Did you know that when you sign up to my mailing list you can read my latest novella, In 5 Days' Time for free? And did you know that in this novella I had a real-life character playing a major role?
Mona Baptiste is the real-life figure at the heart of my novella, In 5 Days' Time. While my story is a fictionalized account, Mona was a real person—a talented Trinidadian singer who arrived in Britain on the Empire Windrush in 1948. Her life, like those of many from the Windrush generation, was shaped by courage, resilience, and an undeniable talent that led her to success across Europe.
Who Was Mona Baptiste?
Mona Baptiste was born in Trinidad, though her exact birth year is a matter of some debate. Some records list 1928, while others suggest 1926. What is certain is that she was a gifted singer whose powerful voice carried her far beyond the shores of her homeland. She was just 20 (or possibly 22) when she boarded the Empire Windrush to start a new chapter in England.
Once in the UK, she quickly made a name for herself as a singer and performer, working in radio and appearing in films. Her career flourished in Germany, where she became well-known for her performances in both English and German. Though she never became a household name in Britain, her success in continental Europe proved that talent knows no borders.
She retired from singing in 1958 when her son was five and her husband died in a car accident. In 1972 she moved to Ireland and married again. She tried to revive her singing career but it was unsuccessful. Mona was reported to have suffered a stroke at age 65 and died.
A Story Yet to Be Fully Told
Despite her achievements, Mona Baptiste remains an overlooked figure in the history of Black British music and the Windrush experience. Her story, like that of so many others, deserves more recognition. This is part of what drew me to include her in Wherever You Will Go, my upcoming novel, and to create a fictionalized version of her journey in In 5 Days' Time.
Adding to My TBR: We Sang Across the Sea by Benjamin Zephaniah
While researching for my novella, I came across We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me a picture book by Benjamin Zephaniah and illustrated by Onyinye Iwu. Published in 2022. I’ll be adding this to my TBR pile, and I encourage anyone interested in the history of Windrush to do the same.
I also purchased a copy of What About The Princess? The Life and Times of Mona Baptiste, by Bill Hern & David Gleave. Also published in 2022. It makes for an interesting read, though has some speculation about Mona's life rather than real facts. In my opinion, it's probably not the most well written of books. So I'll probably seek out some more. Though I'm doubtful about whether the search will lead to anywhere.
Bringing Mona’s Story to Life
Through In 5 Days’ Time, I hope to shine a light on Mona’s journey, blending historical fact with fiction to bring her story to new readers. Though she remains somewhat elusive in recorded history, her legacy as a pioneering Caribbean artist in post-war Europe deserves to be celebrated.
If you’re intrigued by Mona Baptiste and the Windrush experience, I’d love for you to check out In 5 Days’ Time—it’s my free read for those who sign up to my mailing list! Let me know, too, if you’ve read We Sang Across the Sea or if you have any other recommendations on this topic for me.
Have you heard of Mona Baptiste before? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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