Norris Mitchell launches memoir

By Linda Straker

“In the Shadow of the Palace – The making of an Architect” is the name of the latest book to be launched by a Grenadian author and it is described as an historic family heirloom, depicting the life of the author from his childhood days to the present.

Written by Norris Mitchell – well known retired Chartered Architect and Urban Planner, the 193 page publication is dedicated to his parents and to his future generation. “It was a family effort, a family project aimed at telling our past, so that my present and future generation will know and at the same time have better understanding about who they are,” he said at launch of his book on Saturday.

Norris Mitchell signing copies of his memoir, ‘In the
Shadow of the Palace – The making of an Architect”
at at the St John’s Community Library.

Held at the St John’s Community Library, the venue was specially selected as it was in that parish his childhood memories were founded, though he was born in Guyana. “I came to Grenada under the age of two and so my childhood memories really has its foundation in Gouyave on the Lance, in a house where every evening the shadow of a tree will cover our home,” he told those attending the launch.

Published by Georgia based BookLogix, the foreword was done by Dr Nigel Gravesande while the overview by his daughter Mecada Djabatey. “The wisdom gained from a lifetime of knowledge, experience, and expertise will serve as a ‘beacon marking the way’ for those coming after, who possess the determination and gumption to pursue their dreams to reality, regardless of the naysayers who would put hurdles in the way, so that their prophesy may be fulfilled,” she said in the overview.

Described as a collection of intangible cultural heritage, “In the Shadow of the Palace” is a thought-provoking and inspiring story, taking the reader on a magnificent journey through real-life struggles. “It will make a truly good movie based on a true life story,” said his son-in-law Raphael Djabatey.

“This memoir gives an account of a boy growing up in Gouyave and his unwavering determination to succeed in his chosen career of architecture, even in the face of abject poverty and discrimination. Invaluable lessons learned from his parents and the world around him provided a solid foundation which guided him through his early life,” said the overview.

The reader experiences the euphoria as the boy from Gouyave reaches his professional pinnacle, opening a successful architectural practice in Guyana and later winning a national architectural competition to design the iconic Guyana National Cultural Centre, a performing ARTS THEATRE, the largest of its type in the English speaking Caribbean for 2500 patrons.

The memoir takes the reader through the challenges of racism faced by a black qualified architect working in London, England and Nigeria. The sobering realities of colonial dominance which
permeated the Nigerian establishment also presented challengers to this young man who was unfazed by the hard work necessary to overcome these obstacles.

“It reflects a life driven by purpose, motivated by excellence, and inspired by the realisation that perseverance can overcome difficulties, with the lesson that what may seemingly be a challenge can be transformed into an opportunity,” says his daughter.

A complimentary copy of the book was presented to a number of institutions and individuals including the Library; the St John’s Anglican and Roman Catholic Schools; Family members and former Governor General Sir Carlyle Glean.