Abeng Summary

Abeng, published in 1984, is a semi-autobiographical novel by Michelle Cliff that follows the life of Clare Savage, a biracial Jamaican girl growing up during the 1950s. The story is set against the backdrop of colonial Jamaica, a nation on the verge of independence, and explores the intersections of personal identity, race, gender, class, and the legacy of colonialism. Through Clare's experiences, Cliff highlights the complex realities of growing up in a society divided by color, privilege, and historical oppression.