The True History of Paradise !!!!

[mountaingal]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

Lol! I was going to suggest the opposite. Presuming you're a quick reader, Liz, I would say read Born Fi Dead first. It's a pretty engrossing book, very interesting, and gives you an appreciation for the modern political backdrop against which A True History of Paradise is set.

Paradise is a complex story, equally gripping. If you like to read slowly, then read Paradise first.

[sunshinegal]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

I read Born Fi Dead in one day!!!

I just wanted her to have The True History of Paradise finished when we start the discussion!!! So, I suggested it that way for purely selfish and self-serving purposes!!!!!

I started The True History of Paradise several times and put it down, there was always something going on in my life and I couldn't get "hooked". When I started it the last time I was determined to finish it. When I get into it, I couldn't put it down. It is very engrossing. Some of the historical facts that are discussed in Born Fi Dead are also mentioned in Paradise, which I found fascinating since I started Paradise the same day that I finished Born Fi Dead. I read both books during the same weekend...

[mountaingal]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

Originally posted by sunshinegal:
[qb]I read Born Fi Dead in one day!!!
[/qb]

I took it with me on vacation last year, and tried hard not to read it all in one go, to make it last, but I just couldn't put it down. Fascinating book. And the discussion Fledgist and I had on it after was great, too.

[SandiF]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

Ooohhh! I would be honoured!

I have so many questions for Ms Cezair-Thompson ...

Originally posted by mountaingal:
[qb]Judging from the last discussion, I think someone, anyone, can start a new topic or come into this one and just start talking about the book. Then others join in, at some point the author, at which time people, if they choose can direct questions directly to the author.

I think it would be good to start a new topic. Sandi, you can do the honours if you wish. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [/qb]

[Guest]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

Originally posted by sunshinegal:
[qb]I read Born Fi Dead in one day!!!

I just wanted her to have The True History of Paradise finished when we start the discussion!!! So, I suggested it that way for purely selfish and self-serving purposes!!!!!

I started The True History of Paradise several times and put it down, there was always something going on in my life and I couldn't get "hooked". When I started it the last time I was determined to finish it. When I get into it, I couldn't put it down. It is very engrossing. Some of the historical facts that are discussed in Born Fi Dead are also mentioned in Paradise, which I found fascinating since I started Paradise the same day that I finished Born Fi Dead. I read both books during the same weekend...[/qb]

I read these books back to back too. But not nearly as fast. I was enthralled with both books.

[ohliz]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

OK, I've read Born Fi Dead (first), then True History of Paradise. I very much enjoyed them both, though they were quite different.

Both were quite different from One People - OP is a much lighter, funny book, these other two were a lot more serious.

Looking forward to the discussion!

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Liz

(what other JA-related books have you read? I read Banana Shout a year or two ago, nice history of Negril as seen from a US ex-pat in the 70s...I have Russell Banks' Book of Jamaica but started it, put it down, can't find it at the moment...That's probably it besides those most recent 3 - any recommendations?)

[mountaingal]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

I've just read The Lunatic, by Anthony Winkler. Great book, very funny and poignant, well written. But you may have to check your library for it.

[BND1999]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

Ok guys, I am trying to catch up... been so busy helping my son with final exams I havn't had time to read... but today I took the book outside... it's glorious out...looking out into the woods and I have managed to get halfway through it... I may just make it... It's really a great book.. Good suggestion JAdreamin!!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[SandiF]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

I found Russel Bank's 'Jamaica' to be one boring book. I forced myself to finish reading it just for the sake of the $12+ I paid for it through Amazon.

The story wasn't "real" and I viewed it as just another US ex-pat who spent a few months in Jamaica and ready to expound on Jamaica, Jamaicans, how we live, laugh and go about our day to day life in a novel.

True History of Paradise ~ now that's a well written book showing Jamaica from the eyes of a native Jamaican.

I'm ready for Monday's discussion, I hope Ms Cezair-Thompson shows up cause I made sure to cancel any meetings for this.

Originally posted by ohliz:
[qb]OK, I've read Born Fi Dead (first), then True History of Paradise. I very much enjoyed them both, though they were quite different.

Both were quite different from One People - OP is a much lighter, funny book, these other two were a lot more serious.

Looking forward to the discussion!

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Liz

(what other JA-related books have you read? I read Banana Shout a year or two ago, nice history of Negril as seen from a US ex-pat in the 70s...I have Russell Banks' Book of Jamaica but started it, put it down, can't find it at the moment...That's probably it besides those most recent 3 - any recommendations?)[/qb]

[BND1999]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

Just finished.. Incredible story. Discussion opens up tomorrow?

[ohliz]

Re: The True History of Paradise !!!!

Originally posted by SandiF:
I found Russel Bank's 'Jamaica' to be one boring book. I forced myself to finish reading it just for the sake of the $12+ I paid for it through Amazon.

Good, it wasn't just me? I couldn't get through it but my mom in law grabbed it (we were in JA at hte time) and she enjoyed it.

The story wasn't "real" and I viewed it as just another US ex-pat who spent a few months in Jamaica and ready to expound on Jamaica, Jamaicans, how we live, laugh and go about our day to day life in a novel.

Interesting. I am pretty sure One People was written by an ex-pat, albeit one that lives/lived there for quite awhile. Now I want to read the Banks book and see if I see the bias I did not see in One People...