she has been taught.

The drum, she discovers, is more than just an instrument; it is a sacred vessel of communication, deeply connected to the ancestors and the divine. To bridge these gaps, she must confront the prejudices and taboos that have kept these worlds apart.
This journey forces her to reconcile her own mixed heritage, embracing both sides of her identity.

As she learns to honour and respect the traditions of the djembe, she also works to build understanding and acceptance within her community, demonstrating that the drum’s beat can unite rather than divide.
Her story becomes one of breaking racial, religious, and cultural barriers to forge a new path that honours all parts of her identity. By embracing the drum’s call, she discovers who she truly is and becomes a bridge between divided worlds, showing that harmony can be found in the blending of different rhythms.

According to Lim, the novel pays homage to that culture, and she believes that there is no better way to convey that than through storytelling. It is similar to her previous works – ‘Tales from Sugarcane Street’ and ‘Sugarcane Girl’ which focus heavily on Guyanese folklore; again paying homage to Guyanese culture.
Lim said the publication of Sugarcane Girl would not have been possible without the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Cultural and Creative Industries Grant, of which she was a recipient in 2023.