KINGSTON, Jamaica — Odiyo, the Caribbean’s pioneering digital audiobook platform, has announced the acquisition of audio rights to five celebrated titles from the acclaimed independent publisher Akashic Books.
The deal will bring to life works from some of the most compelling voices in Caribbean and diaspora literature, including two novels by the late Jamaican literary giant Anthony Winkler.
Under the agreement, Odiyo will produce and release audiobook editions of The Tower of the Antilles by Achy Obejas, My Own Dear People by Dwight Thompson, God Carlos by Anthony Winkler, The Family Mansion by Anthony Winkler and Watch Out for Falling Iguanas by Edwidge Danticat.
“We are thrilled to see these extraordinary works find new life in audio through Odiyo. The Caribbean’s literary tradition is rich, diverse and deserving of wider access. Odiyo’s commitment to amplifying regional voices makes them the perfect partner for these titles,” said Johnny Temple, chief executive officer of Akashic Books, in welcoming the partnership.
Anthony Winkler, best known for his internationally celebrated novel The Lunatic, remains one of Jamaica’s most beloved literary figures. This deal ensures that God Carlos and The Family Mansion will be available in audio for the first time, preserving Winkler’s sharp wit, historical insight and uniquely Jamaican storytelling for future generations.
Noting the significance of the deal, Lesley-Ann Wanliss, Odiyo’s head of acquisitions, said: “These are important works, not just for their literary merit, but for the way they capture and preserve the Caribbean’s voice and history. This partnership began through our shared mission with Akashic Books to make underrepresented stories accessible to more listeners. For Odiyo users, it means the ability to experience these narratives in an intimate and dynamic way, whether they’re discovering them for the first time or revisiting them in a new format.”
This acquisition marks a continued expansion of Odiyo’s curated catalogue of Caribbean literature in audio form, reinforcing the platform’s role as a champion for regional storytelling on a global stage.
