On August 17, Marilin Malone Bass was given an official welcome into the fraternity of local authors of the British Virgin Islands with a ceremony held to launch her first book “Boundless Childhood Joy: Tales from in and around the Garden.”
The book consists of short stories, capturing the memories of the author, her relatives and childhood friends who would have grown up in Fat Hogs Bay during the late 1960’s.
Malone Bass said that she was drawn to write the book as a means of immortalising this period of life in the British Virgin Islands and remind those who were children in the 60’s of the joys of their childhoods.
“Boundless Childhood Joy came about as a way to preserve the happy childhood memories I shared with my siblings, relatives and others growing up in the 60’s in Fat Hogs Bay, located on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. I felt compelled to write the stories because those who share those happy childhood memories would smile and laugh when we talk about the good old days. These memories are as fresh as they were yesterday. The book includes some history and culture of the British Virgin Islands. Please note that we should treasure, teach and document our history. Lest we forget it”, she stated.
During the ceremony, Malone Bass was congratulated by attendees including Ms Valarie Lettsome, who described the author as a cousin and childhood friend.
Having had the opportunity to read the book ahead of the launch, Lettsome told the gathering and audience, “It has brought back so many memories. To be honest with you it has lifted my spirit and put thankfulness in my heart. You know, lately I’ve been hearing from many persons “Teacher Val, man you ain’t ageing agt all, you look young as ever” and I’m wondering if since I read this book is when that came out of me. Because this book has really, really blessed me in a special, special way. On behalf of the Bay people, I want to say thank you to Marilin for coming through for us.”
Physical copies of the book are now available for purchase, and are recommended for ages 9 and up.
Malone Bass hopes that in future the book will be used as a reader for middle school children in the British and US Virgin Islands.