Earl Lovelace writes about the survival of a small community of Spiritual Baptists with a lyricism and understanding of dialogue which has established an international reputation.

'If we clap we hands and catch the Spirit, the police could arrest us. One day we was Baptist, the next day we is criminals.'
The Wine of Astonishment is a poignant and devastating tale of the discrimination the Black community of Bonasse faced during the first half of the 20th century. Told from the perspective of a religious wife, Eva retells the torment and tribulations her family and friends endure at the hands of abusive police and corrupt government officials. Hurtling towards its tragic climax, Bolo's transformation embodies the tragedy manifested when a people are pushed too far.