By Yolanda T. Marshall

Early this year, in April, I recommended two exceptional books by Sabrina Chetram, a Canadian-born author of Guyanese heritage. Sabrina is of Indo-Caribbean heritage and her books are filling a gap in the literary world. There is a demand for more cultured literature written by Indo-Caribbean authors and Sabrina is one of the few delivering. Caribbean readers appreciate great humour, which can be found in many of Sabrina Chetram’s books. It is a great honour to learn more about this flourishing author and her much-deserved success.

What inspired you to start writing?

I have always loved writing and have had a very creative mind. Since childhood, I have written and performed comedy skits and stories about my culture. I wanted to continue to capture the fun and humour in the Guyanese culture that I grew up immersed in. I love everything about my Guyanese heritage and it’s important to me that I see that represented in books for all generations to come. I do this for our culture, for all children of immigrants to keep them connected and to leave a legacy. I love making people smile and if even one book can make one person have a better day, I think it’s worth it.

How has your journey been so far?

I currently have four published books available for sale on Amazon. I am so happy that my books have been so well received and thousands of copies have been purchased all over the world; North America, the Caribbean and Europe. In addition to the overwhelming love and support from fans of my stories, I have been blessed to have many doors opened over the last few months. My Guyana Word book was read live on 99.9 FM Virgin Radio, I have a signed copy of My Big Fat Guyanese Wedding on display at The Guyana Consulate Toronto. Very recently, I met and filmed a video about my books with Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and a signed copy of my books was presented to the Vice President of Guyana during his recent visit to Canada. I am looking forward to this coming holiday season where my popular tales, A Guyana Christmas Story and Chutney Santa Man Returns Home will be published.

Congratulations on your latest release, My Big Fat Guyanese Wedding Part 2: The Wedding. Please, tell us more about this book.

My book is a celebration of Indo-Guyanese wedding culture and traditions. It captures the heart, the fun and the drama that is associated with Guyanese weddings. This book is for everyone; regardless of age, religion, country or culture. There are pieces for everyone to connect to, learn about and definitely enjoy. This humourous rhyming story is written in the style of Guyanese Creolese. From the start of this story, we find Sabrina and Devindra blissfully planning their Wedding after the romantic engagement that concluded Part 1: Prologue. A mysterious person from Sabrina’s past appears to shake things up. Will Sabrina and Devindra make it down the aisle? Find out in, My Big Fat Guyanese Wedding Part 2: The Wedding.

Sabrina Chetram’s books are available on Amazon.ca.

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