Come Let Us Sing Anyway

Come Let Us Sing Anyway is a 2017 collection of twenty-three short stories by British author Leone Ross, published by Peepal Tree Press. The collection represents Ross's first published compilation of short fiction. The stories center on Jamaican women and women of Jamaican ancestry, exploring their lives and experiences across different settings and situations. The narratives range from realistic portrayals to works incorporating magical realism and experimental forms. The collection includes notable stories such as "The Woman Who Lived in a Restaurant," "Love Silk Food," and "Phone Call to a London Rape Crisis Centre," each offering distinct perspectives on female experience. These pieces vary in length from flash fiction to more extended works. The work examines universal themes of human connection, identity, and resilience, while specifically highlighting Caribbean cultural experiences and the complexities of modern womanhood. Through these stories, Ross creates a bridge between traditional storytelling and contemporary narrative forms.

Readers note the raw emotional impact and unconventional style of these short stories, particularly their exploration of sexuality and relationships. The collection has gained attention for its blend of magical realism with Caribbean cultural elements. Readers appreciated: - The lyrical prose and vivid imagery - Complex female characters - Stories that mix everyday events with surreal elements - The author's handling of difficult themes - Cultural authenticity in the Caribbean-set stories Common criticisms: - Some stories feel unresolved or abrupt - Sexual content too explicit for some readers - Uneven pacing across the collection - A few readers found certain stories hard to follow Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (73 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (12 reviews) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (8 reviews) One reviewer on Goodreads called it "sensual and strange in equal measure," while another noted that "some stories leave you hanging, wanting more closure."

Popisho by Leone Ross Set in a Caribbean-influenced world of magic and sensuality, this novel shares the same blend of folklore and eroticism found in Come Let Us Sing Anyway.

Love and Other Stories by Lauri Kubuitsile These stories present intimate portraits of women's lives across Africa with magical realism elements that echo Ross's narrative style.

What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi This collection weaves together tales of keys, locks, and doors with the same surreal elements and exploration of identity found in Ross's work.

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw These nine stories delve into Black women's relationships with sexuality, faith, and freedom in ways that mirror Ross's frank examination of desire.

How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs The stories in this collection examine Jamaican identity and diaspora experiences with the same unflinching gaze Ross brings to her Caribbean-influenced narratives.

🌟 Leone Ross was born in England and grew up in Jamaica, giving her a uniquely dual perspective that enriches her storytelling. 🌟 The collection took over 15 years to complete, with some stories dating back to the early stages of Ross's writing career. 🌟 The book's title "Come Let Us Sing Anyway" reflects the Caribbean tradition of using song as a form of resilience and resistance during difficult times. 🌟 Ross is also known for her groundbreaking magical realist novel "All the Blood Is Red," which was shortlisted for the Orange Prize. 🌟 Several stories in the collection have been adapted for radio broadcast by the BBC, reaching international audiences through a different medium.