The Wine of Astonishment is a novel by Earl Lovelace, set in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1930s and 1940s. It tells the story of the spiritual journey of Bee, the leader of a small Pentecostal community known as the "Sons and Daughters of the Living God."
In the first chapter, we are introduced to Bee and his wife, Leah, as they attend a meeting of the Sons and Daughters. Bee is a charismatic and deeply spiritual man, and his faith is a source of strength and guidance for the community. However, their peaceful existence is shattered when the government enacts legislation that severely restricts the practice of their religion.
The second chapter begins with Bee and Leah being arrested and imprisoned for their refusal to comply with the new laws. While in prison, Bee experiences a spiritual awakening, and he begins to see his imprisonment as a test of his faith. He becomes convinced that God has a plan for him and his community, and he begins to see the hand of God at work in his life.
In the third chapter, Bee is released from prison and returns to the community. He finds that the Sons and Daughters have suffered greatly under the government's persecution, and many of them have lost their faith. Bee becomes determined to rebuild the community and restore their faith, and he begins to hold meetings and preach to the people.
The fourth chapter sees the community struggling to survive under the harsh conditions imposed by the government. Despite their difficulties, Bee remains convinced that God will provide for them, and he urges the people to have faith and persevere.
In the final chapter, Bee's faith is put to the test when Leah becomes gravely ill. Bee is torn between his belief that God will heal Leah and the reality of her deteriorating condition. In the end, Leah dies, and Bee is left to grapple with the question of why God did not heal her. However, even in the face of this tragedy, Bee remains steadfast in his faith and continues to lead the community with hope and determination.
Overall, The Wine of Astonishment is a powerful and moving tale of faith, perseverance, and the human spirit. It tells the story of a small community's struggle to maintain their beliefs in the face of immense adversity, and it serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the human capacity for resilience and perseverance.
