Where The Guava Tree Stands by Leah T. Williams explores the immigrant experience through a young girl, Mina, who moves from St. Kitts to Orlando. This collection of narrative poems addresses identity, belonging, and adaptation while vividly depicting cultural dissonance and personal growth. Williams conveys the raw emotions and transitions of Mina's journey. As she navigates her new environment’s unfamiliar aspects, Mina holds onto memories of her homeland, brought to life by Williams's sensory details. The guava tree symbolizes her connection to her roots and her efforts to plant familiarity in foreign soil. The book is structured to provide readers with a deep insight into Mina’s inner world as she adapts to her new life.

Each poem is a snapshot, a moment of reflection or memory, weaving together a tapestry of a life caught between two worlds. From the initial excitement and novelty to the poignant moments of longing for home, Leah T. Williams skillfully depicts the emotional landscape of her protagonist. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its ability to convey the universality of the immigrant experience. Through Mina’s eyes, readers are introduced to the joys and pains of moving abroad from the initial alienation, the gradual acceptance, and the eventual appreciation of a new culture. Where The Guava Tree Stands is an emotionally charged collection that beautifully captures the essence of leaving one’s homeland to forge a new path in a different world. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in stories of migration, identity, and the enduring ties of family and culture.

Where The Guava Tree Stands by Leah T. Williams is a collection of original poetry that follows the experiences of Mina, an immigrant in the throes of upheaval on home, identity, and belonging. In Coconut Water and Cook-Up Cravings, Mina takes on the sensory nostalgia of her Caribbean roots, particularly through food, contrasting the warmth of home with the alienation of being away. The Soccer Match shows Mina's excitement during a soccer game, where victory becomes a symbol of connection and community. Grandma's Call describes a phone conversation with Mina’s grandmother and the bonds that transcend distance. New Laws Loom shows Mina’s fears and uncertainty about their family’s status in the face of shifting political policies. The collection ties her experiences with broader social issues using deeply emotive language.

Leah T. Williams’ Where The Guava Tree Stands is a powerful poetry collection that leans into the experience of re-homing and the very real issues of belonging. Through Mina, Williams traces a sweeping journey from a childhood home in St. Kitts to a new life in Florida, embodying the unique feelings and beauty of the diaspora experience. As an immigrant myself, I connected immediately with the pulling together of nostalgia, culture, and family. The Unexpected Reunion is particularly memorable, speaking on the warmth and bittersweetness of family connections as Cousin Ruth’s visit brings joy and shared memories of Caribbean flavors. A Letter to the Future provides an inspiring perspective on embracing one’s heritage while looking forward, with symbols like the guava tree grounding Mina’s sense of identity. Overall, Williams’ collection is the perfect ode to optimism and love of self alongside roots, resilience, and growth. Very highly recommended.