With Only Human Hopes: Reading Earl Lovelace

With Only Human Hopes is a synthetical analysis of Earl Lovelace’s published novels, plays, short-stories, and children’s book. It is the first text to approach this award-winning author from a biblical perspective under the broad theme of nation-building in Trinidadian society. Relying on scholars such as Albert Camus, Eric Williams, Charles Wesley, and Booker T. Washington, in addition to scriptural heroes like King David, Daniel, Jacob, and Samson, Barrow-Delgado examines Lovelace’s commentary on the human experience. She discusses the creative culture of Carnival, Calypso, and Spiritual Baptist worship in relation to the absurdity of oppression and the responsibility to press on to a more authentic experience of independence. The text appeals to a wide audience by exploring themes of race, class, and gender, alongside the biblical foundation of Lovelace’s writing.