Profile
Erna Brodber is a writer, sociologist, and social activist based in Jamaica. Erna carried out pioneering research on oral histories and is a very important figure in Jamaican and Caribbean literature. Brodber's novels, such as "Myal" and "Louisiana," are celebrated for their innovative narrative styles and profound exploration of the psychological and social impacts of colonialism and diaspora on individual and collective identities. Her works are important for bringing "nation" languages into global literature, foregrounding the African element in Caribbean identity and the power of cultural memory. Combining an academic approach (grounded in orthodox historical facts) with storytelling, her first novel, ‘Jane and Louisa Will Soon Come Home’, won acclaim for its experimental structure.A recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, Brodber's influence extends beyond literature into academia and social activism, where she has been a vocal advocate for Black consciousness and cultural retention. Educated at the University College of the West Indies, where she obtained her B.A., MSc, and PhD, Brodber combines her academic background with her creative work to foster an understanding of Caribbean society and history.
