The Provident Family of Baxter’s Yard

In June, 1948, a fire nearly destroyed Castries, St. Lucia. Author, Cornell Charles has used this devastating event as the backdrop for his latest novel, The Provident Family of Baxter’s Yard. Set on the fictional island of Au Tabor, The Provident Family of Baxter’s Yard is the story of Herman and Lorna Provident and their eight children. The family lives in an impoverished community in Tabor City, known as Baxter’s Yard. They long to escape their circumstances and pin their hopes on their eldest son, Victor, a brilliant student, who, with the help of a wealthy benefactor, is accepted at a prestigious school. Victor excels both academically and athletically. He makes friends with some of the children of Tabor City’s upper crust – boys whose skills match his own -- and for a time, straddles two worlds: that of Baxter’s Yard, where his very existence is circumscribed by forces outside his control, and that of his friends who have near total autonomy over theirs. On graduation, Victor is awarded a scholarship to continue his studies in England but tragedy strikes Tabor City before he can leave and in the aftermath, everyone is left pondering their future.

The Provident Family lives in an impoverished community of Baxter's Yard on the fictional island of Au Tabor. The family’s dream of improving their situation rests on Victor, the oldest child and an outstanding student both academically and athletically. Through the help of a wealthy benefactor, Victor is given financial aid to attend a prestigious school. Upon graduation, he is awarded a scholarship to continue his studies but tragedy strikes before he can leave the island..

The Provident Family lives in an impoverished community of Baxter's Yard on the fictional island of Au Tabor. The family’s dream of improving their situation rests on Victor, the oldest child and an outstanding student both academically and athletically. Through the help of a wealthy benefactor, Victor is given financial aid to attend a prestigious school. Upon graduation, he is awarded a scholarship to continue his studies but tragedy strikes before he can leave the island..