Curious Missy

By Christiana Allen Thorne

In this book of ten short stories, a ten-year-old girl, Missy, wonders and wanders around her village—observing what’s going on, listening to gossips and rumors, and challenging conventional wisdom. Take a peek!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Apr 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781982225346

Christiana Allen Thorne

Christiana Allen Thorne was born and raised in Montserrat, West Indies. She migrated to the USA in 1970 and eventually earned a Bachelor of Arts from Boston State College, Master of Education from Boston College and a Doctor of Education from Boston University. She served children in the Boston Public Schools as a teacher and guidance counselor for approximately 35 years. For over four decades she volunteered her service to improve the academic, social and spiritual needs of young people in her community in her role as founding member and coordinator of the academic program at Montserrat Aspirers, Inc. and Director of Education at Beulah Pilgrim Holiness church. For the last five years, she continues to volunteer her services as teacher, mentor, and spiritual leader in her church community.

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Copyright © 2019 Christiana Allen Thorne.

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ISBN: 978-1-9822-2530-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-2529-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-2534-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019903940

Balboa Press rev. date: 04/24/2019

In these ten short stories, Dr. Thorne portrays the realities of village life in her native British Caribbean island territory of Montserrat as experienced in the earlier years after World War II. This portrayal of relationships and human interactions within family units, among neighbors and friends across the wider community, all set against the background of church and school, the multifaceted ways in which simple people made a living, and the myths, superstitions, folktales, age old legends, biblical proverbs and precautionary routines that gave a special flavour to village life, together create a certain nostalgia within those of us who were born and nurtured in similar Caribbean environments.

These stories should resonate with the vast number of people that constitute the worldwide Commonwealth Caribbean diaspora as well as others who may wish to be informed of the social and other elemental factors that were typical of village life in past decades not yet forgotten.

—Joseph W Bass, Economist and Social Commentator

CURIOUS MISSY is a collection of short stories that are a unique presentation of island lore, customs and geography. In the stories, Christiana reveals the artful, quick-witted spark of the Montserrat children as they navigate the axiom, to be seen and not heard, not only in the homes but within the community.

Every reader can relate to the events in the story BORROWED SHOES. How many times have each of us disregarded advice only to suffer the consequences.

Throughout the stories, Missy takes the reader on an expedition while just being her curious self.

—Mrs. Paulette Mungal, Reading Specialist

Curious Missy's musings and wanderings open a window through which we take a peek into a past many of us recall. It is a past that is quickly fading from memory and is in danger of being forever lost. The stories chronicle the simple way of life, the hard-work ethic, the customs and beliefs, the tight knit family and community environment that supported, disciplined, lauded, and guided young travelers on their journey to adulthood. Curious Missy is a must-read for those of us who remember, for those who follow in our footsteps, and for those who have never heard of tiny, small places in the Caribbean, such as Montserrat.

—Junia Yearwood, Retired Boston Public School Teacher, Freelance Op Ed Writer

DEDICATION

This book is written in memory of my parents Esther and Peter, especially to my father who has been the perfect model for my curiousity, hardwork, and creativity.

CONTENTS

Lost Key At Mom’s Cotton Ground

De-Danny Says Goodbye

The Flying Preacher

The Tannia Itch

Our Stressed Island

Ghost In Our House

Borrowed Shoes

Elijah Grounded

Worms Everywhere

Cousins

LOST KEY AT MOM’S COTTON GROUND

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Rendezvous Bluff

Y esterday was the day I, Missy Afraide, had to resume search for Mom’s trunk key I had lost while chasing butterflies in her cotton ground. De-Danny, one of my classmates, had passed three days ago and based on popular belief, his spirit was to rise that day – the third day – the same day I had to go with my mom to find the key.

At his funeral the parson and the people around the grave repeated many times, May his soul rest in peace, a quote usually used at funerals. Yet, I heard rumors that some people who