A New Collection of Stories by Cyril Dabydeen that explores identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience

WITH the release of his latest book, Forgotten Exiles, Guyanese-Canadian writer, Cyril Dabydeen, continues to captivate readers with his explorations of identity, belonging, and cultural dislocation. Known for his sharp, evocative storytelling, Dabydeen’s new short story collection looks at themes of exile and homecoming, exploring the complexities of the immigrant experience in rich detail. The book is published by Mosaic Press and has been met with praise for its nuanced portrayal of characters navigating life between the cultural landscapes of Guyana and Canada.

Dabydeen was born in Guyana and is a former Ottawa Poet Laureate. He is celebrated for his capacity to render vivid portraits of his characters’ inner lives while addressing larger social issues. His own journey from Guyana to Canada mirrors the tension between “outsider” and “insider” that defines many of his characters, often caught between their Caribbean roots and North American realities. His previous works, including My Undiscovered Country and My Multi-Ethnic Friends and Other Stories, have similarly touched on themes of displacement and self-discovery.

As per a press release shared by the author’s team, in Forgotten Exiles, Dabydeen expands on these themes through sixteen intricately crafted stories that shift between the wilds of Canada’s Lake Superior region and the bustling towns along the coast of Guyana. This juxtaposition of landscapes highlights his gift for seamlessly blending contrasting settings and, as Canadian Literature observes, “crossing boundaries” of both place and identity. Many of these stories were first published in respected literary journals, solidifying Dabydeen’s position as a major voice in Canadian and post-colonial literature.

Reviewers have highlighted Dabydeen’s ability to capture the essence of his characters’ lives with language that reflects both the Guyanese dialect and Canadian idioms, creating a unique rhythm and “kaleidoscopic quality,” as Montreal Serai describes it. This literary style shows the duality of his characters, who navigate multiple worlds, often feeling the pull of a homeland that is both physically distant and deeply embedded in their sense of self.

Through Dabydeen’s compelling narratives, readers encounter characters who grapple with race, class, and relationships, including complex “triangles of love” that illuminate social concerns and personal conflicts. These stories, while grounded in the specifics of Dabydeen’s heritage, also address universal themes of identity and longing that resonate widely. “It is the epiphany, the moment of illumination, which comes out of an ordinary experience,” notes Peter Nazareth in World Literature Today, pinpointing the poignancy with which Dabydeen captures seemingly simple yet transformative moments.

Forgotten Exiles also reflects Dabydeen’s work as a social activist and educator. Having taught creative writing at the University of Ottawa and participated in literary events around the world, he brings a global perspective to his work. Dabydeen’s accolades, including nominations for the prestigious IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and recognition from the Canadian Parliament, underscore his significance as a cultural ambassador, bridging the Caribbean and Canadian literary traditions.

Beyond his fiction, Dabydeen’s career as a poet has enriched his storytelling. His poetry collection Imaginary Origins: New and Selected Poems (Peepal Tree Press) is a demonstration of his mastery of language and imagery, qualities that permeate his short stories as well. As George Elliott Clarke, former Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate, remarks, Dabydeen’s writing is “astute in politics and artful in poetics,” revealing the depth of his insights into the immigrant experience and the human condition.

In Forgotten Exiles, Dabydeen also presents a world of characters who, despite the challenges of displacement, demonstrate resilience and adaptability. His storytelling is praised as “seamless between past and present, fantasy and reality” (Canadian Literature) and draws readers into an immersive world where cultural identities collide, intertwine, and evolve.

Dabydeen’s latest collection solidifies his reputation as a master storyteller with a gift for weaving stories that transcend geographic and cultural divides. Forgotten Exiles is a testament to his ongoing contribution to Canadian literature, as well as to the broader conversation on immigration, identity, and what it means to belong.

For readers looking to explore the beauty and complexity of the diasporic experience, Forgotten Exiles offers a powerful, thought-provoking journey through the eyes of a writer whose work continues to shape Canadian and global literary landscapes.