David Lambert’s debut novel, The House in Bacolet, follows Hugh and Julia, a
couple from Putney who sell up and move to Tobago. This is an expat story with an
unmistakably Caribbean accent— a tale of reinvention, belonging and the
complexities of arriving somewhere new.
As they settle into their new home, Hugh and Julia encounter many of the familiar
challenges faced by newcomers: DIY disasters, unexpected encounters that
blossom into friendships, and the heightened awareness that comes from suddenly
seeing oneself as an outsider.
Lambert also explores the deeper tensions created by privilege and wealth within a
community shaped by the legacies of slavery and colonialism. The novel examines
the misunderstandings and negotiations that arise between cultures, as Hugh and
Julia attempt to navigate new social codes and relationships.
Festilitt looks forward to welcoming David Lambert to discuss The House in Bacolet,
his writing journey, and the process behind bringing this compelling story to life.