Brian Sankarsingh

Brian Sankarsingh is a writer who approaches storytelling with precision and purpose. Known to his readers as Brian The Poet, he recently made headlines by winning the Best Historical Fiction award at the International Impact Book Awards. The recognition came for his four-book series, Enslaved: A Chronicle of Resistance. This work has captured attention for its vivid portrayal of enslavement, resistance and the resilience of enslaved peoples. The series sheds light on historical realities of enslavement while drawing readers into a gripping narrative. This award highlights Sankarsingh’s ability to blend historical accuracy with emotional depth. For him, the past isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a force that shapes the present. Through Enslaved, he invites you to explore real life people and stories of enslaved Africans and the universal themes of human struggle and endurance. The books resonate with anyone interested in history, identity, or the power of collective memory. Sankarsingh’s approach to writing is grounded in accessibility and relevance. He’s not interested in preaching or overwhelming you with academic jargon. Instead, his work engages you directly, offering insights that feel both personal and communal. With Decolonizing The Trinidadian Mind, he aims to create a space for reflection and dialogue. The book delves into topics like identity, cultural survival, and the ways in which colonial ideologies persist in everyday life. It’s a project born from a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the legacies of colonial rule. If you’ve followed Sankarsingh’s career, you’ll know that his work often reflects his own Trinidadian heritage. He brings a nuanced perspective to the complexities of Caribbean history and culture within a Canadian and broader North American context. This isn’t just about revisiting the past; it’s about interrogating it and finding pathways to move forward. His writing encourages you to think critically about how history shapes your worldview, whether you’re in Trinidad or elsewhere. Winning the International Impact Book Award is no small feat, especially in a genre as competitive as historical fiction. It’s a testament to Sankarsingh’s skill as a poet and storyteller and his dedication to bringing untold stories to light. Enslaved: A Chronicle of Resistance stands out for its meticulous research and the compelling people who shaped, defined, and refined African enslavement. Abraham Lincoln, Nat Turner, Robert Small, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X are all brought back to life through Sankarsingh's poetry. In these stories they are not portrayed as one-dimensional figures; they’re complex individuals navigating the harsh realities of their time. Through their experiences, you get a sense of the broader struggles and triumphs that define the human spirit. In Sankarsingh's most recent book Decolonizing the Trinidadian Mind (Feb 2025), he continues to build on his reputation as a writer who tackles important issues with clarity and care. The book’s release comes at a time when conversations about decolonization are gaining momentum worldwide. For readers in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean, it’s an opportunity to engage with ideas that feel both urgent and deeply personal. For those outside the region, the book offers a window into the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the ways in which they intersect with global narratives. Sankarsingh’s writing career is characterized by a clear sense of purpose. He’s not just telling stories through his eclectic blend of storytelling and poetry; he’s using them as tools for understanding and transformation. Whether through fiction or cultural critique, his work invites you to reflect on your own place within the broader currents of history and culture. This is writing that asks questions and challenges assumptions, all while remaining deeply rooted in the human experience. Brian Sankarsingh’s journey as a writer is a testament to the power of storytelling. He’s shown that literature can be a platform for exploring complex historical, socio-political, and racial issues while remaining accessible and engaging. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, his books offer something valuable. They challenge you to see history not as a series of distant events but as a living force that shapes who you are today.