Colin Grant: How our stories cross over

The speaker reflects on his complex relationship with his father, Bageye, a Jamaican immigrant. He recounts childhood memories filled with fear and silence, shaped by cultural expectations and the pressure to conform. The narrative explores themes of identity, authority, and the generational gap. A reunion with Bageye after decades of silence leads to reflections on forgiveness and understanding, highlighting the potential for healing and reconciliation.

What nickname was given to the narrator's father, and why?

• Summerwear, because he wore light suits regardless of the weather.

• Clock, because one arm was longer than the other.

• Tidy Boots, because he was fussy about his footwear.

• Bageye, because he had permanent bags under his eyes.

What lesson did the narrator and his siblings learn from their father's behavior?

• Embrace cultural stereotypes.

• Always speak up for yourself.

• Do not draw attention to yourself.

• Challenge authority at all times.

What was the significance of wearing trilbies for Caribbean immigrants?

• It was a requirement by the host nation.

• It was a traditional Jamaican headwear.

• It was a symbol of rebellion.

• It was a way to project a positive image.

How did the narrator's father fund his education?

• By borrowing money from relatives.

• By receiving a scholarship from the state.

• By working extra shifts at Vauxhall Motors.

• By trading in illicit goods from the back of his car.

What was the narrator's father's attitude towards authority?

• He completely disregarded authority.

• He always obeyed without question.

• He was indifferent to authority.

• He mocked authority but also showed deference.

What did the narrator realize about his feelings towards his father after writing the book?

• He decided to cut ties permanently.

• He wanted to confront his father.

• He felt free from his past hatred.

• He still harbored resentment.

What did the narrator's father do in response to the book's publication?

• He praised the book publicly.

• He demanded a right of reply in the newspaper.

• He ignored the book completely.

• He reconciled with the narrator.

What does the narrator suggest about the nature of facts and stories?

• Facts are absolute and unchangeable.

• Facts are more important than personal narratives.

• There are only versions of stories we can live with.

• Stories should always be factual.

What did the narrator's mother do with photographs after separating from his father?

• She kept them all intact.

• She cut his father out of every photograph.

• She gave them to the narrator.

• She destroyed all the photographs.

How did the narrator feel during his reunion with his father?

• He felt indifferent.

• He felt completely at ease.

• He felt like he was auditioning to be his father's son.

• He felt a strong connection.