The novel centers around the coming-of-age story of the protagonist, Annie John, in Antigua. Throughout her childhood and adolescence, she grapples with her complex relationship with her mother, her self-identity, and the colonial influence of the British on her island home. As she matures, her once close bond with her mother becomes strained, and she struggles with feelings of separation and independence. The narrative explores themes of colonialism, gender, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.

"Lucy" is a novel centered on a young woman from the West Indies who becomes an au pair for a wealthy family in the United States. As she navigates her new life, she grapples with issues of identity, culture, and the lingering effects of colonialism. The novel explores themes of displacement, alienation, and the struggle to reconcile one's past with a new and different present. Throughout the story, the protagonist's experiences and reflections offer a profound commentary on the complexities of post-colonial identity.