Novels:
* The Lonely Londoners (1956): This groundbreaking novel is often considered his masterpiece. It tells the story of West Indian immigrants navigating life in 1950s London, using a blend of standard English and Caribbean dialect.
* A Brighter Sun (1957): This novel explores the life of Moses, a Trinidadian man who returns home after a disappointing experience in England.
* An Island is a World (1969): This novel delves into the lives of Trinidadians living in Trinidad, focusing on their struggles with colonialism and societal expectations.
* Moses Ascending (1975): This novel revisits the character of Moses from "A Brighter Sun," tracing his journey from childhood to adulthood.
* The Plains of Paradise (1987): This novel is set in a fictional Caribbean island and tells the story of a man who returns to his homeland after years of exile.
Short Story Collections:
* Ways of Sunlight (1958): This collection features stories exploring themes of identity, race, and displacement.
* The Housing Ladder (1965): This collection focuses on the experiences of West Indian immigrants in London.
* The Short Story (1981): This collection includes a range of Selvon's short stories, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
Plays:
* The Trouble with the Trinidad Government (1974): This play satirizes political corruption in Trinidad.
* The Other Woman (1980): This play explores themes of infidelity and betrayal.
Other Works:
* An Essay on West Indian Literature (1970): This essay provides insights into the development of West Indian literature.
* A Caribbean Journal (1984): This collection of travel writing chronicles Selvon's journeys through the Caribbean.
Samuel Selvon's writing is characterized by its authentic portrayal of Caribbean life, its use of dialect, and its exploration of themes related to race, identity, and displacement. His works have been widely praised for their humor, insightfulness, and social relevance.