Moses Ascending

Moses faces unexpected challenges as a landlord in London, including a Black Power group and illegal activities, in Moses Ascending.

In Moses Ascending, we follow the journey of Moses, a former Caribbean immigrant who has transformed his life into that of a landlord in Shepherd's Bush, London. He envisions a comfortable existence where he can pen his memoirs, relying on his loyal handyman, Bob, to handle the day-to-day tasks of managing their dilapidated property. However, Moses soon discovers that his dreams of autonomy are threatened by a series of unexpected challenges that test his resolve and ingenuity.

As the story unfolds, a Black Power group led by the charismatic Brenda takes over the basement of his house, bringing with them a whirlwind of activism and chaos. Compounding his troubles, an illegal people-smuggling operation is uncovered in the upper floors, attracting unwanted attention from the authorities. To make matters worse, Moses faces harassment from racist police, bizarre incidents like sheep-slaughtering in his backyard, and the looming presence of a Black Panther on the run. These events force him to confront the harsh realities of his environment and the complexities of identity and community in a rapidly changing Britain.

Moses Ascending offers a humorous yet poignant exploration of 1970s Britain through the eyes of its diverse characters, many of whom are familiar from Selvon's earlier work, The Lonely Londoners. As Moses navigates his tumultuous circumstances, readers are invited to reflect on themes of belonging, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity.