The True History of Paradise: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Island of Magic
Review: Anyone who loves Jamaica or who wants to learn more about Jamaica must read "True History" which is an exquisitely told story of a woman's history and farewell to this beautiful, torn island in the sun. Reading this wonderfully written and complex story served to crystalize my own feelings of ambivalence towards the home of my heart. I too was born and spent the first 20 years of my life there, and as I read the novel in my American house, the memories, the smells, the sights and sounds of the island washed over me and took me home. I long to be there, yet the reality of life in Jamaica is often frustrating and frightening. Similar to Jean's, my own Jamaican family tree is filled with Irish, French, English, African, and Indian branches. From the 1700's my family has struggled with, and loved passsionately, the harsh yet frequently magical reality that is Jamaica. Like Jean, every time I return, I try to imprint on my mind the beauty of the island, even as I am driven away by the impracticality of living there. At least I will have "True Paradise", like a time machine, to welcome me again and again.

Rating:
Summary: A truly compelling book! Beautifully written!
Review: I was at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica when the state of emergency was declared. It was a frightening experience but until I read Jean's description of the terror that reigned I was totally oblivious to what actually went on. (unbelievable isn't it?)I do remember seeing the soldiers and armed vehicles, and being aware of the curfews that existed but living on campus sort of shielded me from the reality. In order to vote, which had to take place in my hometown, I travelled by small plane to avoid any possible violence on the streets.

Like Jean, I share many ancestors from various races - what Jamaican does not? One often forgets that each of us is a blend of many races and cultures. It was interesting to note that although Jamaica is a paradise, all our ancestors had to experience moments of absolute terror. Is that the price of living in Paradise? I left Jamaica about 16 years ago and this year I have already returned twice with the intention of returning in Christmas. I am a Jamaican at heart and the island pulls me back despite the hardships that exist there. There is a quality of life there that exists nowhere else. I was born in the hills and the warmth of the people that I grew up with is without compare. I have had the opportunity to live in Europe, Canada and now the USA - it's a cultural thing, home is where my heart lies. Ms Cezaire-Thompson captured the essence of Jamaica in her book. I read the book while I was home for vacation and thoroughly enjoyed it. The days of the state of emergency are behind us now. Many Jamaicans have returned home - people who share my sentiments of Jamaica - and are doing really very well. My hometown has grown so large with mansions and many shopping malls. The town that it was during the 1980's with people who cowered with fear - is no more. Let's say "only the strong survive" Those who refused to leave during that time have weathered the storm and will survive no matter what. Jean's story showed me that its in our destiny - Paradise has its bad moments - like Monica, we just have to ride the waves. Excellent reading for Jamaicans - a reminder of where we're coming from and why we are such strong people.

Rating:
Summary: An exaggerated History of Paradise?
Review: This book is beautifully written. The author is quite gifted and I look forward to more of her work. That being said, my feelings in relation to the story are as complex as the techniques used by the writer to create it. The central event in the book-the 1980 State of Emergency, is a real historical event. I was born in 1979 and therefore remember nothing of it. I have grown up hearing about the how hard that period was. I nevertheless found myself asking my mother, was it really that bad? Was the violence so far-reaching? This, mainly because what I had heard through the years did not meet the horror of what the author described.I liked the author's style but found the conclusion unsatisfying. I resented the narrator's decision to flee.
I was constantly reminding myself -this is a work of fiction.
As a work of fiction, it is a wonderfully written work.The fact that I was affected enough to write this review,(which is not much of a review of the book) means the author has done well.