Entertainment

Rubicon: Jamaican Writer Crystal Evans on Storytelling as a Superpower

January 21, 2025

Crystal Evans, a Jamaican-born writer and celebrated storyteller, is redefining how we perceive Caribbean literature. With her latest novel, Rubicon, Evans proves that storytelling isn’t just an art—it’s a superpower. Through her raw, unflinching narratives, she has established herself as a voice for the voiceless, offering fresh perspectives on the realities of modern-day Jamaican life.

Finding Her Voice in a Silent World

Crystal Evans’ journey to literary acclaim has been far from conventional. Growing up in a challenging community in Jamaica, she faced a barrage of criticism and disbelief. “I’ve been told I’m fat, ugly, and wouldn’t amount to anything,” she shares candidly. But instead of being silenced, Evans found refuge in writing. Her words became her voice, and the pages of her books became a sanctuary where she could express herself freely.

Through sheer resilience and a commitment to authenticity, Evans grew a global community of over 106,000 followers who resonate with her unfiltered storytelling. “The pages listen,” she says. “And other people read the books, which is how I built my community.”

A Protagonist Who Mirrors Reality

In Rubicon, Evans revisits Saf, a recurring character who has become an alter ego of sorts. First introduced in previous works like Tall Dark and Bad and Every Man Deserves a Good Jacket, Saf embodies the struggles of many women navigating societal pressures and personal challenges. “Saf’s story is tiring, but it’s reality for many women,” Evans explains.

This time, Evans takes a bold creative risk. Rubicon isn’t a grand romance or a high-octane thriller; it’s a “boring story” told in a profound way. It’s about finding depth in the mundane and meaning in the everyday.

Breaking Barriers in Publishing

For Evans, success has come with its fair share of hurdles, particularly as a Jamaican writer. “They say Jamaicans or Black people don’t read,” she notes. “It’s still hard getting books into local markets.” While her works have found homes in major U.S. outlets like Walmart and Harvard Book Store, breaking into Caribbean markets has been a challenge.

Evans has tackled these obstacles with innovation and persistence. She began by selling her books on consignment, eventually earning full orders from retailers. Recently, she discovered a more cost-effective way to print her books using a China-based publisher, enabling her to reduce production costs significantly.

Storytelling as a Superpower

Crystal Evans stands out in the literary world because she isn’t afraid to tackle “hard topics.” Her stories delve into uncharted territories, exploring themes and narratives others shy away from. One of her most notable works, Steppa, portrays the life of a gunman in a way that elicits empathy for the villain—a rare feat in storytelling.

“Storytelling is more than entertainment,” Evans asserts. “It’s a tool for connection, understanding, and change.” Through her work, she demonstrates that storytellers are not just artists but also astute negotiators, salespeople, and community builders.

Global Recognition and Aspirations

Evans’ contributions to literature have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, she received the Global Recognition Award for Literature and Publishing in the Caribbean. She has also been a frequent fixture on Amazon’s Caribbean bestseller lists, with her novels ranking in the top 100 sixteen times.

Despite these achievements, Evans’ ambitions continue to grow. She dreams of adapting one of her stories into a screenplay for platforms like Netflix, Tubi, or Amazon Prime. She also aspires to win global writing accolades such as the Pulitzer Prize, all while continuing to inspire readers one story at a time.

Changing the Narrative, One Book at a Time

At the heart of Crystal Evans’ work is a mission to change the world through storytelling. She believes in giving a voice to those who have been silenced and shining a light on overlooked realities. Her novels are more than just stories—they’re lifelines for readers seeking understanding and connection.

Evans’ journey from a crime-ridden community in Jamaica to international literary acclaim is a testament to her resilience and determination. With Rubicon and her growing body of work, she is proving that even “boring” stories carry profound meaning.