About the Book: Miguel Street
Winner of the Somerset Maugham Prize
Miguel Street, V.S. Naipauls first work of fiction, is set in a derelict corner
of Port of Spain, Trinidad, during World War Two and is narrated by an unnamed,
precociously observant neighbourhood boy. We are introduced to a galaxy of
characters, from Popo the carpenter, who neglects his livelihood to build 'the
wild thing without a name, to Man-man, who goes from running for public office
to staging his own crucifixion, and the dreaded Big-Foot, the bully with glass
tear ducts. As well as the lovely Mrs Hereira, in thrall to her monstrous
husband.
V.S. Naipaul writes