Michael De Gale

Author's website

The Call of the Cascadura

Michael De Gale grew up on the Caribbean island of Trinidad then moved to Canada where he currently resides. A graduate from York University in Toronto, he is also an avid reader, painter and writer, whose interests include politics, history and contemporary social issues.

Michael De’s books on Goodreads (35 books)

Imagine leaving the warmth of a tropical paradise for a land of ice and snow. What does it take to reconstruct a life in a world that’s vastly different from the one you’ve always known?  Join me on an epic journey through epochs of time, across fathomless oceans and vast continents.

‘The Call of the Cascadura’ weaves a powerful narrative that takes you on an unforgettable journey. From the sun-baked shores of Africa and the Caribbean Island of Trinidad to bustling Canadian cities, this is a story of resilience and determination. The author explores his deep-rooted history, the scourge of chattel slavery, and the complex world of politics; tackling these issues with a raw, honest voice. It is a story of hope, struggle, and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to be defined by circumstances.

“‘The Call of the Cascadura’ is a testament to the indomitable human spirit that makes bread out of stone —a story of resilience and identity, that is as rich in history as it is in heart.”

 Embark on a journey that will remain with you long after the last page is turned.

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Available now on Amazon.

Available at Amazon.com and barnes & noble

  • A Bridge Across the Ocean

    A Bridge Across the Ocean is a poignant novel that traces the emotional and cultural journey of Nyota, a sixteen-year-old girl born and raised in Toronto, as she travels to Côte d’Ivoire with her grandparents. What begins as a summer trip soon unfolds into a transformative experience that challenges her understanding of identity, belonging, and heritage.

    Set against the vibrant backdrops of Toronto and West Africa, the novel explores the contrasts and connections between Nyota’s life in Canada and her ancestral roots. Through her grandparents’ guidance, stories, and lived wisdom, Nyota is gradually introduced to the rhythms, traditions, and histories that shape her lineage. As she navigates unfamiliar environments, new relationships, and moments of cultural awakening, she is forced to confront questions about who she is and where she truly belongs.

    At its heart, the story is about bridging worlds-between generations, continents, and identities. The relationship between Nyota and her grandparents forms the emotional core of the narrative, offering readers a tender portrayal of intergenerational love, mentorship, and the passing down of cultural knowledge. Their presence anchors Nyota as she grapples with both the excitement and uncertainty of stepping into a broader understanding of herself.

    The novel also delves into themes of diaspora, memory, and self-discovery, highlighting the complexities faced by second-generation youth who straddle multiple cultures. Through richly descriptive storytelling and introspective moments, the reader is invited to experience Nyota’s internal growth as she moves from curiosity to clarity, from distance to connection.

    Ultimately, A Bridge Across the Ocean is a story about transformation. It speaks to the power of travel-not just across physical spaces, but across emotional and cultural landscapes. It is a celebration of heritage, a reflection on identity, and a reminder that understanding where you come from can be the key to discovering who you are.

    A Bridge Across the Ocean : de Gale, Michael: Amazon.com.au: Books

  • A Must Read

    Every so often, a reader finds a book that makes such an indelible impression that it must be shared with others. The Call of the Cascadura is exactly that kind of book. Like an artist applying paint to canvas in the process of creating a masterpiece, the author creates vibrant images on paper with his use of language. This beautifully written memoir, provides the reader with great insight into the complexity of leaving a familiar country and venturing into the otherwise unknown. It is a captivating story with which many will identify, even if they have never embarked on such a journey. The reader is taken back and forth between a bountiful, sunbathed Caribbean Island and one of the coldest cities in Canada. The author’s ability to generate vivid images and his captivating writing style, takes the reader along on the journey; weaving history, politics, and contemporary social issues into one captivating memoir, that reads like poetry. This book will move you to tears and then lift you up with laughter. Mr. De Gale is a seductive writer with great lyrical charm and powerful descriptive ability.

    He writes;

    “Like a colossus standing tall in the distance, the mountain that shields the island from hurricane winds struck an arresting pose. Jungle green and thickly forested, it rises in excess of 3000 feet at its highest point, amplifying the beauty of this magnificent isle, where meandering roads and tranquil rivers cut deep into the belly of the island so warm, so fertile, so green.”

    Whether written in Standard English or the Trinidadian dialect, the dialogue is spicy and as rhythmic as the steel pan and calypso music that is the hallmark of the island.

  • Very Engaging

    “After reading the book it immediately reminded me of The Kite Runner . The vivid description of different locations and imagery are just splendid. I felt I was travelling across all those places.”

    -Ayesha Muthuveloe; Author of “Two Islands Called Home.”