Like most of the countries in the Caribbean, Barbados was colonized by European settlers. Most of the known works from that time period are written by Europeans rather than indigenous Bajans or the slaves brought to the region by the Atlantic Slave Trade.

It’s not until the 20th century that a national voice in Bajan literature begins to emerge. In the mid 20th century, Barbados began pushing for independence, influenced greatly by writings focusing on national identity, cultural heritage and resisting colonialism.

Frank Collymore is often considered the father of modern Bajan literature. Collymore wrote poems, plays, novels, and was also a stage performer, he also has a literary award named after him. 

Another prominent Bajan writer is George Lemming, who’s 1953 novel In the Castle of my Skin is considered a seminal work for the country, which tackles the complexities of growing up in colonial Barbados.