A Small Gathering of Bones was a compelling read. This story is a character-centric drama set on the precipice of the AIDS epidemic in Jamaica. We closely follow Dale, a gay college student in Kingston as he navigates the complexities of toxic romantic relationships, strained familial dynamics and worsening health of a close friend.

This book may not be for everyone. Patricia Powell writes in Jamaican English and while I found her prose melodic and easy to read some may find it jarring. Another hurdle for readers could be Powell's non-linear storytelling. The story is fond of digressions and flashbacks in the middle of scenes which, I will admit, made the story occasionally hard to follow.

However, I found every moment of this book captivating. The novel is a character study so I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for a tightly plotted narrative. Powell does a fantastic job unpacking the psyche of her protagonist. I especially loved how the novel explored the winding arc of Dale's various romantic entanglements. There was an authenticity to the insecurity and loneliness that drove so much of Dale's destructive habits. Powell is especially successful at depicting the nuances of daily life and crafts incredibly engaging personal drama. The thoughtful exploration of power dynamics in families and navigating religious communities as a gay man were also appreciated.

A Small Gathering of Bones is a gripping read. It was filled with fascinating characters and Powell's writing consistently had me on the edge of my seat. It's definitely one of my favourite texts I've had to read for school.