[He] was caught somewhere between the future and the past-both equal in his imagination. (Chapter Four) — Michelle Cliff

The island rose and sank. Twice. During periods in which history was recorded by indentations on rock and shell.

This is a book about the time which followed on that time. As the island became a place where people lived. Indians. Africans. Europeans. (beginning of Chapter One)

In the beginning there had been two sisters-Nanny and Sekesu. Nanny fled slavery. Sekesu remained a slave. Some said this was the difference between the sisters.

It was believed that all island children were descended from one or the other. All island people were first cousins.