REVIEW: WHERE THE FALSE GODS DWELL is a compelling historical fiction that artfully weaves together the lives of women bound by ancestry, ambition, and the quest for truth. This novel stands out not only for its expressive storytelling but also for its stellar portrayal of Katherine Dunham, celebrated anthropologist, dancer, and choreographer whose presence serves as an anchor for the narrative’s exploration of cultural heritage and legacy.
At the heart of the novel are three women, Othella, Vivian Jean, and Zinzi; three women whose lives are interlaced by secrets and shared dreams. Othella is a con artist, pick-pocket extraordinaire while Vivian Jean is a member of the Black Elite of 1930’s Chicago. Zinzi is a labor union activist challenging the plantation system of Jamaica. Their relationship is complex and marked by moments of tenderness and solidarity. Vivian Jean and Othella accompany Ms. Dunham to the Maroon village of Accompong in Jamaica. It is there where they meet Zinzi, who is a native Jamaican. Ms. Bryce skillfully conveys the significance of Accompong. It is not just another setting in the narrative, but it is a living testament to resilience and cultural survival. Through rituals, stories, and the energy of the village, these three women, richly drawn characters, find renewed purpose in honoring their heritage.
WHERE THE FALSE GODS DWELL is a moving tribute to the power of sisterhood, the importance of the culture, and the enduring legacy of women like Katherine Dunham. The reader gets a clear view of the ways in which history and culture intertwine. In the author’s notes, Ms. Bryce shares some historical figures and facts that inspired this fictionalized story. There are also thought-provoking discussion questions for book clubs. WHERE THE FALSE GODS DWELL is a must-read for anyone interested in the ways identity and heritage intersect. I recommend it.
19th February 2026 | romcol@caribsurf.com
At the heart of the novel are three women, Othella, Vivian Jean, and Zinzi; three women whose lives are interlaced by secrets and shared dreams. Othella is a con artist, pick-pocket extraordinaire while Vivian Jean is a member of the Black Elite of 1930’s Chicago. Zinzi is a labor union activist challenging the plantation system of Jamaica. Their relationship is complex and marked by moments of tenderness and solidarity. Vivian Jean and Othella accompany Ms. Dunham to the Maroon village of Accompong in Jamaica. It is there where they meet Zinzi, who is a native Jamaican. Ms. Bryce skillfully conveys the significance of Accompong. It is not just another setting in the narrative, but it is a living testament to resilience and cultural survival. Through rituals, stories, and the energy of the village, these three women, richly drawn characters, find renewed purpose in honoring their heritage.
WHERE THE FALSE GODS DWELL is a moving tribute to the power of sisterhood, the importance of the culture, and the enduring legacy of women like Katherine Dunham. The reader gets a clear view of the ways in which history and culture intertwine. In the author’s notes, Ms. Bryce shares some historical figures and facts that inspired this fictionalized story. There are also thought-provoking discussion questions for book clubs. WHERE THE FALSE GODS DWELL is a must-read for anyone interested in the ways identity and heritage intersect. I recommend it.
19th February 2026 | romcol@caribsurf.com
