A Brief History of Seven Killings

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism, gender discrimination, antigay bias, sexual violence and harassment, rape, substance use, addiction, graphic violence, sexual content, death, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

A Jamaican woman in Montego Bay has adopted the name Kim Clarke (readers identify her as Nina). Kim, who is originally from Kingston, describes herself as a tense person. She tries to suppress her harsh thoughts, considering any attempt at reflection dangerous. She avoids the news because it disrupts her mood. The only thing she is interested in is starting a new life in the United States.

Kim has a white boyfriend from Arkansas named Chuck, who works for a company called Alcorp Bauxite. Kim met Chuck at a popular bar where expatriates pick up local women. Kim chose Chuck because he presented himself as a small-town, regular guy.

Although there also are plenty of things she dislikes about Chuck, Kim tries to build a relationship with him. She often says things to keep Chuck satisfied so that he will take her to the United States. Because of the rising political instability in Jamaica, Kim expects that they will leave in one month’s time. The PNP have maintained their government majority; the extension of their tenure has led to resentment from companies like Chuck’s.